Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix (2024)

FAQs

Is Miracle Gro cactus potting mix good for succulents? ›

Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix is specially formulated for slow growing plants such as succulents.

Cactus soil also typically has a lower percentage of organic matter to prevent water retention, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. On the other hand, succulent mix is a broader category that encompasses various plant species with fleshy leaves or stems designed to store water.

Absolutely. In fact, many people - myself included - use succulent soil (or cactus soil - same thing) in all their potted plants. It's much lighter and has good drainage; heavy soil that doesn't drain well is a problem with many “potting soil” products. I also add an extra handful of perlite to the soil for each pot.

Mix 3 parts potting soil, 3 parts coarse sand, gravel, or horticultural grit (do not use sand or grit from your garden because it is not sterilized), 2 parts perlite or pumice, and an optional 1 part pine bark or peat moss.

​Yes, you can definitely use coffee grounds as fertilizer on your Christmas cacti. However, sprinkling actual grounds directly on the plant doesn't help the cactus, and it may even burn the succulent.

Any good succulent soil consists of three parts: sand, soil, and pearlite or pumice. The ratio of these three ingredients varies based on succulent type and personal preference. If you're mixing your own, a great starting point is two parts sand, two parts potting soil, and one part pearlite or pumice.

Cactus soil has excellent drainage properties, as cacti and succulents are native to arid regions and are adapted to survive in dry conditions. Cactus soil often contains materials like sand and perlite, which help create larger pore spaces in the soil, allowing water to flow through more easily.

How often should you water a succulent? According to Retro Den, the rule of thumb for watering your succulent is every other week during non-winter months. During the winter months, when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to water your succulent only once a month.

In summary, while the potting soil does not 'expire' in the traditional sense, it does degrade over time. It's essential to rejuvenate and refresh the soil as needed to maintain its health and continue to support robust plant growth.

Watering is an essential part to how well your cacti or succulent grows. Overwatering will stunt growth, but under-watering causes shrivelling. Tepid rainwater should be used for watering, rather than tap water. This is because the minerals in tap water build up in the soil and can cause deposits on the leaves.

Should I water my cactus before repotting? ›

As a general rule, fast growing species should be repotted every two to three years and slow growing species every three to four years. Repotting is best carried out in the spring, when cacti are enjoying active growth. Water the cactus two days before repotting, so the roots are moist but not saturated.

Soil for cactus plants needs to be porous and free draining so it doesn't hold on to moisture. Regular potting soil or multi-purpose composts are not suitable for growing cacti and other succulent plants, because they hold moisture for a longer period of time, and this would cause cacti to rot.

You need to be careful not to use a fertilizer that is too strong, otherwise the succulents can burn. However, the right fertilizer used every few months can dramatically change how well your succulents thrive. You can also use the Miracle Grow Cactus Fertilizer as recommended on the bottle.

Both indoors and outdoors (zones 9 and 10), grow aloe in pots filled with fast-draining potting soil, such as Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, formulated especially for container growing.

Snake plants require a soil mix that allows excess water to flow through, preventing root rot. A recommended option is to use a succulent and cactus mix, which provides better aeration for the roots. Adding organic compost to the mix can help enrich the soil with nutrients.

If you have a larger container, spoon in a layer of sand. This acts as drainage for water but adds another layer visually too. Too much soil will mean too much moisture, so the sand will help provide the shallow dirt that succulents need. Spoon in a layer of Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.