What kind of soil should I use for my cactus?
Question:I have had the same one for like ten years and I replanted it several years ago. I have found that any potting soil works but it seems to grow the best after the soil looks dead and lifeless (thats about a year with very minimal water...no more then a cup a week) As we all know its pretty hard to find old potting soil that has had all the good stuff sucked out of it
Answers:
Just a bagged top soil..not vitamin enriched..mix with 1/3 common sand..add a little gravel to the bottom of the pot.Cactus can actually dye from too much water...They thrive best with very litle water..they only need watered once every couple of weeks.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER-WATER. No matter whether your cactus is inside or outside do not over-water it! Watch for such signs of over-watering as swelling and cracking of the outer surface (saguaros), yellowing and rotting (other cacti). If this occurs, immediately discontinue watering or find the indirect source of water and eliminate it.
When in doubt about watering, be conservative. More errors are made on the side of over-watering than under-watering. Remember that injury from lack of water develops gradually, and is easy to correct. On the other hand, damage from over watering occurs rapidly and is usually irreversible.
IMPORTANT: When cactus are not getting enough water, their outer skin begins to wrinkle. This is caused by the shrinkage of water-storing tissues in the plant. In the case of segmented cacti, like prickly pear and cholla, the outer pads or segments may also begin falling off. Lack of sufficient moisture in leafy succulents will result in wilting. As water levels in plants such as agave and aloe drop, so does the internal water pressure holding the leaves straight. As a result, leaves begin to bend downward.
Cacti and succulents showing signs of moisture stress can be revived by providing them with a good soaking of water. Keep in mind that the roots of these plants are shallow and widespread, extending out a distance several times their height. Therefore, watering a large area out from the plant, but only a foot or so deep is best. A soaker hose works well for this purpose.
WATERING FREQUENCY: As a general rule, established native cacti and other succulents will benefit from twice-monthly waterings when temperatures are consistently above 90 degrees. May and June are the months when such waterings are most critical.
Newly planted native species will establish quicker when watered on a
There are any number of commercially prepared cactus mixes you can use, that are available at most garden centers or nurseries. It should be sandy, have a little soil in it, and not be too rich in nutrients.
There is specialty cactus soil that you can purchase at garden centers. The soil is very rocky.
If you want to make you own, use one part potty soil, one part sand and add some gravel to the mixture. The gravel aid in drainage.
May I suggest that if you do not have sand, perlite or vermiculite will do nicely instead. For example, one cup potting soil and approx.1/3 cup perlite and /or vermiculite for drainage. I use that mixture for almost all my potted plants, including my Christmas cactus.
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