In order to take care of your cacti in the best possible way, the quality of the soil cannot be overestimated. There are almost as many recipes for the perfect composition as there are cactus gardeners. Important components must not be missing. You can find out what these are here.
Cactus soil can be mixed at home
Good cactus soil has to do that
The better the substrate simulates the conditions in the natural distribution area, the more vital and healthier your cacti will thrive. In the barren soil of their homeland, mineral components dominate, whereas humus is only contained in small quantities. The ideal cactus soil should offer the succulents these qualities:
- Stable support for the root system
- Airy, loose for unhindered rooting
- Reliable water storage for a long time, so that the water can be stored
In particular, the substrate must not tend to compaction, because every cactus perishes from waterlogging.
Tried and tested standard mixtures for beginners
Cactus experts have developed their individual substrate mix over time. They use mature compost or peat as humic components, which are added to mineral components such as lava granules, (13.99€) pumice gravel, lime-free sand or vermiculite. The following recipes have proven to be ideal for getting started:
- 60 percent succulent soil, 20 percent expanded clay, (19.73€) 20 percent vermiculite
- 30 percent acidic needle or leaf compost, 30 percent peat, 20 percent pumice, 20 percent lava granules
- 30 percent humus, 30 percent garden soil, 30 percent coconut fibers and 20 grams of lime-free quartz sand (€15.85) per liter of substrate
The latter recipe is recommended for majestic cacti to give them more stability with the help of the soil.
tips
When you propagate cacti, the already poor succulent soil is still too nutrient-rich for adult plants. Therefore, always place cuttings and seedlings in cactus soil that you have previously thinned by half with lime-free quartz sand.