Last Updated on March 27, 2025 by teamobn
The secret to growing healthy succulents is tender loving care – and this includes good potting soil. It’s important to remember that succulents won’t thrive in dense soil like the regular potting ones. Initially, when the succulents are small, regular potting soil will do. However, as they grow, they need something porous.
The most common problem associated with growing succulents is overwatering. Since regular potting soil is dense, water tends to stay for a long time. And if there’s one thing succulents hate most, it’s wet roots. Your soil should be well-draining.
The good news is, you can make your own potting soil for succulents at home. Here’s a recipe I found over the internet. Be sure to make accurate measurements and your succulents will do great. Happy planting!
Making Your Potting Soil for Succulents
Contents
Materials:
- 3 parts potting soil
- 2 parts coarse sand (or turface or poultry grit)
- 1 part perlite (or pumice)
Tools:
- Measuring container
- Trowel
- Bucket (or any container for mixing)
Steps:
- Prepare Your Tools and Materials
Gather all your ingredients and tools. Make sure your bucket and trowel are clean to avoid contamination. - Measure the Potting Soil
Use the measuring container to scoop 3 parts of potting soil. Pour it into the mixing bucket. - Add Coarse Sand (or Alternative)
Measure 2 parts of coarse sand, turface, or poultry grit. Add it to the bucket with the potting soil. - Add Perlite or Pumice
Measure 1 part of perlite or pumice. Add it to the bucket with the other ingredients. - Mix Thoroughly
Use your trowel to mix everything together. Stir well until the mixture looks uniform and evenly blended. This helps create a well-draining soil mix. - Check the Texture
The final mix should feel gritty and loose, not sticky or compact. It should drain quickly when watered. - Use or Store
You can now use the mix to pot your succulents. If you made more than needed, store the extra mix in a sealed container to keep it dry and clean.
Below is a video guide to give you visual instructions.
Signs Your Succulent is in the Wrong Soil
Succulents are known for being low-maintenance, but they do have one major requirement—well-draining soil. If the roots sit in moisture too long, they start to rot. That’s why using the right potting soil for succulents is crucial. Not every soil you find in the garden center will work. If you’re seeing signs your plant isn’t thriving, the soil could be to blame. Here’s how to tell if your succulent is planted in the wrong mix.
Leaves are Mushy or Translucent
When succulent leaves start to look soft, mushy, or semi-transparent, it’s often a sign of root rot. This happens when water lingers in the soil for too long. Regular potting soil tends to retain moisture, which is fine for tropical houseplants but dangerous for succulents. Mushy leaves are your plant’s cry for help. At this stage, changing the soil is a must. Use a gritty, fast-draining potting soil for succulents to prevent this issue from recurring.
Yellowing or Browning Leaves
If the lower leaves are turning yellow or brown and falling off easily, that may indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Even if you’re not watering too frequently, dense soil can hold onto water and suffocate the roots. Healthy succulents shed older leaves occasionally, but mass leaf loss is not normal. A proper potting soil for succulents allows excess water to drain quickly and prevents the roots from sitting in soggy conditions.
Slow or Stunted Growth
Succulents that don’t seem to grow, even during their active season, might be struggling in the wrong type of soil. Without enough air around the roots, growth slows. The plant might stay the same size for months or appear dormant when it should be thriving. If you’ve ruled out lighting and watering issues, check the soil. Poor aeration or moisture retention can choke the root system and halt development. A light, well-draining potting soil for succulents helps roots breathe and encourages strong, healthy growth.
Blackened or Soft Roots
When repotting your plant, take a moment to inspect the roots. If they appear black, slimy, or smell foul, your succulent has likely been sitting in wet soil. This is one of the most serious consequences of using improper soil. Healthy roots should be firm and white or tan. To recover, trim the damaged roots and repot the plant using the correct soil mix. Switching to a proper potting soil for succulents can prevent future root rot and help your plant bounce back.
Pest Problems
Poor drainage can also invite unwanted guests. Fungus gnats, for example, thrive in moist soil and often show up when conditions are too damp. If you notice small flying insects around your plant, it’s time to check the soil. Using the right potting mix won’t just support the plant’s health—it also keeps pests at bay by reducing excess moisture.
Your succulents can’t thrive in the wrong environment. The easiest way to support their health is by starting with the right foundation. That means choosing a gritty, fast-draining potting soil for succulents that mimics their natural habitat. When the soil is right, your succulents will reward you with vibrant colors, firm leaves, and steady growth.
Potting Soil For Succulents Gallery
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Common Mistakes When Mixing Succulent Soil at Home
Making your own succulent soil mix is a smart and budget-friendly way to keep your plants healthy. You control what goes into the mix, and you can tailor it to the needs of your specific plants. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your succulents in the long run. If your plants are struggling despite having the right light and watering schedule, the soil could be the reason. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you create a better, more effective potting soil for succulents.
Using the Wrong Kind of Sand
Coarse sand is often listed as a key ingredient in succulent soil, but not all sand is created equal. Many people make the mistake of using play sand or beach sand, both of which are too fine and compact easily. Fine sand can actually reduce drainage and create the kind of dense, soggy environment that succulents hate. What you want is construction-grade sand or horticultural grit—something with texture and weight that encourages airflow and fast water movement. If sand clumps together when wet, don’t use it in your potting soil for succulents.
Skipping the Drainage Test
Once your soil mix is ready, it’s tempting to go straight to repotting. But skipping a drainage test can cost you. A good test involves adding water to your soil mix and watching how quickly it drains. If the water pools or drains slowly, the mix needs adjusting. Add more perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to increase drainage. Succulent roots are very sensitive to moisture, so every homemade mix should be tested before use. Fast-draining soil is non-negotiable for a healthy succulent.
Too Much Organic Material
Potting soil is often the base for DIY mixes, but using too much can cause problems. Regular potting soil contains compost, peat moss, or other organic matter that retains moisture. While some organic content is fine, going overboard creates a water-retentive environment. Succulents prefer lean soil with minimal organic material. You only need enough to give the plant access to some nutrients. The focus should be on drainage, not fertility. Keep the organic matter light when creating your potting soil for succulents.
Ignoring Soil Texture
A common oversight is ignoring the texture of the finished mix. If your soil feels heavy or sticky, it’s not suitable for succulents. The mix should feel gritty and crumbly in your hands. Each ingredient should be distinct in the blend. If you can’t tell the sand apart from the soil or the perlite is barely visible, the ratios are off. Aim for a blend that mimics arid, rocky environments—because that’s where most succulents naturally thrive. The right potting soil for succulents should drain well but also hold its shape when dry.
Not Sterilizing Ingredients
Using garden soil or unwashed sand straight from the yard might seem harmless, but it can introduce pests, bacteria, and weed seeds into your mix. Sterilizing soil in the oven or using only clean, store-bought materials helps protect your plants. Fungal infections and root rot often start with contaminated materials. Even reused perlite or pumice should be rinsed before going into your new soil mix.
Improper Storage of Mixed Soil
If you’re mixing a large batch to save time later, make sure you store it properly. Leaving it in a damp bucket or open container can attract pests or cause the soil to clump. Always store your potting soil for succulents in a dry, sealed container. Label it with the date and ingredients used, so you remember the mix next time. Proper storage keeps the soil fresh and ready for your next planting.
Making your own succulent mix is a rewarding project, but success lies in the details. The goal is to replicate the kind of gritty, well-draining soil these plants are used to in their native environments. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your homemade potting soil for succulents supports strong roots, healthy leaves, and lasting growth.
Conclusion
Making your own potting soil for succulents is inexpensive, efficient, and easy. With the correct components and appropriate mixing, your succulents will flourish. A well-draining mix is crucial for avoiding root rot and encouraging good development.
We have more guides on growing succulent. Read our instructions on how to water these plants.
