-By Yang (Photos&Texts)
Choosing the Right type of soil
Choosing the Right type of soil
The word Succulent comes from the Latin word ‘sucus’, meaning ‘juice’ or ‘sap’
Unlike other plants, most succulents are adapted to very dry environment which receives very little water– they store water in various structures like leaves, stems and roots. Hence, overwatering and clay soil will cause a lot of problems like Root Rot.
While all plants are susceptible to root rot, succulents have it worse than other.
Root rot is a complex disease. Succulents breathe through their roots as much as through their leaves (even more). That’s why loose and aerated soil is so important. Let’s imagine, if the soil is too wet and clay which doesn’t dry up quickly with not much air getting through, the roots will ‘lose the breath’, then die. The root rot spread quickly and since it affects the part that is below the soil line, you may not realise until it continues up through the stem when it’s almost impossible to save at that point. That’s why always use fast draining soil is important.
SOM & Granular
Succulents preferred soil mix comprised TWO Major parts: Organic Matter and Granular (Non-organic matter).
Soil organic matter (SOM)
Soil organic matter (SOM) is the organic component of soil, in short, it is the material that was once living such as Coconut Coir, Peat Moss, Bark Shreds etc. SOM contributes to nutrient retention, moisture retention and soil structure.
Granular
Granular played a very important role in succulent soil mix as the spaces between granular make is an airy growing medium that provides water, air, and drainage.
The fast-draining characteristic of good succulent soil has to do in large part with soil composition.
There is no ‘Magic Soil Composition’ for all types of succulents, the simplest way is to classify them by different Life stage.
For Leaf Propagation & Young plants
Those baby plants have very fragile root system (fibrous roots/Rootlets), small and vulnerable, they need more nutrient and water to survive and replenish themselves to grow strong roots.
Since then, Organic Matter is useful because it supplies nutrients as it decomposes and holds moisture well.
This mix ensure the ideal air and water holding capacity while having enough nutrient to sustain lush growth.
For Matured plant & Help with stretched Succulents
Those fully developed adult succulents always have taproot and big leaves, which means they have better water retaining system, higher percentage of granular will help with the fast drainage and prevent issues from overwatering.
Besides, stretched succulents is always a problem, while succulents are fairly slow growing, it is amazing how quickly they seem to stretch when they are not getting enough sunlight. However, succulents only grow when there is moisture around the root, so the quickly dry-out fast-drainage growing medium can help with this problem. (The stretched part can not be fixed, but they will grow more compact and easier to have more vibrant colour using this soil mix.)
Superior drainage, succulents will grow more compact and chunkier
General Purpose Soil Mix
General purpose soil mix is suitable for a lot of succulents.
Perfectly bended for water absorption, aeration and drainage.
More Useful Tips
If you are leaving in a rainy or high temperature environment, add Green Zeolite will reduces the chance root rot as it absorbs and holds potentially harmful/toxic substances and reduces the chance of root burning from excess ammonia.
Soil will become more compact over time, so it is helpful to start with good airflow. (You should also avoid packing the soil down after planting your succulents.)
And always remember that succulents are able to survive in an ecosystem that contains scarce water sources, so less water is always a wise choice.
