Turbinicarpus klinkerianus
Succulents are plants that grow in places where rainfall is so low and the sun so intense that the soil can barely retain moisture they need to stay hydrated. In fact, if it weren't for the dewdrops that suck up their pores every morning, I don't think they could survive.
When they are cultivated, this must be taken into account, because although we pamper them a lot by fertilizing and watering them regularly, their root system has evolved to be able to make the best use of sandy soils with little organic matter. Therefore, If you have doubts about how to choose the substrate for succulents, surely this article will be very useful  .
What is the best substrate for cacti and succulents?
Lithops comptonii
Cacti and succulents decorate our patios, terraces and gardens with increasing frequency. Their easy cultivation and maintenance, in addition to their low price, have made them something like the candy that sweetens our day to day. But to have them perfectly healthy it is extremely important to plant them with substrates that have very good drainage.
What is drainage? It is the ability of a soil or substrate to filter water. For our favorite plants, the water that is not absorbed should escape as quickly as possible through the holes in the pot., otherwise its root system would run a serious risk of rotting. Fortunately, it can be avoided by making any of these mixes:
- 50% black peat + 50% perlite
- 50% black peat + 50% washed river sand
Another option is to buy sacks of cactus substrates that are already prepared, the Battle brand being especially recommended.
How to choose the substrate for plants with caudex?
Pachypodium brevicaule
If cacti and succulents are very sensitive to waterlogging, plants with caudex or caudiciforms are even more so. The adenium, the arboreal type Aloes (such as the a. dichotoma or A. plicatilis), the Pachypodium ... all of them need, yes or yes, a substrate that drains not well, but perfectly.
For these succulents, I advise planting them only in any of these substrates: pumice, akadama, small-grained volcanic clay (gravel type), or washed river sand. If you can't get any of these, you can use perlite that you will find for sale at any nursery and garden store.
These substrates do not have any organic matter, but it does not matter. As a friend once told me, the substrate only has to serve to hold the plants; the subscriber will be what keeps them strong and healthy.
If you have any questions, do not leave them in the inkwell.