Best soil for Cactus and Succulent Plants - Ask Extension
I have been told that the commercially available cactus soil is not the best buy.
Could you advise me on how to prepare a good soil mixture for my ne...
Knowledgebase
Best soil for Cactus and Succulent Plants #931485
Asked May 12, 2026, 3:50 PM EDT
I have been told that the commercially available cactus soil is not the best buy.
Could you advise me on how to prepare a good soil mixture for my newly
purchased succulent and cactus plants for indoor growing?
Thank you in advance for your help.
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
The best indoor cactus and succulent soil is fast-draining, airy, and mostly mineral/inorganic material rather than rich organic potting soil. Excess moisture retention is the main cause of root rot indoors.
A typical ingredient breakdown would be:
pumice or perlite 30–40%, this aids with aeration and drainage
coarse sand or granite grit or lava rock 20–30%, this prevents compaction and speeds drying
cactus/succulent mix or potting soil or coco coir or pine bark fines 30–40%, this holds limited moisture and nutrient.
Avoid these ingredients: garden soil, fine sand/play sand, moisture-control potting soils, heavy compost-rich mixes and vermiculite-heavy blends. These retain too much moisture indoors and can suffocate roots.
A typical ingredient breakdown would be:
pumice or perlite 30–40%, this aids with aeration and drainage
coarse sand or granite grit or lava rock 20–30%, this prevents compaction and speeds drying
cactus/succulent mix or potting soil or coco coir or pine bark fines 30–40%, this holds limited moisture and nutrient.
Avoid these ingredients: garden soil, fine sand/play sand, moisture-control potting soils, heavy compost-rich mixes and vermiculite-heavy blends. These retain too much moisture indoors and can suffocate roots.
