Own soil mix for Cacti and Succulents

[Terry S.]

I would not replace the grit with Perlite. Perlite is just something that I have used for propagation purposes. When using it, one has to avoid breathing the dust and its lightness means that the centre of gravity of the potted plant will be higher and more easily knocked over. I doesn't look nice when washed to the surface of the compost either. I think it holds some moisture which grit does not and finally, it is difficult to acquire the coarser grades. You could probably work out a mix containing JI, grit and Perlite, but as I said in my first post, it is better to keep mixes simple.

[Bonsai2]

Many thanks Terry for the advice. I will put it to good use.

[Bonsai2]

Thanks to everyone for their advice/suggestions.

I will now start re-potting and will also do a couple of tests and see how things work out this year.

[Cidermanrolls]

This winter I’ve been adding pumice sand to my mix. Bought on line from a supplier in Germany, it’s not the cheapest (about 70p a litre delivered when bought in reasonable quantities) but it does give the compost a lovely open feel. I might be very disappointed when I start watering. Just type “pumice sand” into eBay and you will find what I’ve been using.
My mix this winter has been 1 part JI #3, 1 part pumice sand, 1 part Sanicat (or equivalent), 1 part pumice (4 to 8mm). Limestone clippings added for selected plants. All measured by volume with the mark 1 flower pot.
This is used for cacti.