What Is the Best Soil to Buy for Cactus?

Potting Mix

• Most potting mixes found in garden centers and nurseries contain soil with high organic content because most plants do best in loam-based soils. Cactus plants, on the other hand, do best when provided with sand-based potting mixes. Sand and other large particle porous materials allow water to drain easily from pots and containers. Porous soil does not allow nutrient buildup or salt deposits, all of which are detrimental to cactus plant health. Provide your cactus with potting soil similar to that found in nature. A proper mix is one part coarse sand and one part standard potting soil.

Other Mixes

• Coarse sand is one way to lighten standard potting mix. Other porous materials used in cactus potting mixes include perlite, crushed oyster shells, peat moss, pumice and gravel. One way to test soil to ensure its suitability for cactus plantings is to water it until moist and then grab a handful. Tighten your fist and then release. If the soil breaks apart, then it will provide your cactus with appropriate moisture retention and drainage.

Containers and Watering

• Cactus containers and potting mix should be sterile. This ensures your plant stays healthy and does not contract fungal and bacterial diseases. Once planted in a sterile container with drainage holes, monitor your cactus's water levels. Sporadic watering produces inconsistent growth. Water your cactus deeply, remove it from standing water and only water again when the soil is dry. Some indoor gardeners place cacti, especially miniature varieties, in one large shallow dish. Be aware that not all cacti have the same growing needs and requirements. Some grow faster than others and will soon outgrow the arrangement. Planting cacti in separate containers allows for better plant management and disease prevention.

Considerations

• Leave your newly purchased cactus in its original nursery container until the plant grows too large for it. When repotting the plant, avoid watering it for two weeks. This allows root damage to heal. Fertilize your cacti annually during spring and summer growing seasons.