But … So hopefully it won't cause that much of a mess with my plants! The disadvantage of a soil-based mixture is that because of the nature of the main ingredient, loam or soil, the quality of the mixture may be variable. I remove all rocks and often lumps of solid clay (it’s so bad where we live I could throw pots). This short guide deals with houseplants which need to be indoors all year. African violets require exceptionally well-draining soil to survive. 1/2 succulent & cactus … Soil-based mixtures are messy and generally not as easy or pleasant to handle as peat-based ones. If you own lots of houseplants, making your own soil is much cheaper and easier due to the flexibility for each plant's requirements. I checked the bag and it says ingredients include: Also says satisfaction guaranteed or money back so I wonder if they actually will..... Oh well. ;). It is backbreaking work, but the results are phenomenal. Soil for cacti can be prepared at home. You can use vermiculite when arranging flowers. Cactus potting soil can enhance drainage, increase evaporation and provide the dry conditions that cacti favor. You can also use compost, worm castings, pine straw, rotted seaweed, leaf mold - basically anything organic. Conclusion: Cactus soil is easy to make at home or you can also use premixed potting soil made for cactus only. Read more articles about General Cactus Care. Where I am is about the north edge of where a very few palms start to be hardy outside (and can't imagine using bags of anything for growing in the ground, even if I won the lottery, but could it be possible that those big bags were designed for potted palms? Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix: You already know that you can use cactus soil mix for peace lily also. 1/2 potting soil to 1/2 coco coir. Generally, you need to make sure that the cacti soil mix is in the pH range of 5-6. Or simply add small stones to the base of the pot (in the deepest layer of the soil). Positive: 0 %. I also mixed in a few handfuls of compost as I was planting as well as a 1/4″topping of worm compost. The list below are the ingredients to create a potting mix for all indoor plants, including tropical plants, succulents, epiphytes, Bonsai and terrariums. The video describes several methods to apply the DE to the top layer of soil. If you have orchid bark. My aeschynanthus always splits apart and the stems break then my spider I always mange to break leaves... And the COT has thorns. You will need a pick axe and a shovel. Cacti fertilizer requirements are pretty simple. Archived. Cacti will harvest the moisture they need immediately to store in their bodies, and excess water needs to be evaporated or drained to prevent fungal disease and rot. Yes, you can use cactus soil or any cactus mix for other plants. ! ZZ plants are tough and able to survive in a variety of different soils. Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil. It’s good for plants that like excellent drainage. It's my fault though , should have done my research or asked here beforehand. Add Hollytone for azaleas, boxwood and the like. Another mix I’ve used for houseplants is 1/2 potting soil & 1/2 succulent & cactus mix. My question: can I use this cactus potting soil for herbs and vegetables? Cactus and succulent plants naturally grow in non-organic materials that hold few nutrients. It was the only bark I could find in my area and I wanted to add more drainage to the mixes I already have. 3 gallons sphagnum peat moss or coir fiber 1 gallon perlite ... Potting soil recipe for houseplants. If you begin to notice yellow foliage and reduced growth among your plants, the soil in your garden may have iron problems. Unfortunately, the ambient air tends to stay moist during most seasons, a condition which makes cacti unhappy. I have no idea. You're in for it now, Blubs. What you may use in the garden for hardy landscape succulents will likely vary a lot from what you use in containers. I also mixed in a few handfuls of compost as I was planting as well as a 1/4″topping of worm compost. Many blends contain perlite or pumice as a draining agent and peat moss to hold moisture and soil fertility. Thanks for any suggestions! Did I do a big no no? Hi there, just a quick question - is it okay to mix orchid bark into succulent mix for succulents or mix it into general potting mix for all other houseplants? Luckily, there are ways of getting rid of this mold. Cacti planted in your standard mix -- even one with good drainage -- will probably rot. Your plants already have what it takes to be spectacular specimens. Can I mix tropical plant soil with cactus soil? Answer #4 | 24/07 2015 21:33 I believe cactus soil can be used for Aloe plants… But again, don’t use these on their own, as they have too much moisture-holding organic matter and may contain fertilizer additives that are not geared for slow-growing cacti. A healthy soil that fits each plant is the key to a lush indoor garden. A very different mix combines five parts potting soil, two parts pumice and one part coir for a mixture that dries out evenly. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long-lasting, attractive succulents. I already repotted everything and that was hard on them and they're just coming back now so I guess I'll repot into one of your guys suggestions next spring. They’re attractive, long-lasting succulent houseplants. Keep reading to learn about soil requirements for Christmas cactus. MrBlubs thanked Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL, This shrub’s violet-blue flowers and silvery foliage brighten low-water gardens all year long, Get free, organic soil fertilizer with nitrogen-pumping plants that draw pollinators too, A worm-powered compost bin that can fit under a sink turns food scraps into a powerful amendment for your garden. What you don’t see is soil—there isn’t any. Yes, you can use regular potting soil or African violet soil for your cactus plants. You can make your own succulent … 5. It works well to put diatomaceous in succulent soil … Regrettably, I have become an expert at this. Most store-bought potting soils are fine, but to ensure better drainage, mix one-part cactus soil or perlite to three parts potting soil. Most houseplants thrive in the slightly acidic to neutral range (6.0 to 7.0). Remember with bulbs, the bottom cannot be on the clay, because the roots need to be in good, well draining soil. r/houseplants: A community focused on the discussion, care, and well-being of houseplants! ... 1/2 potting soil to 1/2 of cup succulent & cactus mix. This video talks about using diatomaceous earth for houseplants to kill fungus gnats. Won't bother with the wandering Jew unless there's extra and my pineapple as I'm doubtful it's going anywhere on the surviving front. It will enhance the potting mix drainage properties. Why did all the plants in my new raised garden bed die? I'll look for the palm soil (doubt its up here though! You can also use compost, worm castings, pine straw, rotted seaweed, leaf mold - basically anything organic. When I repotted my plants I replaced my Spiders, aeschynanthus, COT, haworthia, pineapple, and wandering Jew's soil all with PRO Mix cactus soil due to the drainage ability and aireation. Help! Sadly, by the time you notice a decline in the health of your cactus and think of repotting it in a different planting mix for cactus plants, it may be too late. Can gardening soil be use for house plants? And I know what you mean on the Potting soil front! If you have a tropical species, add peat. Picture an area with huge, thriving cacti. I look for a bag that feels light for its' size, if buying stuff in bags. I like to double dig and get down about 18”. Also, I've never used Miracle-Gro myself, just saw some people that had bad gnat experiences with this brand. If you have the choice, use Vermiculite over Perlite when you have houseplants which need a lot of watering. This potting soil can be used indoors and outdoors, as long as the plants are potted. I use a mix of pine bark fines and top soil with more top soil fo a heavier mix though I usually add more top or black cow as it settles I mostly have to contend with the rainy season so they mostly get watered everyday though this year in a drought. If you have a tropical species, add peat. Kitty litter can provide an element some houseplants really, really need to thrive by assisting with drainage. Healthy houseplants have healthy roots, and oxygen is needed for root health. You can buy any plant potting soil as long as it’s sterile and fresh. gary. A general-purpose potting soil is best for the container plants, which need more air, water and nutrients than plants in the ground. What Is Pumice Used For: Tips On Using Pumice In Soil, Succulent Potting Soil Recipes: How To Make A Soil Mix For Succulents, Upright Boxwood Plants – Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes, Growing Southern Conifers – Learn About Coniferous Trees In Southern States, Pacific Northwest Conifers – Choosing Coniferous Plants For Pacific Northwest, What Are Floating Plants: Types Of Free Floating Water Plants, Winter Care On Balconies: Tips For Overwintering Balcony Gardens, Fragrant Houseplants: Caring For Aromatic Plants Indoors, Caring For Star Cactus: How To Grow A Star Cactus Plant, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens, Western Juniper Trees: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Evergreens For Winter Interest: Growing Holly In Gardens, Christmas Tree Alternative: Decorating An Outdoor Tree For Birds. ZZ plants are tough and able to survive in a variety of different soils. I work in patches about 2’ by 2’. It's not that difficult, but you first need to know how to keep the root system happy, because a healthy plant w/o a healthy root system is just a dream. Be sure to use the horticulture vermiculite though. I remove all rocks and often lumps of solid clay (it’s so bad where we live I could throw pots). potting soil or Shrub & Tree Planting Soil when using container pots, How to amend clay soil for planting,trees,flowers, Thanks Pat. Since water and nutrient uptake is an energy driven process that must take place in the presence of oxygen, you can imagine the impact of soils that support 50% or more in saturation (depending on depth of the container). The roots need oxygen and a mix which is light, well aerated, drains well and is soilless helps to prevent overwatering. Spread gravel or coarse cactus soil -- or a mix of the two -- around the soil in an 18- to 24-inch diameter for effective splash control. It works well to put diatomaceous in succulent soil when you pot your plants. You might need to fix root rot, monitor watering, temperature, and light, repot the cactus and change the soil, use a fertilizer, or just give the plant some time to revive on its own Well not all plants but most? A better option is to choose right the first time. Determine where your cactus naturally occurs. Another mix I’ve used for houseplants is 1/2 potting soil & 1/2 succulent & cactus mix. Unfortunately, the soil holds onto water like I've never seen before, there is very little perlite in it. Most cacti and succulents can be placed on a sunny or bright window all year round. Fill your pot/container with vermiculite and saturate it with water. Haha) and then I'll try either teens or Gary's method. Apart from regular watering and feeding, most require little attention. Just you wait. You can't, or rather shouldn't, reuse soil for your plants. Repot the cactus to its original depth and gently firm in the compost. That is because of the addition of nonsoil amendments. I'm repotting a peace lily which I get likes to keep quite damp but the cactus soil I use (Westlands) has bad drainage anyway ahaha. How did you prepare the soil under the bed? As long as these three are taken care of, plants will grow as beautifully as they would in any outdoor environment. And superfly has created a dirt-free blend of ingredients that fits these criteria superbly and helps your plants to grow and thrive.. You can also use the Burpee potting soil for any type of pot. During the winter it is beneficial for plants to have cool night temperatures of 8-10°C (46-50°F) as a minimum, for a period of rest. You then amend the plant soil with inorganic material to create a light, porous mix for succulents. Before I joined here I couldn't care less but now Everytime I'm seconde guessing myself. 2.) In a pinch, you can even take leftovers from a bag of regular potting mix and blend it with your sand and perlite for your own cactus soil. You can even use for overhead hanging pots, as long as you have the correct drainage system ready. I grow almost all my houseplants out doors but almost all in pots due to my very poor soil. Potted cactus plants need soil that is dry most of the time. Or for any plants that prefer quick-drying soil mixes, such as cacti and succulents. Suitable for cactus and succulent needs. The dragon tree variety is just labeled dracaena, and there are many of those. If it is a desert species, use the simplest blend of clean fine sand, grit and soil. Here’s how to make one, See how 5 columnar cactuses add a striking design element to warm-weather gardens, courtyards and entries, Understand how your soil supports your plants so you can ensure your garden’s success, If a too-wet garden is raining on your parade, try these water-loving plants and other ideas for handling all of that H2O, The nutrients in your soil feed the plants that feed you. Over time, this stresses the plant and can scorch the same tender roots that are stressed by the soil … And you don’t know what to use it for, you can use it as a mulch. In the jungle, they grow in high humid conditions. Consisting of 25% pumice, 25% New Zealand pine bark, 25% hard Japanese Akadama, and 25% … The use of Peat has become increasingly controversial in many countries in recent years. The distinctive look of a cactus is the result of trying to adapt to very hot dry areas where it was necessary to conserve water. With some houseplants, I use straight potting soil and others I do my own blend. I mix in peat and rotted manure, to at least equal the soil. We have framed a list that will give you a better thought of which to go for. For any houseplants that you grow for their lovely green foliage, you should use a little extra nitrogen. Diatomaceous earth is great for houseplants including all cactus succulents. Some cacti species will need higher acidity soil than others. The roots, stems and leaves of succulents and cacti all store water and can easily succumb to root rot. The majority of the family will make excellent houseplants due to their minimal needs and forgiving nature. Close. If it is a desert species, use the simplest blend of clean fine sand, grit and soil. But use a ratio of 10% to 20% for most houseplants. Posted by 8 months ago. Soil contains nutrients and if you reuse this soil and the previous plant has already absorbed all of the nutrients, there is nothing left for the new plant. You can use all potting soil if you’d like. There are two large groups of cacti grown as houseplants; both are popular and familiar, and both can thrive indoors with relatively little maintenance. I don't want to waste the cactus soil I bought for an orchid so I was wondering if I could use it for the other plants I have. While no soil mix is perfect in all situations for all plants, a good, standard soil recipe for cactus is 20 percent top soil to 10 percent peat moss to 70 percent pumice or vermiculite. I grow hundreds of woody plants in pots under conditions that are extreme by any measure, and I've had no problem keeping them happy for indefinite periods. These hardy plants do need water but not on the scale that the average plant requires. The "palm soil" was in a very generic looking bag that was green, got it at L's. ... Can I mix tropical plant soil with cactus soil? What is cactus mix? In fact, it's not even good for cacti and succulents. If you would like to check your soil pH, try using a soil test kit or soil pH meter. Make sure not to use too much potting soil, and avoid using compost mixes like leaf mold or manure, as these will be much too nutrient rich. This medium promotes optimum health for your cactus and mimics the natural gritty, arid and low nutrient soils they grow in naturally. Here's what you need to know about repotting Christmas Cactus including when & how to do it along with the best soil mix to use. 1/2 potting soil to 1/2 coco coir. The best time to water plants is in the morning or the evening, this could impact them. Fat Plants soil is hand-mixed by a licensed grower and nursery in San Diego, California. For my plants, I just take sterilized compost and mix it with a certain % of perlite, depending on the type of plant. Plants such as Euphorbia are remarkably adaptable to almost any soil and can even thrive in dry potting soil. Genus of Epithelantha, or button cacti, can do well in a more alkaline soil mix with pH levels of 6.5. With some houseplants, I use straight potting soil and others I do my own blend. The soil needed depends on the plant. Imagine trying to run a marathon while breathing through a drinking straw and you have a pretty fair picture of what we ask our plants to endure when we anchor them in a muddy mix of ingredients. Keep in mind that well-draining soil doesn't just let excess water pass through. The site is, just this thread was last used in July 2015. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It can also be heavy to use and it is possible to overwater plants in a soil-based mixture. All you're doing is reducing the amount of soil in the pot, so the plant will have even less room to grow. This special potting soil can be used for other plants that need a light soil mixture. Diatomaceous earth is great for houseplants including all cactus succulents. Just like with any other garden or houseplant, fertilizing cactus plants will help them adapt, actively grow and even multiply if that’s one of their characteristics. Rated 2 out of 5 by januaryicecream from Poor draining soil - added perlite I bought a few bags of these because most if not all of my indoor plants are succulents. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. A general potting soil mix will suit a variety of houseplants, though something more fussy like a succulent or orchid might require a more specific mix catered to its needs. Cymbidium orchid - black spots on the leaves. They are unique in form and flower with an ease of care that borders on neglect. 3.) Commercial mixes use the classic elements these plants grow in naturally and add peat, which tends to hold moisture. Another reason: some growers grow many different types of houseplants and use the same mix for all. Honestly might just use the cactus soil I have. They prefer a cactus growing mix that is partially sand or grit, some soil and a pinch of peat moss. The potting soil must allow their root systems to absorb oxygen and water, and supply them with the nutrients necessary for growth. 3.) Adding hydrogen peroxide to your plants' water can increase the amount of oxygen available in the soil. It is actually cheaper to make your own mixture. Not good for roots at all. Yes, you can use regular potting soil or African violet soil for your cactus plants. Regulating soil pH can be as simple as adding sulfur to the soil to lower pH or adding powdered limestone to increase pH. So, the soil you use for the desert cactus plant should not be used for jungle cactus plants. Like I said, a … The right planting mix for cactus plants has superior drainage and will dry out quickly after watering. 0. Adding coffee grounds to the soil significantly increases the risk that you will overwater your houseplants, and this can spell disaster for your plants. My monstera is dying, leaves turning brown/yellow, please help! There will be no need for changing the water, and it will keep your flowers fresh all day. African violet potting soil is much lighter and fluffier than regular garden soil. If not, what recommendations do you have for type of soil? This is my favorite amendment, which I use sparingly because it’s rich. I am no expert like others on this site, but I use cactus soil exclusively with either (or both) perlite or Hoffman's bonsai soil, equal parts. Mold can be caused by a number of things including poor maintenance, over-watering, or lack of sunlight. Christmas Cactus Soil Requirements. The only thing I can specify is it looks like a corn plant except dark green in the middle of the leaf and lighter towards the edge. Ugh, that reads like a list of stuff I wouldn't put in pots. To create a light soil mixture area and I know what to use it as a one ingredient your... Allow their root systems to absorb oxygen and water, and well-being of and! Garden centers in my new raised garden bed die well in a more alkaline soil why did all the are..., are not only for the desert cactus plant should not be used jungle. That help plants grow strong include humic acid and mycorrhizae blooming, are cactus... €” just in time for planting season, got it at L 's dry... 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Are tips on getting it right — just in time for planting season got! And saturate it with water houseplants due to my very poor soil the natural gritty, arid low... Another mix I ’ ve used for houseplants to kill fungus gnats for changing the water, and are! This special potting soil is available in most nurseries and garden centers soil when pot. Was last used in July 2015 to kill fungus gnats here and it...... can I mix in peat and rotted manure, to at least equal the under! Has very specific growing conditions the same mix for other plants other than succulents and cacti unique... Are tropical to sub-tropical use it as a result amendment, which is dry... Prefer a cactus would be a sandy soil perhaps even with some houseplants really, really to... In peat and rotted manure, to at least equal the soil soil ) ensure a proper pH balance,. Biological components allow for plants can i use cactus soil for all houseplants peat back in the pH according to what you want to grow and..... 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