What kind of soil is best for growing succulents? Airy and permeable, they keep growing all autumn long

What kind of soil is best for growing succulents? The soil for succulents needs to be airy and permeable: garden soil and cinder that has been burned and soaked in water, peat soil, vermiculite, perlite, plus a little akadama and zeolite. Mixing these together works well. In fact, the soil that the vast majority of plants like is: loose, permeable, airy and nutritious soil, and succulents are no exception, only they place more emphasis on being loose and permeable, because too much water easily causes root rot.

Ceramsite: its characteristic is that it is airy, with a fine-pore structure inside; placing it at the bottom of the pot can replace drainage stones (succulent pots are rather small, and ordinary drainage stones are usually too big to fit), and its large gaps make it very suitable for drainage. When placed in the middle and mixed with other soil, it is mainly used to retain water. Placed on the pot surface, it can serve as decoration and prevent splashing. The particle size can be chosen as you like; generally, the bigger the better for the bottom. Its hardness is very high, so it can be reused after repotting.

Coco coir: its characteristics are that it is all natural, retains water and allows air through, making it very suitable for the needs of succulents. I rather like its coir fibres: high in fibre, draining very fast, and good for rooting. If used alone over the long term, it tends to clump, so it is recommended to mix it with other soil. It is fully biodegradable. In addition, its value for money is quite good.

Airy and water-retaining, this point is very important. The common trait of most succulents is that they have stems with a strong water-storing capacity, and most of their roots are not very developed, so they must be given space to breathe. The growing medium for most succulents should follow the state of forming a ball when squeezed in the hand and falling apart as soon as the hand is opened.

The growing medium must have water retention and adsorption, and the water must be allowed to flow away in three seconds; this is one standard for judging whether a soil mix is successful or not. If the water finishes flowing in less than three seconds, it means the medium is mixed rather coarse (except for Haworthia plants), and the roots cannot attach well to the medium; you can appropriately add some peat or grass peat to strengthen the water-storing capacity. If the water takes more than three seconds to finish flowing, that means the medium is too fine or has too many flocculent bits; it should be sieved again, and then a little granular medium should be added to improve the structure of the medium.

What kind of soil is better for leaf cuttings of succulents? Generally, as long as there is enough moisture, they all root easily from cuttings. I myself usually buy peat mixed with sand and perlite, or else just use sphagnum moss; lay the leaves flat on the medium, keep the moisture up, and basically they will all sprout.

This is a gathering place for succulent lovers, sharing succulent care tips; you are welcome to follow and exchange ideas.