One of the most common questions about growing cactus and succulents is: What kind of soil should I use? There are hundreds, if not thousands of pre-packaged cactus and succulent soils in the marketplace. The ingredients of each manufacturer's soil can vary significantly. And there really isn't a perfect answer as to what is the "best" kind of soil you should use.

The reality is, the best soil for your cactus or succulent depends on several factors. One major factor is your environment. Are your plants inside a dry or moist home? Do you have a cactus garden somewhere in Florida where it is rainy and generally humid for at least half the year? Are you growing in a dry Mediterranean climate or a harsher desert climate like Las Vegas or Phoenix? Each of these scenarios calls for a slightly different approach to soil composition.

Understanding the Basics: What Makes Good Cactus and Succulent Soil?

Cactus and succulent soil should meet three primary criteria:

1. Excellent Drainage: Cactus and succulents are desert dwellers by nature, and excess moisture is their enemy. Prolonged exposure to wet soil can cause root rot, one of the most common causes of death for these plants. The soil must allow water to drain quickly.

2. Gritty Texture: These plants prefer a soil texture that mimics their native environment. That means a loose, gritty texture that allows air to circulate around the roots and water to pass through without lingering.

3. Organic Matter: As long as the soil mix is well draining, cacti and succulents can benefit from fine compost being added to the soil mix.  This is especially true of desert environments.  At the cactus outlet, our soil mix is a 50/50 blend of organic compost and pumic.  

Pre-Packaged Soil Mixes

If you're just getting started, buying a pre-packaged mix labeled "Cactus and Succulent Soil" is a convenient option. These mixes are generally a blend of potting soil, sand, and perlite or pumice. However, not all store-bought blends are created equal. Some are too heavy in organic matter or retain too much moisture.

If you go this route, do a quick squeeze test. Take a handful of the soil and moisten it. Squeeze it in your palm. If it clumps tightly and doesn’t break apart easily, it likely retains too much water. You want soil that crumbles and feels gritty between your fingers.

Making Your Own Mix

Many experienced growers prefer to mix their own soil because it allows them to tailor it to their specific plants and climate. A popular DIY mix includes:

• 1 part potting soil (choose one without added fertilizers)

• 1 part coarse sand (horticultural or builder’s sand)

• 1 part perlite or pumice

For even better drainage, you can experiment with ratios, sometimes increasing the sand and pumice to 50% or more of the total mix. Some also add small gravel, crushed granite, or even poultry grit.

Adjusting for Your Climate

This is where things get more personal. If you live in a humid climate (like Florida or the southeastern U.S.), you'll need a soil mix that is extremely well-draining, since your plants are naturally exposed to more moisture. Consider adding more pumice or perlite to increase aeration and drainage.

If you live in an arid climate (like the desert Southwest), your soil can retain a little more moisture, but you still want to ensure good drainage. If your indoor environment is air-conditioned or artificially heated (and thus very dry), you might water more frequently than someone in a damp house. Your soil mix should accommodate your watering habits as well.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing

Indoor plants are often in decorative containers without drainage holes. If this is the case, be very cautious with watering and use a very fast-draining mix, perhaps with 60-70% inorganic material. Overwatering is the number one killer of indoor succulents.

Outdoor plants, on the other hand, can usually tolerate a bit more variation. If they’re in the ground, you might want to amend your existing soil with sand, perlite, and gravel to mimic a cactus-friendly environment.

Signs Your Soil Isn’t Working

Even if your plants look fine at first, the wrong soil mix can cause problems over time. Signs that your soil isn’t draining properly include:

• Mushy or discolored stems or leaves

• Persistent wetness at the soil surface

• A sour or moldy smell

• Roots that appear brown or black instead of healthy white

If you notice these signs, it may be time to repot with a better draining mix.

A Note on Watering

Soil is only half the equation—watering practices are just as critical. Even the best soil can’t save a cactus or succulent from daily overwatering. These plants store water in their leaves and stems, so they need far less than traditional houseplants. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the soil is completely dry.

Pot Choice Matters Too

Your pot or container plays a key role in how your soil behaves. Always choose pots with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are especially good for cactus and succulents because they breathe and wick away excess moisture. Avoid glass containers or nonporous pots unless you’re confident in your ability to monitor soil moisture very carefully.

Specialty Soils and Additives

Some growers add specific materials to enhance soil performance:

• Charcoal: Helps absorb impurities and improves odor

• Zeolite: Absorbs nutrients and slowly releases them

• Lava Rock: Adds drainage and structure

These aren't necessary for every grower, but they can be useful in specialized situations or for certain rare species.

In Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cactus and succulent soil. The best approach is to understand the basic needs of your plants—fast drainage, low moisture retention, and a gritty structure—and adjust based on your environment. Whether you go with a commercial mix, tweak it, or create your own from scratch, the key is observation. Watch how your plants respond, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect mix.

In the end, healthy soil leads to healthy plants. Once you've dialed in the right soil for your specific conditions, your succulents and cacti will reward you with beautiful growth, interesting forms, and resilience that only comes from a well-cared-for root system.