A Comprehensive Guide to Cactus Soil Mix: Everything You Need to Know

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Cacti are unique and fascinating plants that require special care, especially when it comes to their soil. While I have a variety of tropical houseplants with different soil needs, cacti need a specific soil mix to thrive. In this guide, I will share everything you need to know about cactus soil mix so that you can keep your beautiful indoor desert plants healthy and happy.

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Cactus Potting Mix Basics

Indoor Cactus Potting Soil Needs

Cacti require a gritty mix with excellent drainage and adequate aeration. Since they have mechanisms to store water, they don’t like wet soil, especially when grown indoors. To prevent root rot, it’s crucial to choose a soil mix that allows for thorough drying out between waterings. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, be extra cautious with watering to avoid excess moisture.

Can I Use Regular Potting Soil for Cactus?

Using regular potting soil is not recommended for cacti as it retains too much moisture, increasing the risk of overwatering. Even some commercial cactus and succulent mixes can be too heavy and dense for indoor cactus plants. To lighten the mix, you can add amendments such as pumice, coco chips, perlite, pebbles, gravel, lava rock, or coarse sand.

Personally, I have tried various amendments over the years, but now my favorites are pumice, clay pebbles, and coco chips. They provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage for my cacti.

Looking for guides on succulents? We got you covered: How To Plant & Water Succulents In Pots Without Drain Holes, Succulent Soil Mix.

Cactus Soil DIY Recipe

If you want to make your own cactus soil mix, I have a tried and tested recipe that I’ve been using for over four years. The recipe was shared with me by Mark Dimmitt, the creator of the mix, and it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor cactus and succulent planting.

The mix consists of coco chips, coconut coir (an eco-friendly substitute for sphagnum peat moss), pumice, vermiculite, agricultural lime, and elemite. To prepare the mix, start by adding the coco chips and end with the lime and elemite. Thoroughly incorporate all the materials with a trowel. Make sure to hydrate the coco chips and coco coir before adding them to the mix.

If you don’t use the mix for over a week, give it a stir to ensure the lighter ingredients haven’t settled at the bottom. I use a large tin bowl with handles as a portable potting station for blending the mix. It’s lightweight and convenient for both indoor and outdoor potting.

In case you missed it, here’s the DIY Cactus Soil Recipe I use for all my cacti in pots, indoors & outdoors.

Cactus Soil Options to Buy

Finding the perfect cactus soil mix may require some trial and error. I recommend exploring different brands or recipes to find the one that suits your cactus’s unique needs. When I lived in Santa Barbara, I used mix from the California Cactus Center. In Tucson, I switched to Tank’s mix and now make my own.

If you can’t find any cactus mix at your local garden center, you can easily purchase it online. Some popular online options include Dr. Earth, EB Stone, Bonsai Jack, and Tank’s. Although these mixes differ in components, the crucial factor is superior drainage. A good cactus mix offers a perfect blend of aeration and essential nutrients. Most brands offer smaller-sized bags for beginners or those with limited storage space.

Storing Cactus Mix

Tips for Growing Christmas Cactus Outdoors

Laura Pritchett·

Succulent

·November 22, 2023·

As someone with numerous cacti and succulent plants, I buy the ingredients for my DIY mix in larger quantities. By doing so, I remain stocked for about a year before needing to replenish any of them. I make multiple batches of the mix each year, ensuring I always have some ready to go when it’s time to pot new cacti or increase the pot size for existing ones.

I have stored a batch of the mix for up to six months, and it remained fresh. I recommend using a tin bin, plastic storage bin, small covered trash can, or covered pail to store your mix, depending on the quantity you need and how often you use it.

More Cactus Guides: Growing Cactus Indoors, Indoor Cactus Care, Repotting Cactus, Small Pots for Cactus, A Cactus Arrangement DIY, Our Favorite Cactus Bowls.

Cactus Soil Video Guide

Cactus Soil Mix FAQs

The right soil is crucial for the successful growth of cacti in pots. Whether you choose to make your own homemade cactus soil mix or purchase one online, you’ll be well equipped to cultivate healthy and thriving cacti in no time!

Note: This post was originally published on 6/14/2022 and was last updated on 6/1/2023.

Happy gardening,

Signed by Nell Foster