I've been reading up on succulent care, and a lot of sources mention that sand is key for creating a well-draining mix. But I have a question—doesn't sand just hold onto water? Whenever I think about it, I picture sand bags during floods or the beach, where the sand seems to stay wet for ages. Am I missing something here? How does sand really contribute to drainage in soil?
3 Answers
I feel you! Fine sand tends to retain more water because it has a larger surface area, making it cling to moisture. That's why many people prefer using sand that's coarser or specially designed for potting mixes. My mix has some bonsai grit and it drains really well!
You're right about sand sometimes making things dense, especially if it's too fine. It really depends on what type you're using. Coarse sand is great for aeration and drainage. Just make sure you don’t end up with a mix that’s too heavy!
Not all sand is the same! What you usually want is coarser silica sand, which helps improve drainage. It allows water to flow through better compared to fine sand, like beach sand. I mix silica sand with other materials to keep the soil airy instead of heavy and clumpy.