DIY SUCCULENT SOIL MIX & what to look for in pre-made mixes

The right succulent soil can help eliminate common struggles like overwatering, rot, and pests. We'll teach you what components succulents like in soil, how to make your own DIY soil mix, and what to look for in a store-bought mix.

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Struggled with succulents and not known what the problem was? The answer could be in the soil.

Succulents need different soil from most plants in order to really thrive. Indoors or out, there are a lot of factors that determine the right soil for healthy, beautiful plants. Use the wrong type of soil and you'll find yourself endlessly troubleshooting care issues.

Soil is made up of organic and mineral components. In this context, organic refers to things that were once alive. Minerals, however, are natural, inorganic substances (not derived from living organisms).

The right ratio of organic to mineral material will support growth and prevent rot. It will also allow you to water your succulents deeply, but infrequently. The mineral content can range from 40%-80% by volume depending on environmental conditions and the varieties being grown.

For indoor growing, we recommend a gritty, well-draining soil that is about 2/3 mineral grit by volume. Pay attention to the amount of time it takes the soil to dry after a thorough drenching and adjust the mineral to organic ratio as necessary.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Drainage is Key
01:13 - Organic vs Non-Organic Matter
02:34 - DIY Succulent Soil Recipe
04:05 - Non-Organic Ingredient Options
05:35 - Organic Ingredient Options
06:37 - Soil Ingredients to Avoid
07:59 - Adjusting for Climate
09:03 - Adjusting for Plant Type
10:29 - Picking and Amending a Store-Bought Mix
12:45 - Bonsai Jack Soil
13:46 - Conclusion

[censusgary]

Perlite comes with a lot of fine, abrasive dust that is easy to inhale, and can cause problems such as silicosis. Whenever you’re handling it, use a respirator, or at least a dust mask.

[Love_Dennie]

I really like her. She’s an amazing teacher. I had to subscribe. ❤

[markdcmountp]

I love how clear and thorough you are when teaching and explaining in your videos 👍🏼

[abbasduman]

Note that the more grit you use for your plant, the more fertilizer you generally need for it.

[peipeitan]

Watching this on 11/4 at 5:30 a.m. pacific time because I can't deal with reality. Thank you for taking my mind off of things for 15 minutes. And I second the comment "Bonsai Jack or go home."

[reeserogers]

Simple Recipe:
• 1 part Potting Soil
• 2 parts Perlite


You can mix and match using the following…
Organic matter: potting soil, forest products, compost, coir
Non-organic matter: course sand (no beach sand, no salt), perlite, gravel (rinse off dust first), decomposed granite, chicken grit

Thank you for sharing this recipe. I'm looking forward to using this =)

[phenixwars]

This is THE BEST soil mix video I've seen. And I've watched tons. I've watched this video about 3 times already just to compare what you suggest to what others suggest, and you make it so simple and affordable too. Chicken grit is super affordable! And the ratio breakdown is so easy to understand.
Also, side question: what is the name of the succulent behind you, on your right, the small one that stands up straight (small cream-colored pot, right hand side in front of the large pot)? I bought a similar one at the grocery store, but it didn't have a name and I wasn't sure if it was etiolated or if that's how it's supposed to look. Thanks!

[CarmencitaTiradoJayandme]

I don’t even know who this lady is but because of her positive vibe and love for succulents my broke self went on their website and ordered Hardy succulents. I spent 50 bucks but this lady made me do it LOL. Keep up the great work lady. I’m watching ecstatically!

[tessamarie]

I’ve been searching for these answers about soil for so long. All the best info in just one video

[rebeccaguyton]

I recently received my first order of succulents from Mountain Crest Gardens which led me to your video. Your energy is so positive and motivating. I have chickens and an abundance of chicken grit. I will amend my soil before repotting my new arrivals. Everything I ordered from Mountain Crest looks great with the exception of the String of turtles. The turtles look very pale. This morning I moved them closer to the window. This evening I plan to repot the turtles and string of pearls using amended soil. Thanks for sharing.

[NaumanHashmi-htrw]

Just started gardening and after lot of search about succulents care, found your vdo. So we'll explained: simple but comprehensive! Great job.

[linngal]

Very clear, concise and thorough. Very informative and pleasant voice.

[ally]

Thank you so much for this upload!! Exactly what I needed to know. You’re so knowledgeable, well spoken, and you break everything down so simply and quickly. So refreshing after filtering through all the novice “experts” out there. Thank you again for this channel. I’ll def be subscribing 🥰

[thereselena]

This was so much fun to watch, thank you!! I live in Minnesota and have recently fallen in love with succulents. I learned a lot watching this video (dang, I have made some mistakes with my soil but intend to fix that.) and look forward to more. Thank you, Annie!

[theemeraldcity]

Thank you 😊 I really enjoyed this very informative tutorial. I believe you have given my succulents a fighting chance. Just would like to add that the way you delivered the information was very professional and concise.

[JenPolishAholic]

I was watching this to mix my own soil only to get to the end where you say you love the mix I already bought specifically for my Lithops (and love!). Good to know I picked something good!

[deehermione]

I never took care of a succulent before but I'm trying to save a dying succulent from the store. I have tons of coir from my indoor plants and my front yard is all rock and sand!( I live in the desert) I'm going to try sanitizing some of front yard and mix it with some coir and see what happens, before going store bought. 🤷🏾‍♀️ glad I saw this!

[qveenissac]

The most helpful and comprehensive vid on succulent soil I've seen. Love that you have a super simple specific (low budget) mix idea but advised on innumerable SPECIFIC substitutions and alternatives depending on climate, budget & involvement AND what they do/don't do. A+!

[msavina]

Darn, i wish I saw this video yesterday. My garden shop didnt have coarse sand so I ended up buying a bag of perlite for $8! I wish i knew to head to the hardware store instead. Womp womp. Well at least i know now and won’t have to cover my succs or bring indoors when it rains.

[lisabarnes]

THE best video on succulent soil, and I'veseen alot! So well organized and explained. So many others assume you know what all these terms mean. I am fairly new to gardening and also new to succulents. I had so many "ah ha" moments watching this. Although I've had success, I haven't had any luck with a Tiger Jaw inside on my only windowsill (north). I think maybe I was overwatering, as they rot from the base. Might try again using my Jacks Gritty mix (I did that right.😉). Thank you so much for your educational videos. Love them and have subscribed. Now, I'm going to watch this video again.