How to mix soil for succulents
Today, I will introduce the knowledge of succulents, specifically how to mix soil for them. Here is the detailed introduction:
Many succulent enthusiasts are looking for methods on how to mix soil for their plants. Every succulent grower will gradually develop a soil mixture that suits their needs, but in the beginning, it's necessary to refer to the experience of other growers. The following is the experience of a passionate grower in preparing soil for succulents.
I. Soil Mixing Principles (in order of priority):
1. Suitable for Sedum growth: breathable and water-retaining; 2. Suitable for home planting: fast-draining, aesthetically pleasing, clean, and convenient; 3. Reduce planting costs: cost-effective; 4. The most important principle is personal preference (many people have an inexplicable fondness for certain types of soil).
II. Cultivation Soil Evaluation
1. Peat: A 300L bag of branded peat soil costs about 0.7-0.8 yuan per liter, which is not expensive. However, since the amount used for home planting of succulents is usually small, it takes up too much space if not used up. Buying branded peat in smaller quantities costs about 2 yuan per liter, significantly increasing the planting cost. It's best not to use generic peat, as I've heard the pH value is not stable.
The main reason I don't like using peat is that watering is troublesome. When peat is completely dry, it's hard to water thoroughly; the water floats on the surface and takes a long time to penetrate into the planting soil, a problem many friends have encountered.
2. Coconut Husk: Soaking a large block of coconut husk brick in water can expand it to about 60-70 liters of soil, costing about 0.4 yuan per liter. A small block can expand to about 7-8 liters, costing about 0.7-0.8 yuan per liter. relatively cheaper than peat. Moreover, you can soak as much as you need.
Coconut husk is a natural organic medium that falls off during the processing of coconut shell fibers. It has a stable pH value, around 5.5-6.5. I recommend coconut husk mainly because it absorbs water quickly when dry and can be watered thoroughly without any issues. It also has excellent breathability.
The biggest disadvantage of coconut husk is that it's too fragmented. Over time, it easily accumulates at the bottom of the pot; without surface soil, even a slightly larger stream of water can create a hole. Also, coconut husk's water retention is slightly lower than peat.
3. Summary:
1. A certain proportion of granular soil mixed with peat or coconut husk can ensure the overall breathability of the planting soil. 2. The pH value of most packaged granular soil, branded peat, and coconut husk is relatively stable. 3. Packaged granular soil has evenly sized particles, is easy to use, and doesn't require sifting. 4. I feel that the type of granular soil used doesn't make much difference to the overall breathability of the planting soil, as long as the proportions are suitable. 5. The above are the soils I have used; I can't evaluate those I haven't tried.
III. Succulent Soil Mixing Plan:
A. Personal Soil Mixing Plan 1 (Normal Mix):
1. Granular Soil: 50%, to ensure breathability. (Use your favorite granular soil with two or more types, particle size suggested 1-3mm, considering cost factors)
2. Vermiculite: 10%, to improve the water retention of the planting soil. (Since the water retention of coconut husk is lower than peat, it is recommended to add large-particle vermiculite)
3. Coconut Husk: 30%, to ensure the soil drains quickly and is easy to water thoroughly.
4. Rice Husk Charcoal: 5%, can prevent soil compaction but is slightly alkaline (optional)
5. Fermented Base Fertilizer: 5%, to provide basic fertility for the planting soil (slow-release fertilizer can also be added)
B. Personal Soil Mixing Plan 2 (Low-Cost Mix):
1. Perlite: 30%, to ensure breathability.
2. Vermiculite: 10%, to improve the water retention of the planting soil. (Since coconut husk has lower water retention than peat and perlite doesn't absorb water at all, it is recommended to add large-particle vermiculite)
3. Coconut Husk: 40%, to ensure the soil drains quickly and is easy to water thoroughly.
4. Coal Slag: 15%, to ensure the soil drains quickly and is easy to water thoroughly, while also maintaining soil breathability. (If there is no coal slag, increase the proportion of coconut husk to 50% and perlite to 35%)
5. Fermented Base Fertilizer: 5%, to provide basic fertility for the planting soil (slow-release fertilizer can also be added)
PS1: If you don't have many succulents, it's not recommended to use perlite, as it's too light and can float to the surface of the planting soil when watering, affecting the overall aesthetics.
PS2: Coal slag is a good type of granular material and almost cost-free, but it's麻烦 to process, requiring crushing and sifting, which can make a mess at home. Whether to use it depends on your actual situation.
PS3: Try to choose warm-toned planting materials to ensure the uniformity of the soil color; even without surface soil, it won't look unattractive.
In Conclusion: The content written above is some experience I've gained from slowly adjusting my own soil mixture, for your reference.
The introduction above provides a complete guide on how to mix soil for succulents, for everyone to learn and understand!