Hi everyone! I'm just getting into gardening and recently bought some succulents. At the nursery, they warned me not to repot them in coco peat, but I've seen other places where they actually use it. I'm a bit confused about whether it's a suitable medium for succulents or not. Can anyone clarify this for me?
2 Answers
Great question! Generally, coco peat retains more moisture than succulents need, which is likely why you were advised against using it as a standalone. It can be included in a soil mix, but make sure to blend it with something like perlite to create a well-aerated and fast-draining mixture. This way, your succulents can thrive without the risk of overwatering. Also, remember that plants at nurseries are often kept in perfect conditions that we can't replicate at home, so a lighter mix is safer for your plants.
Cheers!
I totally agree with CactusCrafter22! Nurseries do have controlled environments that let them use denser mixes without issues. If you want to use coco peat, mix it with something like pumice or perlite in a 1:1 ratio. This will help create that well-draining mix curating for your succulents' needs. Just be sure to monitor how often you're watering, especially since coco peat retains moisture. Happy gardening!
Just to add to that, check what type of succulents you have too! Some prefer drier conditions than others. If you're unsure about your specific types, just keep monitoring them and adjust your mix as needed.