Best Potting Soil For Succulents of 2024: Top 6 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-26

For a person who loves planting cacti or aloe vera, we guess you need good potting soil for succulents.

While it’s impossible to have ALL potting soil mixes at your side, choosing the right one for your demands is paramount. We have framed a list that will give you a better thought of which to go for.

Here are the best potting soils for succulents you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall: The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix
  • Best for Top Growth: Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
  • Best for Soil Compaction Prevention: Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix
  • Best for Root Growth: Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil
  • Best for Propagating Succulents: Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil
  • Best for Water Retention: Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix
6 Best Potting Soils For Succulents
Best Overall
The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix
    Best for Top Growth
    Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
      Best for Soil Compaction Prevention
      Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix
        Best for Root Growth
        Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil
          Best for Propagating Succulents
          Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil
            Best for Water Retention
            Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix

              Best Overall: The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix

              The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix
              The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix
              Pros
              • Great drainage

              • Keep moisture

              • No vermin

              • Lightweight

              • Affordable

              Cons
              • Limited amount in a package

              The Next Gardener product is an excellent potting mix for people who love potting succulents without a high budget.

              Succulent soil plays a vital role in directly stimulating plants to thrive. Hence, if you choose the wrong blend or get it over-watered, your plant will shrivel up and die.

              Therefore, you need a right potting mix for succulents, which contains nutrient-rich ingredients that can keep enough moisture and drain quickly. Perlite is a fantastic material that satisfies the requirements.

              Perlite enables succulent plants to store adequate water in leaves and stems but drain excess water away.

              It also helps the plants prevent root rot and overwatering. Besides, well-draining allows water and nutrients to penetrate their roots properly, which makes the succulents stronger and healthier.

              The neutral pH level creates a perfect environment for those succulents like cacti, bonsai, and other acid-loving plants to thrive.

              Even this product is 100% organic soil mix; it can keep the plants free of infection or bugs, so you don’t have to worry about insect infestation for your houseplants.

              The Next Gardener Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              75% substrate, 25% perlite with low fertilizer

              pH

              5.5

              Container Size

              2 quarts

              Highlight Features

              100% organic soil, free of insects

              Verdict

              If you want something affordable yet well-performed for long term succulent growth, check out the Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix.

              Best for Top Growth: Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

              Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
              Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
              Pros
              • Good aeration

              • Well-draining

              • Balanced pH

              • Nutrient-rich for bloom and grow

              Cons
              • Water-retention issue

              For gardeners, the good soil mix is the single most valuable attribute for healthy succulent plant growth. In this department, Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix blows away the competition.

              The reasons for that are partly on the product’s formula which is specially designed with a plenty-of-ingredient mix, such as peat moss, peat, perlite, sand, and limestone.

              Peat moss and peat build a strong soil ground. Perlite and sand make the soil airy and well-aerated for roots to breathe. Besides, limestone helps to balance a neutral pH level and prevent excessive moisture.

              The blend creates a great eco-system which promotes strong roots and blooms. After a short time, new leaves or blooms will be sprouted and become fleshy and fabulous.

              One more thing about this kind of potting soil is versatility. You can apply the soil outdoors or indoors, in a jungle, or a desert due to its exceptional adaptation to different harsh climates.

              With almost organic soil mixes, they also face the problem of excessive moisture because of its main ingredients like peat moss or ground bark. Such material doesn’t come in fine pieces, and if the water penetrates the soil quickly, it can’t retain much water.

              Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Reed Sedge Peat, Perlite, Sand, and Limestone

              Container Size

              4 quarts

              Highlight Features

              Organic soil, a formula for bloom and grow

              Verdict

              For guys who spend a lot of time waiting for their plants’ new growth or bloom, look no further than this potting mix.

              Best for Soil Compaction Prevention: Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix

              Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix
              Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix
              Pros
              • Nutrient-rich ingredients

              • No soil compaction

              • Great drainage

              • Good results

              Cons
              • Gnat infestation

              The Miracle-Gro is a perfect choice for succulent plants as formulated with top-notch ingredients for exceptional soil compaction prevention.

              As far as we are concerned, succulent plants have smart DNA that enables them to adapt to dry environments with sandy conditions. That’s why you are supposed to recreate such a succulent specific ecosystem in your containers.

              In addition to the need for a balanced pH, the mix should be well-aerated, less dense, and compact not to hold much water. Therefore, the ideal soil mix for succulents is supposed to contain gritty and sandy soil for fast drainage.

              Hence, the blend of peat moss, forest products, sand, and perlite work on the plants so well to prevent soil compaction, maximize air capacity, and control the moisture content.

              As some positive comments left on Amazon.com, the users are happy with the good results after using: looking better, more vibrant green, and perkier than usual.

              Even though the relevant gnat issues are related to care issue, this product is highly recommended as an excellent soil at a reasonable price.

              Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              Sphagnum peat moss, composted forest products, sand and perlite

              Container Size

              8 quarts

              Highlight Features

              Fast draining formula

              Verdict

              If you’ve been waiting for a fantastic potting soil to prevent compaction, wait no more. This Miracle-Gro product will give you the best of both worlds.

              Best for Root Growth: Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil

              Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil
              Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil
              Pros
              • Quality ingredients

              • Root rot prevention

              • Lightweight

              • Balanced pH soil

              Cons
              • A bit pricey

              When looking for an ideal succulent soil mix for a reliable roots system, we generally prefer something that is not only nutrient-rich to make the plants thrive but also easy to control moisture content to avoid over-watering.

              This product focuses mostly on promoting root development to give good results for the plants.

              After being recognized federally, the soil is appropriately processed to bring customers the best soil mix. With the premium ingredients of pine coir, calcined clay, and Monto clay, the blend helps plants grow up with fresh green color and fabulous blooms.

              To specify, the pine coir, as a soil builder, is lightweight and airy for succulents to aerate. The roots can absorb the right amount of water and are fast-aerated. Two kinds of clay enable the plant to drain water and improve the growth of the roots.

              Controlling water-retention prevents the soil mix from excessive moisture content. High air-porosity also makes the soil more aerated and gritty to have good soil drainage.

              Through testing by the experts, the succulent potting mix is free of gnat or insects, you don’t have to worry much about that.

              Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              33% Pine Coir, 33% 1/4 Bonsai Block (calcined clay) and 33% Monto Clay(1/4 inch Turface)

              pH

              5.5

              Container Size

              2 gallons (8 dry quarts)

              Highlight Features

              Premium ingredients, pH-balanced soil, pathogen-free soil

              Verdict

              As everyone should equip their plants with a nutrient-rich indoor container mix for everyday care, this Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil with highlights on premium ingredients and pathogen-free soil is the best candidate.

              Best for Propagating Succulents: Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil

              Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil
              Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil
              Pros
              • Lightweight

              • Airy breathable soil

              • Low moisture content

              • Rapid growth

              Cons
              • A bit pricey for a small amount of soil mix

              The Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil is a top-of-the-line product for people who need to propagate succulents.

              As hand-mixed and bagged in San Diego, the indoor potting soil is specially designed with the finest ingredients: perlite, sand, volcanic pumice, worm castings, blood, and bone meal, which products nutrient and liquid for strong succulent growth.

              The manufacturer emphasizes that there is no peat moss, which causes excessive moisture that succulent plants don’t prefer. That’s why we can ensure that moisture content is easily controlled for the needs of succulents.

              Besides, perlite and pumice help slow down the process of decomposition and keep the soil not compact as well as maintain soil stability. Sand also creates an airy and fluffy soil environment to make the roots more breathable.

              On top of that, worm castings, blood, and bone meal are high additives of trace ingredients and all-around nutrients for plants. They are a host for beneficial microorganisms that build a stable structure for succulents.

              All the ingredients succeed in promoting a robust root environment and sprouting new growth with fleshy green leaves.

              Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              Perlite, sand, volcanic pumice, worm castings, blood and bone meal

              Container Size

              2 quarts or 4 quarts or 8 quarts

              Fertilizer Analysis

              18-6-12

              Highlight Features

              Slow-releasing up to 6 months,

              Verdict

              If you need a qualified succulent potting soil for rapid growth, this is the best to go.

              Best for Water Retention: Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix

              Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix
              Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix
              Pros
              • Fast draining

              • Strong root growth

              • Ready to use

              • High water holding capacity

              Cons
              • A bit pricey but worth every penny

              The Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix is one of the best succulent potting mixes for water retention, and yet, it is very well-drained.

              The unique thing about the Superfly Bonsai is the large size of particles in the bag. There are many confusions about these “small rocks” not like any soil at all. However, they exactly contain everything your succulents require.

              The bag comes with a unique blend of Hard Japanese Akadama, USA pumice, New Zealand pine bark, and Haydite. They can drain well but still retain the right amount of nutrients and water, then release them slowly back to the roots without excess moisture.

              Hence, the key ingredients of this kind of soil create a fantastic environment to flourish your succulents indoors.

              As a non-organic and ready-to-use mix, you don’t have to hand-mix the soil before potting or add another soil to have a perfect ratio for your plants.

              With the easy-to-close resealable bag, home users will be pleased with the benefits of this product and are allowed to get back their money if they are not satisfied with the product’s performance.

              That’s why, despite the high price, the soil is reliable and worth the investment.

              Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix Specifications

              Primary Ingredient(s)

              Hard Japanese Akadama, USA pumice, New Zealand pine bark, Haydite

              Container Size

              2.5 dry quarts

              Highlight Features

              Non-organic soil, zip resealable bag, 100% money-back guarantee

              Verdict

              According to the unique formula that is well-draining but still able to hold water and nutrients, the Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix has won our Best water-retention for succulents award.

              How To Choose The Best Potting Soil For Succulents?

              Before choosing the best potting soil for succulents, let’s find the soil environment for such plants preferable.

              Succulents have such a smart DNA that it enables the plants to grow in extreme weather conditions from dry climates to colder environments. Such plants can store water in their thick leaves and stem from developing through a period. Hence, if you want to grow a succulent plant indoors, you are supposed to recreate that sandy soil condition for your plants.

              Succulent soil needs high moisture retention and large drainage capacity to flourish plants without being too wet to stay away from root rot or excessive water.

              The balanced pH level should be slightly acidic at around pH 5.5 - 6, which is perfect for succulent soil.

              Another consideration of choosing a proper succulent soil is the soil type. Organic soils are natural and ideal that helps to improve the soil conditions for the long-term.

              However, you can combat excessive moist problems because some ingredients in an organic mix, like peat moss, ground bark, ground coconut fiber, help water penetrate quickly and hold much water.

              Consequently, it can make the leaves enlarge and burst; then, the succulents will dry up and end.

              On the flip side, inorganic soil is well-suited for succulents with the main ingredients from perlite and sand, which are well-drained and have less excessive moisture.

              If you are getting to start planting succulents, we recommend you use pre-mixed products. You don’t have to find ways to hand-mix or do it by yourself.

              Which Brands Make The Best Potting Soil For Succulents?

              The Next Gardener

              Founded in 1995 in the USA, The Next Gardener is considered one of the biggest succulent care companies. Their products have been sold widely and expanded to over 650 various categories of hardy and soft succulents.

              Hoffman

              The Hoffman brand established in 1934 provided home gardeners the easy to handle horticultural products at a highly competitive price range like potting soils, specialty, soil conditioners, and organic fertilizers.

              Miracle-Gro

              Another famous garden brand is Miracle-Gro, specializing in indoor and urban gardening. Their products are appreciated for organic use and reliability to meet consumer needs.

              FAQs

              How do you prepare potting soil for succulents?

              You can choose some proper primary soil that has good drainage and enough moisture content for succulents to mix in. Then you mix a blend of perlite, pumice, sandy soil, aquarium gravel and soil builders (peat moss, coconut coir) in order with a perfect proposition before potting soil for succulents:

              • soil builders: 40%

              • sandy soil: 10%

              • compost: 10%

              • perlite and pumice: 10%

              • aquarium gravel:10%

              Can I use regular potting soil for cactus?

              No, you can’t because cactus needs a potting mix that can drain well. If you use regular potting soil for cactus, such soil may retain too much water, causing over-watering issues.

              Can I mix garden soil and potting mix?

              You can mix garden soil and potting mix for some instances, such as raised beds or in-ground gardens, not for a container.

              What is the difference between potting soil and cactus soil?

              Potting soil has four types: all-purpose potting mix, succulent mix, epiphyte mix, and specialized mixes. Each potting soil is suitable for each kind of plant. In these, the succulent mix is perfect for cacti with high drainage and less moisture-holding capacity.

              Can you plant succulents in sand?

              Yes, you can. But it’s not the best choice. Though some succulents can grow well in the harsh conditions, sand is nutrient-poor and doesn’t hold water well.

              Conclusion

              To grow succulents, you are supposed to need special tender care loving. Hence, we encourage you to try any of our picks for the best potting soil for succulents. They are not going to let you down for sure.

              Thanks for reading!

              I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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