Why drainage matters so much
Succulent roots need air as much as water. In dense, moisture-holding soil, the roots sit wet for days, run out of oxygen, and start to rot. A good succulent setup lets water flow through quickly and the soil dry out within days, not weeks.
A simple succulent mix
Bagged “cactus and succulent” soil is a good start, but it’s often still too rich and peaty on its own. A reliable all-purpose recipe:
- 1 part cactus and succulent potting mix
- 1 part pumice, perlite, or coarse grit (particles about 1/8–1/4 in, or 3–6 mm)
For plants that rot easily — like lithops — use even more grit, around two parts grit to one part soil.
Avoid: sand from the beach or a sandbox (too fine; it packs down), moisture-control potting soils, and garden soil.
Choosing a pot
- A drainage hole is non-negotiable. If you love a pot without one, use it as an outer cover. Keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside and lift it out to water.
- Terracotta (unglazed clay) breathes and dries quickly. It’s a great choice if you tend to overwater.
- Plastic and glazed ceramic hold moisture longer. Good in very hot, dry places, but water less often.
- Size: Choose a pot just 1–2 in (2–5 cm) wider than the root ball. Oversized pots hold extra wet soil that roots can’t reach.
Top dressing
A layer of small gravel or pebbles on top of the soil looks tidy and keeps the base of the plant dry. It also makes it harder to see if the soil is dry, though. Use the stick test from the watering guide.