Cactus Soil vs Potting Soil – What’s the Difference and When to Use Each

If you grow cacti or other succulents, you may wonder what type of soil is best – a regular all-purpose potting mix or a specialized cactus and succulent soil blend? While both can work there are advantages to using a soil tailored for these desert-loving plants. In this article we’ll explore the key differences between cactus soil and regular potting soil and when to use each.

Overview of Cactus Soil

Cactus soil, also called cactus mix, is a soil blend specifically formulated for growing cacti and succulents. It has a loose, sandy texture that mimics the quick-draining soils of their native desert habitats. The ingredients in cactus soil include:

• Coarse sand or perlite – Provides drainage and aerates the soil.

• Peat or coco coir – Help retain a small amount of moisture

• Crushed lava rock or pumice – Aerates soil and adds trace minerals.

• Compost or worm castings (optional) – Add nutrients for growth.

The goal of cactus soil is to strike the right balance between water retention and quick drainage. Cacti roots need some moisture but hate soggy soil. A quality cactus mix allows excess water to rapidly drain out the bottom while retaining just enough for the roots. This is the ideal environment for healthy cactus growth.

Typical Ingredients in Potting Soil

Standard potting mixes contain very different ingredients than cactus blends

• Peat or coco coir – Holds moisture for the roots.

• Compost – Supplies nutrients for growth.

• Perlite or vermiculite – Improves drainage.

• Bark or composted manure – Adds organic matter.

These ingredients come together to create a moisture-retentive, fertile growing medium for general potted plants. Potting soil is formulated to provide a balance of moisture, nutrients, and oxygen to plant roots. However, these traits don’t align with the needs of drought-tolerant cacti and succulents.

Key Differences Between the Soils

There are several key ways cactus soil differs from regular potting mixes:

• Drainage – Cactus soil drains faster thanks to lots of sand, perlite, or pumice. Potting soil retains more moisture from the peat and compost.

• Soil weight – The inorganic components of cactus soil make it lighter weight and airier than dense, moisture-holding potting mixes.

• Nutrients – Potting soil is nutrient-rich to feed plants. But cacti and succulents prefer less-fertile soils.

• pH level – Cactus soil is neutral to slightly alkaline. Potting soil tends to be more acidic.

• Organic content – Potting mixes have higher organic matter levels. Cactus soil has very little, if any.

When to Use Potting Soil vs Cactus Soil

Now that we’ve compared the ingredients and traits of each type of soil, when is the right time to use each? Here are some guidelines:

• Use cactus soil for cacti, succulents, and other desert-adapted plants like agave and aloe vera.

• Use potting soil for outdoor container plants and indoor houseplants with high water needs.

• Consider mixing the two soils if growing drought tolerant plants like rosemary, lavender, or sage.

• Use potting soil alone for vegetables, annuals, tropicals, and moisture-loving plants.

• Amend potting soil with added perlite or gravel if growing Mediterranean herbs or rock garden plants.

• Start cacti and succulent cuttings in cactus mix, then transplant to pots with potting soil.

Making Your Own Cactus Soil

You can purchase ready-made cactus and succulent soil blends, but it’s also easy to mix your own at home. Here is a simple recipe to follow:

• 1 part potting soil – Provides a small amount of organic matter

• 1 part coarse sand or perlite – Improves drainage

• 1 part pumice or lava rock – Aerates the soil mix

Then combine the ingredients together thoroughly and add to your cactus pots. You can tweak the proportions as needed – use more sand and less potting soil for faster drainage, or add gravel, charcoal, or dolomite lime as desired.

It’s also a great idea to amend regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice to achieve a quick-draining succulent mix if needed. Test different combinations until you find the perfect balance.

Optimal Grow Conditions for Cacti and Succulents

In addition to using the right cactus soil, there are some other tips to provide the best growing conditions for your desert plants:

• Allow soil to fully dry between waterings to prevent rot.

• Provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight if possible.

• Use terra cotta pots for better moisture control.

• Water less frequently in winter when plants are dormant.

• Limit fertilizer, as cacti don’t need much extra nutrients.

• Give indoor plants fresh air circulation to prevent mold.

• Repot annually in fresh cactus soil to avoid salt buildup.

Follow these simple guidelines and your cacti and succulents will thrive in their preferred dry, sunny environment!

Questions People Commonly Ask About Cactus Soil

Many people new to growing cacti and succulents have questions about choosing the right type of soil. Here are some of the most common inquiries:

Can I use regular potting soil instead of cactus soil to save money?

It’s best to use actual cactus/succulent soil because the drainage and weight are perfectly suited to mimic their natural desert environment. Potting soil stays too wet.

How often should I water cacti planted in cactus soil?

Wait for the soil to fully dry out, then water deeply. The drainage of cactus soil prevents moisture from lingering at the roots.

Why does my cactus soil seem to dry out so fast?

The inorganic materials like sand, perlite, gravel and pumice in cactus mixes drain rapidly so the soil doesn’t stay soggy after watering. This is ideal for desert-loving plants.

Do I need to fertilize my cactus or succulents growing in cactus soil?

Cacti and succulents are adapted to nutrient-poor desert soils and can easily burn from too much fertilizer, so go very lightly. Slow-release, low-nitrogen blends are best if you do fertilize.

Get the Right Soil for Happy, Healthy Cacti

Now that you understand the differences between standard potting soil and specialized cactus and succulent soil mixes, you can easily choose the right type for your planting needs. Use moisture-retaining potting mixes for plants that require more water and fertilizer. But when growing cacti, succulents, and other desert species, reach for a fast-draining cactus soil to prevent wet roots and rot. With the proper soil and growing conditions, your cacti will thrive for many years to come.