Many succulents come from dry regions with sandy, nutrient-poor soil and are perfectly adapted to the prevailing living conditions there. Therefore you should not place the plants in pre-fertilized universal soil - this often does not suit them. Instead, a loose, sandy special soil is suitable for cacti and succulents, which creates optimal growth conditions for both groups of plants. Read what is important when buying succulent soil and which products are recommended.

Succulent soil is specially designed to meet the needs of succulents

Our recommendations

our recommendation
COMPO CACTEA cactus and succulent soil with 8-week fertilizer for all types of cactus and thick-leaved plants, growing medium, 10 litres
8.49 EUR To the product
quantity / packaging 10 liters
substrate organic-mineral
ingredients Peat, quartz sand, (15.85€) root activator Agrosil, lime, NPK fertilizer
PH value 6,1
long-term fertilization yes, 8 weeks
Price/litre approx. EUR {PRICE/10}

The cactus and succulent soil from Compo Cactea, which consists of organic and mineral substances, is perfectly sufficient for most types of cacti and succulents. The main component is peat, but the product also contains quartz sand, perlite (€37.51) and the root activator Agrosil, an eight-week starting fertilization. This should also stimulate root growth and thus make it easier for the plants to grow. In their reviews, most Amazon customers are very satisfied, but occasionally there are reports of fungus gnats. You can prevent these pests by sterilizing the substrate with heat before use - which should be done with any plant substrate anyway.

our recommendation
Undergreen by Compo Cactus Love, soil for cacti and Co., organic, growing medium, 2.5 liters
3.49 EUR To the product
quantity / packaging 2.5 liters
substrate organic-mineral
ingredients peat, compost, sand, lime, horn meal (as organic fertilizer)
PH value 5.0 to 7.0
long-term fertilization yes, 6 weeks
Price/litre approx. EUR {PRICE/2.5}

The Undergreen brand is a line from the well-known manufacturer Compo, which sells certain special substrates under this name. This also includes the cactus and succulent substrate, which is offered here in organic quality - in accordance with the guidelines for organic farming. In addition to peat, lime and sand, the product also contains compost and, instead of a mineral NPK fertilizer, horn meal for the natural supply of nutrients. This lasts up to six weeks after planting, after which additional fertilization should take place. You should also sterilize this product in the oven (half an hour at 180 degrees Celsius) or in the microwave before use.

our recommendation
Seramis clay granules as a substitute for potting soil for cacti and succulents, special substrate, 7 litres
6.99 EUR To the product
quantity / packaging 7 liters
substrate mineral
ingredients Lava rock, broken expanded clay
PH value 6,9
long-term fertilization none
Price/litre approx. EUR {PRICE/7}

This purely mineral special substrate from the manufacturer Seramis is suitable for all cacti and succulent plants and can be used instead of conventional potting soil. Seramis consists of fine-grained lava rock and expanded clay (€19.73) with a grain size between two and four millimeters. The granules absorb water like a sponge and release the moisture to the roots as needed - so the plants always get exactly the amount of water they need. Waterlogging, on the other hand, can no longer occur. Mold and an infestation with pests - such as fungus gnats - are also a thing of the past with the clay granules. However, Seramis granules do not contain any nutrients and can only be fertilized with a special fertilizer (vital food).

Purchase Criteria

crowd

An important purchase criterion is the quantity or package size, which varies between 2.5 and 25 liters for most manufacturers. The larger the package, the cheaper the price is usually. How much substrate you need depends on the amount of succulents to be potted and the size of the planters. In principle, potting soil - which also includes succulent soil - can be stored for a longer period of time. However, the soil loses its nutrient content over time and can even become moldy if stored incorrectly (e.g. if the humidity is too high).

ingredients

Classic succulent soil usually contains peat and a larger proportion of sand. Some products also contain initial fertilization, which usually lasts six to eight weeks. Peat is considered to be problematic for ecological reasons, since peatlands that are valuable for extraction are irretrievably destroyed. Therefore, you should use peat-free soil whenever possible. In addition to organic-mineral soils, there are also purely mineral succulent substrates made of lava or mineral rocks or broken expanded clay.

nature

Succulents are very sensitive to waterlogging and therefore need a loose and very well-drained substrate. The succulent soil should not have a large water storage capacity, which is why very humic or loamy products are not suitable. Instead you need a substrate with good drainage properties, which is ensured by components such as quartz sand and perlite. Good succulent soil feels loose, practically trickles through your fingers and is also very light. Make sure the soil doesn't smell musty.

nutrient composition

Cacti and other succulents are used to barren locations and therefore do not have high nutrient requirements. Nevertheless, they need a balanced mix of nutrients for healthy growth, which is often added as a starter fertilizer in succulent substrates with organic components. This should improve the root growth of the plants after potting or repotting. The three main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be present in roughly equal proportions.

PH value

A pH value is specified on all plant substrates, which is essential for the supply of nutrients and thus for the growth and health of the succulents. The pH value indicates whether the substrate is acidic, neutral or basic, although plants can only grow in soil with pH values between four and eight. Most species prefer slightly acidic to neutral potting soil, including succulents and cacti. They do best in soil with a pH between 5 and 7.

frequently asked Questions

Why do succulents need a specific substrate?

Succulents, also known as succulents, are a variety of plant families native to the arid regions of the world. The numerous varieties are able to store moisture in their leaves, stems or roots. They therefore need a permeable and rather nutrient-poor substrate that does not store water. In this way you imitate the conditions at home at home and ensure that the plants remain healthy.

Is cactus and succulent soil the same?

Cacti are actually a subtype of succulents. These species - which are often native to deserts but also grow epiphytically on trees or rocks - also store water in their bodies or leaves. Therefore, cacti have the same requirements in terms of location, substrate and care as other succulents.

What types of cactus and succulent soil are there?

Cacti and other succulents thrive in very different habitats. Depending on where the species are native, they prefer certain substrate mixtures. Desert plants, for example, thrive in higher mineral content succulent soils made up of crushed rocks and minerals. However, most industrially produced succulent soils consist of both organic and mineral components.

Is succulent soil suitable for all cacti and succulent plants?

No, not every succulent soil is suitable for all types of succulents. Classic cactus soil with a high organic content, for example, is well suited for popular species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus and other Echinopsis species (e.g. sea urchin cactus, farmer cactus), for Pilosocereus cacti (e.g. Pilosocereus pachycladus) or the famous "Queen of the Night" (Selenicereus grandiflorus). Schlumbergera (or Christmas cactus) also feels at home in this substrate. However, many other species prefer mineral substrates.

Can cactus and succulent soil also be used for other plants?

Conventional succulent soil is not suitable for other green and flowering plant species cultivated as houseplants, unless the species in question have similar requirements to the thick-leaf plants. This applies, for example, to aloe vera, agave, bow hemp (Sansevieria), houseleek (Sempervivum), ice plant (Delosperma), living stones, elephant's foot (Beaucarnea recurvata) and also to amaryllis (which are actually knight stars, bot. Hippeastrum , acts).

Which manufacturers offer high-quality succulent soil?

You can get high-quality cactus and succulent soil from well-known manufacturers such as Compo, Seramis, Euflor, Substral or Floragard. Green24 also offers recommended substrates in which cacti and succulents thrive.

equipment

Cactus and succulent fertilizer

our recommendation
COMPO cactus and succulent fertilizer for all cacti, bonsai and thick-leaved plants (succulents), special liquid fertilizer with extra potassium, 250 ml
5.49 EUR To the product

The needs of cacti and other succulents are special in terms of nutrient supply, which is why it makes sense to use a special cactus fertilizer. This is suitable for all thick-leaved and other water-storing species as well as for bonsai. Extra potassium ensures that the plants can store moisture better and are also more resistant to diseases and pests.

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