Hey there, fellow plant lovers! I'm new to the succulent game—just started about a week ago—so please bear with me. I stumbled upon Molly's Succulent Mix, which costs a whopping $36 for 5 quarts, and realized that making my own mix could save tons of cash since I've already got over 30 cuttings collected from local stores! I want to whip up a high-quality mix without breaking the bank, and I've seen suggestions like coarse grit sand, pumice, and others. Here are my main questions:
1. What ingredients are essential for crafting a solid all-purpose succulent mix?
2. What are the ideal ratios for mixing?
3. Where's the best place to pick these materials up affordably?
4. What are your favorite pots to use for succulents, and where do you usually buy them?
Any advice would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Finding the right mix can vary based on where you live—your climate matters! A common choice is a 1:1 mix of succulent soil and some sort of gritty material like perlite or pumice. This combo usually works well in most conditions. For pots, I love using unglazed terracotta since they help the soil dry out faster. You can snag these from big box stores or sometimes even thrift shops!
Thrift stores are goldmines for unique pots—great for adding some character to my plant collection!
Here's what I do: combine a big box succulent mix with perlite in a 50/50 ratio. It's super convenient and works great for most plants. If you can find pumice cheaply, try a mix with 40% succulent mix, 40% pumice, and 20% crushed granite. Those rocks are easy to get—my local rockery sells them for little cash. As for pots, check dollar stores or local nurseries; they often have better deals than big box stores!
A solid starting mix could be 3 parts Miracle Gro Potting Mix (the yellow bag, not the moisture control kind) to 2 parts poultry grit, which is basically crushed granite. This combo drains really well and keeps your succulents happy even during those rainy days!
Exactly, terracotta is the way to go! It helps a lot with drainage, so your plants stay healthy.