Why does your succulent always grow poorly? The fatal mistake that many newbies tend to make is – using the same kind of soil for all succulents! Today I will use 5 years of gardening experience to teach you the science of soil preparation according to different growth stages. At the end of the article is attached to the climate adaptation formula, it is recommended to collect!
Stage-by-Stage Guide to Soil Preparation
Seedling stage: prioritize nutrition for growth
When your succulent is still a “baby” (leaf diameter <5cm), the focus is on ensuring survival. We recommend the “sandwich” method of soil preparation:
■ Base layer (70-80%): Nursery peat/humus soil
Permeable layer (20-10%): perlite + vermiculite (1:1 mix)
Nutrient layer: 5g of bone meal per liter of soil.
Climate-adapted program:
☔️ Humid areas (annual rainfall > 1000mm):
Humus 70% + Perlite 20% + Vermiculite 10%.
☀️ Dry area (annual rainfall <500mm):
Humus soil 80% + perlite 10% + vermiculite 10%
[Soil Preparation Tips]
Vermiculite can store water equivalent to 3 times of its own weight, which is especially suitable for the fragile capillary roots of young seedlings. It is recommended to check the soil PH value every quarter and keep it at 6.0-7.0 optimally.
Growing plants: color control is the key!
When the succulent enters the mature stage (diameter 8-15cm), the soil should begin to “do subtraction”:
■ The proportion of basic soil is reduced to 30-50%.
■ Add new hard particles: Maifan stone + volcanic stone (2:1 mix)
It is recommended to add 5% activated carbon granules.
Climate-adapted program:
☔️ Humid areas:
Humus soil 40% + Perlite 10% + Vermiculite 10% + Rigid granules 40%.
☀️ Dry areas:
Humus soil 50% + Perlite 10% + Vermiculite 20% + Rigid granules 20
[Expert Advice]
Volcanic stone contains iron element which can promote the color development of succulent, with a temperature difference of 15℃ in the morning and evening environment, the earliest 3 weeks can be seen obvious changes in the state.
Old stumps: granules are the best way to preserve the form
When your succulent becomes “old grandpa” (stem lignification), the soil should remember three “high”:
■ 60-70% particles
■ High permeability
High drainage
Recommended formulas:
☔️ Moist areas:
Humus soil 20% + Perlite 10% + Vermiculite 10% + Rigid particles 60
☀️ Dry areas:
Humus soil 30% + Perlite 10% + Vermiculite 20% + Rigid granules 40%.
[Note].
All soil mixes must be added:
✓ carbendazim (2g per kilogram of soil)
✓ Small white pesticide (slow release granules for insect control)
✓ Rice husk charcoal (to regulate pH)
Advanced Maintenance Secrets
Climate Adaptation Formula
Adjust according to your area:
Annual rainfall (mm) × 0.5 = Maximum water retention material percentage %
For example: annual rainfall 800mm area → water retention materials not more than 40%
Adjustment for special species
■ Dodecameron genus: add 10% terracotta soil
■ Bioclave series: add 20% diatomaceous earth
■ Mage series: mixed with 5% pine scale
