The short answer is that succulents prefer slightly acidic soil. In particular, the majority of them thrive in soil with a pH of around 6.
Depending largely on their original environment, each succulent family has a different ideal level of acidity.
Remember that despite the fact that we now produce succulents for commercial purposes, they still share the same DNA as succulents found in the wild, and those plants are acclimated to specific habitats.
There are many factors that you need to consider when growing succulents.
The most important one is the soil mixture, which should be 45% potting soil, 30% coarse sand, and 25% perlite or pumice.
Succulent plants are very sensitive to their environment, especially sunlight and humidity levels.
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The Most Crucial Element Is the ph Level of The Soil In Succulent Plants.
The acidity level in your succulent soil is the most important factor to consider when you’re growing succulents.
The ideal pH range for most succulents is between 5.5 and 7.5 (7 being neutral), but some are more sensitive than others and can be damaged at lower or higher pH levels.
If you don’t know the pH of your soil, there are two easy ways to test it: buy a kit that measures soil pH or use a strip test like this one from Amazon or Home Depot.
You Can’t Successfully Grow Succulents in Your Own Soil Mix
The ideal soil pH for succulents is between 5.5 and 6.5. When the pH is too high, plants will not grow well or will die due to an imbalance of nutrients.
If the soil’s pH becomes too acidic, it can become toxic to your plants and they may start to show signs of toxicity such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Succulents need regular watering—about once a week if you live in a warm climate and twice a week during hot months—and fertilization at least once every two months with additional applications during warmer seasons (spring through fall).
Key Ingredients For A Succulent’s Soil
There are a few key ingredients you’ll need to make succulent soil. To start, pick up a bag of potting soil at your local garden store (or order it online!).
If you can’t find one that’s labeled “succulent potting mix,” just make sure it doesn’t have any ingredients that would be harmful to your plants.
Next, grab some coarse sand and perlite or pumice.
You’ll want about three parts coarser sand or perlite for every one part of potting soil, but this ratio will vary depending on the type of succulent you’re growing and its needs—you may want more or less grit as necessary!
Mix in your chosen grit with the potting soil by hand until it’s well-incorporated into the whole mixture before planting each new piece of greenery into its own container full of homemade soil mixture (an old glass jar works great).
Potting soil
The potting soil serves as the foundation and is one of the essentials. Any soil that is versatile would do. Just make sure it’s fresh and clean.
It is available for purchase online or at the neighborhood garden store. Make sure the potting soil you purchase is light and porous. Keep in mind that succulents require quick-draining soil.
The ideal soil for your plants can be achieved with the help of a permeable soil base.
Never use any type of garden soil or compacted dirt.
This type of soil will absorb and retain an excessive amount of water and moisture, which will lead to root rot in your plants.
Good potting soil will have:
- Organic matter, such as peat moss or compost. This is the part of your potting soil that will break down over time and provide nutrients for your plant.
- Sand, which helps with drainage.
- Perlite (or another lightweight volcanic rock) to increase drainage further and prevent pockets of water from pooling around the roots of your succulent.
The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, with about 30% being organic matter and 70% sand or perlite; this will help ensure good drainage while still providing habitat for helpful bacteria in your soil mix.
Coarse Sand
Coarse sand is an excellent choice for succulents. It’s used to aerate the soil, prevent compaction and improve drainage.
Sand should be coarse and free of contaminants, such as stones or large particles that could damage roots.
The sand should also be washed before using it in a succulent garden, as any debris that might have been picked up by wind or rain during transport will inhibit plant growth if left in place.
Perlite or pumice
Perlite or pumice is a very light, porous volcanic glass that’s used to improve drainage and aeration in potting media.
Perlite is also used to improve the texture of the soil, as it increases its water-holding capacity without adding weight.
It’s a common ingredient in commercial potting mixes and growing mediums for orchids.
For the ideal soil mixture for succulents, you only need to combine the components in the following quantity:
- Potting soil in three portions
- Coarse sand in two portions
- Perlite in one portion
Make sure you have a reliable measurement tool, such as a cup. Simply combine three cups of potting soil, one cup of perlite, and two cups of coarse sand if you’re using a cup.
You now have your very own succulent mix with the right amount of acidity for succulents after thoroughly mixing the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Conclusion
Succulents require particular soil. One of the needs is soil with quick drainage. However, the soil’s acidity level is also important.
In soil that is only slightly acidic, succulents thrive. Consider pH6 and related levels. But keep in mind that finding the correct soil is not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Before planting your succulents, you should conduct more research because different succulent varieties demand various soil types.
Improving your soil is the most effective way to grow succulents. They need well-drained soil with a pH level of 4.5 or lower.
If you want to buy something premixed, there are many options available at local nurseries or online stores such as Amazon Prime Now.
