Succulent soil is specially designed for growing succulent plants. Whether you have cacti, Aloe Vera, a jade plant, or other types of succulents, a succulent soil mix creates the perfect environment so your plants can flourish.
The 8 Best Succulent Soil Mixes
- Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus 2.5-Quart Soil Mix
- Hoffman 10404 4-Quart Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
- Espoma 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix
- Miracle-Gro 8-Quart Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Potting Mix
- Perfect Plants 4-Quart Succulent Soil Mix
- Bonsai Jack 2-Quart Succulent and Cactus Soil Gritty Mix
- Bliss Gardens 4-Quart Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil
- Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Succulent Soil Mix
Our top pick for the best succulent soil mix is the Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix. Growing unique succulent plants can be challenging but the Fat Plants San Diego Succulent Soil Mix makes it super easy.
This premium soil mix creates a well-drained and nutrient-rich eco-system that succulents require to grow and thrive. Your succulents will develop strong roots systems, healthy fleshy green stems, and beautiful colorful blooms that you will be proud of.
Check the price on AmazonCreate the Perfect Succulent Ecosystem with Succulent Soil
Succulents are truly amazing plants. They have an exceptional ability to adapt to dry, harsh climates, or even colder environments by storing water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems. Whether it is an arid desert, a tropical jungle, or a snow-prone wilderness, succulent plants can thrive.
Best of all, succulent plants are versatile plants. They love to grow outdoors and indoors, which is great for people who have limited or no outdoor gardening space. However, these highly specialized plants can be a challenge to grow and maintain. Succulent plants need special tender, loving care. If they are planted in the wrong soil or are over-watered, they will shrivel up and die.
Plant food or fertilizer is essential for growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables, but succulent soil is specially formulated for growing succulent plants. It contains nutrient-rich ingredients that help to maintain the right amount of moisture so that your succulents will grow juicy green leaves and fabulous flowers.
How to Choose the Best Succulent Soil
Specially Formulated Succulent Soil Mixes
Succulents have smart DNA that has learned to adapt to dry environments with porous, sandy soil conditions. So when you bring your succulent home, you have to re-create that succulent-specific environment otherwise your prized plant will struggle to survive.
Soil Composition
– Well Drained Succulent Soil
Over-watering is one of the primary causes of succulent death. If the plants are watered too much, the leaves can enlarge and burst. The soil must not be dense or compacted or it will retain too much water which can cause root rot.
The ideal soil composition should contain crumbly or gritty soil that is well-aerated and drains properly. It should also contain varied particle size ingredients, about ¼-inch so that airflow is maximized and moisture content is controlled.
– PH balanced Succulent Soil
One of the main reasons for using pre-made soil is that the soil in our yards may not have the right pH balance. Succulent soil is designed to have a specific pH balance so that the soil is not too acidic. The best type of soil pH level for succulents is slightly acidic at around pH 5.5 or 6.
Organic Versus Inorganic Matter
– Organic Matter
Organic matter like peat moss, finely ground bark, and finely ground coconut fibers help water to penetrate the soil quickly. One of the problems with organic matter that is not finely ground and comes in big pieces is that it can retain too much water. Soil mixes, such as Hoffman, Espoma, Miracle-Gro, or Perfect Plants contain peat moss. These products may suit hardy succulents, they may cause water-retention problems for more fragile succulents.
– Inorganic Matter
Inorganic matter is well suited for succulents, such as the Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix. Gritty-type inorganic ingredients such as perlite or sand keep the soil well-drained.
Succulent Soil Ingredients
Other essential succulent soil ingredients such as Japanese Akadama, pumice, pine bark and Haydite provide the best drainage, water retention, nutrient retention, and air circulation.
Haydite or expanded shale absorbs excess water and then releases it slowly back to the roots.
Japanese Hard Akadama is a volcanic byproduct that is mined exclusively in Japan. It retains nutrients and water very well but it also breaks down to allow roots to grow so that the water does not pool around the bottom of the roots.
Pumice is a volcanic byproduct that is highly effective at retaining the right amount of water and nutrients.
New Zealand Pine Bark also helps to hold the right amount of water and nutrients that keep succulents and cacti happy.
Perlite is a form of amorphous volcanic glass which is white in color. It is a great ingredient for succulent soil as it helps to store nutrients and moisture that succulent plants need but drains excess water away.
Vermiculite is similar to perlite but it has superior water-retaining properties. Both perlite and vermiculite are pH neutral and will not affect the pH level of the soil mix.
Potted Succulents
If you have potted succulents, make sure they are planted in a container that has drainage holes. The drainage holes will allow any excess water to drain out from the soil and roots. Your plants will thank you and you will be able to enjoy beautiful lush succulents for years to come.
8 Best Succulent Soil Mixes – Reviews
1. Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus 2.5-Quart Soil Mix
For a simple approach to succulent care, the Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus 2.5-Quart Soil Mix is an excellent choice for succulent plants.
Superfly Bonsai soil mix is specially formulated for succulents and cacti. It is very easy to apply as it is pre-mixed, sifted, and ready for you to use on all your indoor or outdoor plants.
The substrate premium 2.5-quart mix is made up of primarily non-organic components such as ¼-inch hard Japanese Akadama, ¼-inch US pumice, ¼-inch New Zealand pine bark, and ¼-inch US Haydite; and there is no dirt. These components are proven to provide the best drainage, water retention, nutrient retention, and air circulation to promote healthy succulents and cacti.
You do not have to worry about over-watering as the soil makes it easy to maintain your stunning succulents and cacti. In just a short time, your succulents will produce strong roots, fleshy stems, and beautiful, colorful blooms.
Its zip bag is resealable, which helps to prevent the mix from being contaminated by fungi or pests.
Superfly Bonsai offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not happy with their product. The succulent mix also comes in a 25-quart bag which is equal to 12 cups and there are 1.25, 6, and 12-quart bags available.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- Highly effective
- Pre-mixed, sifted and ready to use
- Specifically formulated for succulent and cactus
- Substrate non-organic mix of hard Japanese Akadama, US pumice, New Zealand pine bark and US Haydite
- Contains no dirt
- Provides optimal drainage, water retention, and nutrient uptake and air to the roots
- Easy zip resealable bag
- 100% money back guarantee
- Available in multi-sized bags
Cons
- Expensive
2. Hoffman 10404 4-Quart Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
Watch your succulents bloom with the Hoffman 10404 4-Quart Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix.
Hoffman has specifically designed its professionally formulated soil mix for jungle and desert cacti, Aloe Vera, and other types of succulents.
The mix contains a blend of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, reed sedge peat, limestone, perlite, and sand, which is a great soil mix for most succulents. It has already been pH balanced so it is ready to use right out of the bag and provides very good drainage for your plants.
There are complete directions on the pack and Hoffman also include useful growing information for succulent plants.
If you find that the succulent soil is not draining like you would like it to, just add some gravel to the bottom of the pot and pop the soil on top.
To make sure that the soil provides the right amount of moisture to your succulents, make sure you follow Hoffman’s instructions.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Organic cactus and succulent soil mix
- Ideal for smaller cacti
- Specifically designed for jungle and desert cacti and succulents
- Ready-to-use
- Professionally formulated soil mix
- Provides the drainage cacti need to flourish
- pH balanced
- Complete package directions and useful growing information for succulents
Cons
- Poor moisture absorption
- Only a few packet sizes available
- Not certified organic
3. Espoma 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix
If you are a newbie succulent gardener or your cacti needs a nutrient boost, the Espoma 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix will create thriving succulents.
This all-natural and organic cactus mix contain 35-45% sphagnum peat moss, humus, perlite, and dolomitic limestone. For an extra boost, the soil is enhanced with Espoma’s special ingredient, Myco-tone.
This superior blend has a neutral pH level that caters to succulents. It provides good draining, aeration, and promotes root growth so that your succulents, cactus, palm, or citrus plants grow up strong and healthy. If you are using it for citrus plants, the potting soil also helps to reduce drought stress.
The cactus mix is not an OMRI-listed product but it is approved for organic gardening by a USDA accredited certifying agent.
Espoma also offers the succulent soil mix in a 4-quart pack.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Good price
- Easy to use
- Effective
- All-natural
- Uses organic materials
- Enhanced with Myco-tone
- Specially designed for cactus palm, citrus, and succulents
- Provides optimal drainage and aeration
- Promotes root growth
- USDA approved for organic gardening
Cons
- May not suit fragile plants
- Soil tends to retain a lot of moisture
- Not OMRI listed
4. Miracle-Gro 8-Quart Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Potting Mix
Bring your cacti, palms, or citrus plants to life with the Miracle-Gro 8-Quart Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Potting Mix.
Miracle-Gro has specially designed its potting mix for use with indoor cactus, palm, citrus, and all types of succulents in pots. So once you use the soil, your succulents will grow into healthy plants that produce beautiful, colorful flowers.
To make sure that your plants have the right soil environment for 6 months, the soil’s fast-draining formula is enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food. The mix also contains forest products such as sphagnum peat moss, sand, and perlite to help prevent soil compaction and improve water drainage.
Miracle-Gro offers a 6-month money-back guarantee if you are not happy with its succulent mix.
The succulent soil mix is available in an 8-quart packet or a 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Specially formulated for cactus, palm, citrus and other succulents in pots
- Produces beautiful, colorful flowers
- Very effective
- Easy to use
- Feeds up to 6 months
- Enriched with Miracle-Gro plant food
- Enhanced fast-draining formula
- Prevents soil compaction and provides improved drainage
- Six-month money-back guarantee
- Available in an 8-quart packet or a 2-pack
Cons
- Should only be used for plants in containers
- Not for in-ground plants
- Can hold a lot of water so you may need to add extra perlite
5. Perfect Plants 4-Quart Succulent Soil Mix
Grow perfect succulents and cacti with the Perfect Plants 4-Quart Succulent Soil Mix.
Specially formulated, the succulent soil mix provides the perfect balance of air and moisture while retaining nutrients so that your succulents get their best chance at life.
Succulent plants are very delicate and do not enjoy too much moisture in their soil. However, you can trust this soil mix to care for your succulents as the professional growers at PERFECT PLANTS have mixed the soil to ensure proper drainage. This mix is also perfectly balanced to enrich the roots while aerating the soil and providing room for the roots to expand.
The pH-balanced batch is mixed fresh using a combination of organic peat moss, composted pine bark, perlite, lime, and other vital ingredients. Once you add the soil, your succulents or cactus plants will have an arid-type, well-drained home.
PERFECT PLANTS offers its succulent soil mix in a heavy-duty, zip resealable bag that is perfect for storage and reuse.
Pros
- High quality
- Good price
- Very good value for money
- pH balanced
- Fresh, organic soil
- Good blend of organic ingredients
- Specially formulated succulent soil mix
- Provides the perfect balance of air, moisture, and nutrients
- Professionally mixed
- Effective
- Can be used on all succulent and cactus types
- Heavy-duty zip resealable bag
Cons
- Soil is a little bit heavy
6. Bonsai Jack 2-Quart Succulent and Cactus Soil Gritty Mix
One of the fast-draining succulent soils available, the Bonsai Jack 2-Quart Succulent and Cactus Soil Gritty Mix is an excellent choice for succulent plant enthusiasts.
You can use the soil for succulents, cactus, and bonsai plants. There is no need to worry about how wet or dry the soil is, as this ultra-fast draining soil helps prevent root rot that is caused by overwatering.
This quality gritty mix is pre-washed, pre-screened, ultralight, airy, and pathogen-free and has an optimized pH of 5.5. The soil contains average-sized particles such as 33% ¼-inch pine bark, 33% ¼-inch Bonsai block (calcined clay), and 33% ¼-inch Monto clay and it has a consistent particle size.
As it contains no heavy potting soil ingredients such as sphagnum or peat moss, it mimics the natural dry environment that succulents crave. Your prized plants will have the perfect soil environment they need to flourish in.
Bonsai Jack has tailor-made its succulent mix to suit your gardening needs and offers its soil mix in bag sizes from 2-quarts to 28-gallons. If you have any questions about their soil mix, Bonsai Jack offer great phone support.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Highly effective
- Fastest draining succulent/cactus soil available
- Pre-washed and screened
- Ultra lightweight and airy
- Prevents root rot due to overwatering
- Will not damage roots
- Optimized pH of 5.5
- Perfect for succulents, cactus, and bonsai
- Pathogen-free with extended pathogen-control
- Contains a good organic blend of ingredients
- Consistent particle size
- Available in bag sizes from 2-quarts to 28-gallons
Cons
- Expensive
7. Bliss Gardens 4-Quart Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil
If your succulents need tender loving care, the Bliss Gardens 4-Quart Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil will help your desert plants to flourish.
Made in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this premium hand-made soil mix is specially designed for succulents and cacti that need extra drainage.
The soil contains a unique ingredient mix: shale, expanded clay, perlite, worm castings, and horticultural charcoal, horticultural sand, glacial rock dust, and dolomite lime. These organics help promote proper drainage and filtering, as well as balancing the pH levels of the soil. Bliss Gardens also use Mycorrhizae root inoculate which establishes a beneficial fungus that creates strong and healthy roots. Your succulents and cacti will grow quickly into healthy vibrant plants with stunning foliage.
The Bliss Gardens succulent soil mix is available in a 4-quart bag.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Premium handmade soil mix
- Specially designed for succulents and cacti that need a high drainage mix
- Unique organic ingredients
- Made in Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Highly effective
- pH balanced
Cons
- Not a lot of soil if you want to plant a lot of succulents
- Tends to retain a lot of water
8. Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix
For healthy succulent growth, the Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix will create happy succulents that will grow and bloom to perfection.
Fat Plants San Diego is a California licensed grower and nursery and its succulent soil is crafted according to a homemade recipe that has been used to successfully grow cacti and succulents for years.
This superb mix contains a well-drained mix of nutrient-rich ingredients: perlite, sand, volcanic pumice, worm castings, blood and bone meal, peat moss, and perlite.
One of the highlights of the Fat Plants succulent soil is its varied particle size which allows the plants to receive the right amount of moisture at the right time. The soil is very easy to use and will create the perfect desert-like environment that succulents crave.
The Fat Plants Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix comes in several sizes: 1-gallon, 2-gallon, and a ½-gallon bag.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Highly effective
- Made from a successful homemade recipe
- Specially formulated for cacti and succulents by a licensed grower and nursery
- Nutrient-rich ingredients mix
- Varied particle size allow for quick draining
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Succulent Soil Mix
Our top pick for the best succulent soil mix is the Fat Plants San Diego 1-Gallon Succulent Soil Mix. Growing unique succulent plants can be challenging but the Fat Plants San Diego Succulent Soil Mix makes it super easy.
This premium soil mix creates a well-drained and nutrient-rich eco-system that succulents require to grow and thrive. Your succulents will develop strong roots systems, healthy fleshy green stems, and beautiful colorful blooms that you will be proud of.
Check the price on Amazon
