What kind of potting mix should I use for my cactus?

Answer

Cacti prefer a nutrient-rich, rocky soil with excellent drainage. Many commercial cacti and potting soil mixes rely too heavily on peat which holds moisture in the soil longer than is desirable. A proper cactus soil should drain in less than a minute after watering. Like other succulents, cacti need soil to dry out between waterings or their delicate roots will rot.

You can find many recipes for potting mixtures that will provide a good combination of organic material and quick draining media but in general, mixing three parts grit or sand (for drainage) with one part potting soil (for organic material) and one part coir, peat or shredded bark (for structure) creates a suitable soil for most cacti.

Cacti have a wide, shallow root system to maximize water collection in their natural habitat. In the constricted space of a pot, compacted roots and poor drainage will quickly lead to root rot. In the early spring, remove your plant from its pot to see if the roots are beginning to fill the space. If so, move the cactus to a pot just one size larger. Do not use too large a pot or the soil will hold more moisture than your plant can absorb and tempt root rot. You can use a folded length of newspaper to protect you and your cactus from hand to spine contact.

There are no hard and fast rules for potting mixes, so you can experiment with ratios and see what works best in your environment.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

 

  • Last Updated Mar 30, 2021
  • Views 208
  • Answered By Anita Finkle

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