I strongly advocate the use of a gritty mix for growing succulents, but there have been occasions when I found it necessary to employ a more organic material to ensure the soil remains moist for a greater length of time.
An excellent illustration of this concept is the propagation of leaves.
I am planting my fully matured succulents in a gritty mix, and I want the soil for my young leaves to remain moist.
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The majority of traditional potting soils and even the type of succulent mixes you buy at large stores are usually made of peat which has a hydrophobic quality, meaning it repels water when it is completely dry.
It is difficult to guarantee that the water is permeating the soil to reach the roots.
I strongly suggest taking advantage of coconut coir as an organic potting soil for growing succulents.
Coconut coir is an ideal soil choice for succulents that need more moisture, since it can retain more water than traditional peat, even when completely dry.
I only use coconut coir for my propagation of leaves.
I employ a slightly different approach when it comes to potted succulents. In some cases, I’ll incorporate coconut coir into the soil mixture to aid succulents that are struggling to obtain enough moisture.
I have found that mixing Jack’s Gritty Mix with coir works great for my larger succulents in Phoenix, where the summer heat can be intense. I fill the pot almost completely with the Gritty Mix and add a layer of coir on top, which has been really helpful in keeping them cool.
I demonstrated this concept in my String of Dolphins garden.
This method is very effective in helping new cuttings to take root and for succulents like String of Pearls, String of Bananas, String of Dolphins, and Ruby Necklace to develop a strong root system near the top of the soil prior to their trailing nature taking over.
If you’re wanting to keep succulent soil moist for a longer period or you plan to propagate succulents, consider using coconut coir as an option.
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FAQ
Is coconut coir good for cactus?
The open, airy nature of coir compost provides optimal drainage, which helps to prevent water logging. Sand and grit can also be added to ensure ideal water regulation for cacti and succulents.
Is coconut coir better than peat moss for succulents?
Coconut coir is an excellent soil choice for succulents that have a high water requirement, and the best part is that it rehydrates quickly, even when it has been dried out, which is far better than peat.
How do you make succulent soil with coconut coir?
Here is a different DIY succulent soil recipe you can try: mix together 3 parts pre-packaged succulent soil, 2 parts pumice, and 1 part coco coir. This combination will create a gritty mix that is able to drain quickly while also providing essential support for the succulents to thrive.
What is the best soil for succulents?
Succulents have roots that don’t reach deep in the soil, so it’s important that the soil is light and aerated. An ideal soil for these plants is one that is nutrient-rich and contains a mixture of rocks so that water can drain quickly. When planting in a container, use a soil specifically formulated for succulents and cacti and make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
What is the best substrate for succulents?
Alternative Phrase: gritty planting mix