cactus soil mix recipe

Cactus Soil Mix Recipe

If you’re a cactus enthusiast, you know that these unique plants require a specific type of soil to thrive. And the best way to ensure your cacti are getting the right nutrients and drainage is by using the best cactus soil. In this article, we’ll share an easy DIY cactus soil recipe that you can make at home.

When making cactus soil, it’s important to remember that most cacti prefer well-draining soil, as they are susceptible to root rot. This cactus soil recipe is a great starting point, but you can adjust it to suit the specific needs of your cacti.

Plant Tools and Soil on Burlap

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts coarse sand
  • 2 parts perlite
  • 1 part potting soil
  • 1 part coarse grit (such as chicken grit or clay)

Directions:

  1. Begin by mixing together the coarse sand and perlite in a large container. These ingredients will provide excellent drainage for your cacti, helping to prevent water from becoming trapped in the soil.
  2. Next, add in the potting soil and coarse grit. The potting soil will provide some essential nutrients for your cacti, while the coarse grit will help to improve the overall structure of the soil and make it easier for roots to penetrate.
  3. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
  4. Fill your cactus pot with the soil mix and plant your cactus.
  5. Water your cactus well after planting but let the soil dry out before watering again. Cacti prefer to dry out completely between watering.

Note: Some cacti that originate in tropical rainforests can benefit by having soil richer in organic matter and moisture.  The typical cactus this article is aimed towards should not have too much organic material and should not be planted in soil that holds on to excessive moisture.  If you cacti looks like it belongs in the desert than it needs a well draining soil with minimal water retention.

baby cactus in new soil

Tips:

  • This cactus soil recipe can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of different types of cacti. For example, if you have a cactus that prefers a slightly damper environment, you can add a bit more potting soil to the mix.
  • Avoid using regular garden soil, as it’s often too dense and doesn’t provide enough drainage for cacti.
  • You can also add small amounts of fertilizer to the soil mix to give your cactus a boost of nutrients but to be honest most potting soils already contain fertilizer so less is more in this regard.

Making your own cactus soil is a great way to ensure your cacti are getting the right type of soil for optimal growth. With this easy recipe, you can make your own cactus soil in no time. Happy gardening!

The Perfect Cactus Soil

While making your own homemade cactus soil can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to note that there are also many benefits to simply buying pre-made cactus soil. One such option is Spike and Bloom’s Desert Blend cactus soil. Our special cactus soil blend is designed to provide the ideal growing conditions for your cacti.

One of the key benefits of using Spike and Bloom’s Desert Blend cactus soil is that it has a slightly acidic PH rating of 6.5, which is ideal for cacti. Additionally, our cactus soil blend contains mycorrhizal fungi, which is a beneficial microorganism that helps to keep your cactus plants healthy and strong. 

These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the plant, helping to improve water and nutrient uptake, and can also provide some protection against disease.

Cactus Roots

Another advantage of using Spike and Bloom’s Desert Blend cactus soil is that it’s easy and convenient. You don’t need to measure out ingredients or mix anything together. Simply open the bag and use it to repot your cactus or to fill a new pot. 

Furthermore, our cactus soil is pre-sterilized, ensuring that it’s free from pathogens and weed seeds.

cactus bag still life vertical

In conclusion, while making your own homemade cactus soil can be a fun and rewarding experience, there are also many benefits to simply buying pre-made cactus soil like Spike and Bloom’s Desert Blend. Our special cactus soil blend is designed to provide the ideal growing conditions for your cacti, and contains mycorrhizal fungi to keep your cactus plants extremely healthy. So, it’s a great option for those who are looking for a convenient and effective way to care for their cacti.