There is special soil for cacti on the market. But in many cases this proves to be unsuitable, because each succulent species has its own needs. In order to do justice to these, it makes sense to prepare a balanced mixture yourself.
Cactus soil is easy to mix yourself
Expectations
With their thickened and water-storing plant parts, the exotic plants have adapted to life in regions that are at least temporarily characterized by severe dry periods. Cacti store nutrients and water in the tissues of leaves or stems. The roots, which grow shallow in the ground, use what is available to them in the mostly barren soil.
substrate condition
Originally native to hot and dry regions of the world, cacti thrive on a mineral substrate. These specimens include some species from the Ariocarpus and Selenicereus families, some of which grow epiphytically. They are among the hunger artists and do not need hummus. On the other hand, succulents from tropical rainforests, lowlands and temperate latitudes have a higher need for nutrients and water. Echinops, Pilosocereus and Chamaecereus value a low mineral content and more nutrients.
Here's what you need to pay attention to:
- loose and stable structure ensures air circulation and water permeability
- water-storing additives prevent complete drying out
- Match mineral and nutrient-rich components to the species
make mix
Mix up a universal soil that you can adapt to the needs of specialists as needed. Potting soil and potting soil are the basic components alongside mature compost that has been stored for three to four years. You also need quartz sand, (15.85€) coconut fibers and coarse loam or clay. Pumice, perlite and vermiculite, expanded clay (€19.73) or lava gravel are suitable alternatives or supplements for increasing the water storage capacity.
tips
Find out about the natural habitat of your cacti. The drier it is, the greater the proportion of mineral components in the substrate.
mineral substrate
Mix three parts ground or crumbled loam or clay with two parts each of perlite, expanded clay and lava gravel. Enrich the mixture with one part vermiculite.
humus substrate
The basis is two parts of potting soil, which you loosen up with one part of quartz sand. Then add half a part each of perlite and pumice.