Cactus is one of the succulent types. There are other types of succulents that are not cactus. That means every cactus is succulent, but not every succulent is cacti. Such fact lead us to the question: can cactus soil be used for other succulents?
In This Article, we will discuss what actually succulents need from the growing medium. And what is cactus soil ingredients. Such discussion will lay a clear picture of the usefulness of the cactus potting mix for other succulents.
But before diving into the details, will put it as simple as that: Can cactus soil be used for succulents? cactus soil can be used for other succulents. Because generally what works for cactus in terms of soil work almost for every other succulent. Cactus and other succulents need a well-draining and airy growing medium and this is what cactus mix provides. let’s walk through the soil’s properties that your succulents need. And how the premixed cactus potting soil can satisfy those needs.
What Succulents need from the soil
Most succulents are native to the deserts. Through time they developed to survive in the tough desert’s conditions. Where there is a serious lack of water due to a lack of sufficient rainfalls.
And the high evaporation rate that caused be the hot and sunny weather. So what this has to do with succulents need from the growing medium!
Actually understanding the plant’s survival mechanisms in their natural habitat and giving them similar conditions is the secret of any successful gardener. This is what ” Green Thumb” is all about.
However, succulents developed a lifestyle that tolerated to common thirst. We should respect the succulent’s evolvement journey and all the struggles they went through to be what they are now. If we want them to survive in our homes or gardens.
Waterlogged soil is not what succulents familiar with in the deserts. This is why they will not survive in such soil types. Succulents need soil that drains relatively fast and airy.
Such soil will not be able to hold many nutrients as much as more tightened soil. But succulents do not need as many nutrients as most other houseplants do.
In the desert, there is a lack of both water and nutrients. And there where succulents thrive best and reach their genetic potential.
Now you know what is the appropriate soil for succulents. Let’s move to explore the cactus potting mix structure and the ingredients that forming the structure and qualities.
Cactus Soil structure and ingredients
There are different types of soil such as garden soil, orchid potting mix, all purposes potting mix, cactus potting soil, and others. Each type of mixes developed to serve a certain range of plants according to their natural needs.
Producers used special ingredients with different properties to end up with a mix that deals with water, air, plant’s roots, and nutrients in a specific way.
Cactus soil has the quality of relatively high drainage properties when compared to the all-purpose or regular potting mix. But low drainage properties when compared with the orchid mix.
And in order to reach such qualities, they used ingredients like peat moss or coco coir, coarse sand, perlite or pumice in certain ratios.
Why cactus soil is good for succulents
You have two options either to make your own succulents mix. Or to use premixed cactus soil. If you want a fast and convenient solution cactus mix is designed for that.
Good quality cactus mix has drainage, air pockets, and nutrients retention qualities to the extent that fairly satisfy your succulent needs.
In conclusion
Cactus is the most famous succulent plant. This is why most succulent potting mix producers market their mixes as a cactus mix. And also cactus is more sensitive to the water drainage capabilities of its soil.
because it developed naturally to handle more drought than other succulents. It is the most extremist succulent when it came to the specialty of the soil. Therefore cactus soil can be used perfectly for other succulents.
