What soil is suitable for cacti. What soil is needed for cacti and succulents

The main trouble of beginner cactus growers, as a rule, is that, paying close attention to the composition of the earthen mixture - so much sand, so much clay, so much rotted leafy earth and peat crumbs - they forget about such an important thing, like soil structure. And cacti are very demanding to her.

Cacti need rough and loose soil. This is achieved by an admixture of gravel, coarse river sand, vermiculite mulch (loosening granules of various shapes), etc. The soil for cacti should be coarse-grained and loose, well-permeable to air and water, and not contain any organic fertilizers such as manure, bird droppings or horn sawdust.

The ban on such components is explained by the fact that all organic fertilizers are very rich in nitrogen, while cacti have a very limited need for it due to some physiological features. Even a slight excess of nitrogen leads to undesirable and often dangerous changes in the normal development of the plant: its stem begins to quickly stretch, loosen, and become watery. The hairs and spines weaken, the skin, which does not keep up with the growth of the swelling stem, bursts, and ugly wounds and scars appear on it. Such plants lose their resistance and die easily, becoming victims of pests and any fungal infection.

The soil, of course, should not contain harmful substances, pests, germs of diseases and undecomposed organic substances. According to its structure, it needs to remain loose for a long time. Permeability is also important because cacti do not tolerate if the soil is loosened and dug up. It must also be sufficiently nutritious (it should be remembered that sufficient nutritional value from the point of view of cacti and from the point of view, for example, fuchsia, are different things). It is best to use a mixture that contains leaf humus, clay-turf soil and coarse river sand with crushed stone in any proportions that suit you. Here is an approximate composition of the universal mixture, which is used in many collections:

2 parts (by volume) of leaf humus without twigs and knots;
- 2 parts of clay-turf land, in lumps, without grass and roots;
- 2 parts of river sand, well washed from dust;
- 1 part charcoal and brick (equally), crushed and sifted from dust.

For 3.5 liters of this mixture, one teaspoon of crushed chalk or eggshell (that is, calcium carbonate, in fact), a handful of vermiculite mulch and one teaspoon of superphosphate is added.

By the way, there is a ready-made soil mixture for sale called: "Cactus Soil". It is intended for breeding such species as zygotocactus, epiphyllum, aporocactus, echinopsis, rebutia, parodies, pseudolobivia, etc. The soil is optimal in acidity and is best suited for breeding the above plant species. Packing volume - 2,5 l, 5 l. Hazard class - 4 (safe). This mixture has proven itself well and requires only the addition of baking powder (sand, expanded clay or brick chips). On the packaging of ready-made mixtures, it is always written which groups of cacti this option is suitable for, since they are formulated taking into account the requirements of various groups of plants.

In an all-purpose cactus mix, four-fifths of all cactus species will grow well. And only the remaining one-fifth will need soil that meets its special requirements - either devoid of natural nutrients and structural elements, or enriched with them. As a rule, we are talking about the addition of clay (especially for nodule species), lime (for example, Cephalocereus senilis) or humus earth (primarily for epiphytic species). To achieve water permeability and looseness of the soil, it is necessary to add to it, as already mentioned, sand, brick chips or peat in such an amount that these substances make up at least two-fifths, and maybe even half or a little more of the earth mixture.

It would be useful to dwell in more detail on the role and significance of each of the constituent parts of the earthen mixture.

Crushed brick and peat it plays a dual role in its composition: pieces of it, interspersed in the ground, make it more porous - this is the first. The second, most important purpose of both brick and peat is to serve as a soil moisture regulator. The fact is that these substances are very hygroscopic and therefore can absorb excess water during irrigation, slowly giving it to the soil as it dries.

From the point of view of improving the physical properties of the earth for cacti, these most commonly used structural substances are almost equivalent. Both brick chips and peat improve the soil due to their chemical action. Both sand and brick chips can be used separately and in any combination with peat. At the same time, in combination, they help to neutralize the influence of their negative aspects. For example, brick chips not only loosen the soil, but also exceptionally maintain uniform moisture in it, decomposing into dust after a few years, which contributes to its sintering. Too sandy soil becomes light very quickly and dries out quickly. Peat, on the other hand, which supports the formation of roots in a plant, in case of an overdose, can, after a while, have an adverse chemical effect on the roots of some "capricious" species.

In the mentioned combination, it is possible to use ground and washed expanded clay or crushed stone with a grain size of 3-4 mm as a substitute. In an open-air culture, a smaller amount of these substances is also sufficient than in a window culture. And finally, in a stuffy, humid greenhouse, they can make up half of the cactus mixture. It is important that all these substances are clean, sterile. In addition, the brick chips must be sifted and washed so that it does not contain dust. Its grain size should be 3-5 mm.

You can use modern vermiculite mulch as a loosening component. These are porous granules in the form of grains, scales, etc. They regulate soil moisture, its air permeability. Sold in flower shops.

Coarse sand. This concept in cactus culture means river sand. It should be as coarse as possible. Sand, previously washed clean in running water, is very important for giving the earth mixture the desired looseness and porosity. If you use sea sand, it should not only be washed, but also kept for a long time in a container with fresh, often replaced water.

Cacti will also grow well in clean brick chips, if you add the necessary nutrients dissolved in water for irrigation to it. They can be added to every cactus mixture. Sometimes in this soil, plants do not develop as we would like them to. But the point here, perhaps, is not in the soil, but in diseases or pests that the cactus owner does not suspect.

leaf humus, that is, leafy ground, has several properties important for cacti, and it is very difficult to replace it with any other. First of all, it is rich in nutrients in the form already processed by soil bacteria, available for absorption by the plant. In addition, it is a loose, light earth that absorbs water well, which is very important for cacti. It dries much faster than clay, thereby preventing dangerous stagnation of water in the pot.

Will the organic, nutritious soil for cacti contain leafy soil from the forest, or a mixture of soil from various sources? The main condition is, first of all, the soil is healthy and clean. If you take it from the garden, you need to prefer the one that was fertilized three years ago, not later, and where legumes grew last year. As for the forest humus, then, perhaps, the leafy earth from under the beech is best suited. Forest humus soil is loose and moderately fertile, but it is so light that it can only be used in a mixture with clay soil. For this, it is best to take earth from molehills in pastures - it has good breathability.

clay earth firmly retains water and nutrient salts dissolved in it. Its lumps can be compared to tiny pantries that give food much more slowly than other soils. The viscosity and density of clay soil is especially important when planting tall or large cacti, as it helps the roots to hold the considerable weight of the stem more firmly. But the admixture of dusty clay soil is extremely dangerous - it cements the soil.

The degree of looseness can be accurately determined by squeezing the earth in a fist. Fresh cactus mixture during this test should remain in a lump, with stronger compression it should crumble. If a soft lump does not form with light compression, then the earth is too loose, sandy or dry. Very heavy, clayey or moist soil remains in a lump. In the first case, you need to add clay, and in the second - sand, brick chips or peat. For epiphytic species, add earth that is light, but rich in humus and nutrients. Plants with a turnip root need a heavier soil, you can add a little more clay to it. But sand is also necessary - for sufficient permeability.

Charcoal and sulfur powder have antiseptic properties, very valuable in the culture of easily decaying cacti. In addition, they, like sand, contribute to the friability of the soil. For a liter of cactus mixture, you can add a little charcoal in the form of fine crumbs and a spoonful of sulfur powder, also a very good antiseptic.

Superphosphate not only enriches the soil with phosphorus, but also slightly acidifies it, which is very useful for cacti.

Lime Our plants need it not only for the formation of spines, hairs and bristles, but also for proper metabolism, which helps the normal absorption of nutrients. In larger quantities, this component is added to some "lime-loving" species, such as astrophytums and a number of white mamillaria. Lime is introduced into the soil in the form of crushed chalk, eggshells, shells.

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil is usually indicated on the pH scale, showing the concentration of hydrogen ions: pH less than 7 - acidic soil reaction; pH equal to 7 - neutral reaction; pH greater than 7 - alkaline reaction.

Most cacti thrive in moderately acidic or neutral soil. As a result of constant watering of plants with hard water from a well or water supply, the soil becomes more and more alkaline, so it needs to be updated from time to time.

Cactus roots are so sensitive to soil alkalinity that already at pH = 7.5, the growth of most species stops, and at pH = 8-8.5, almost all of them die. According to the results of observations, it was noted that cacti feel best in the soil, the acidity of which is 5.5-6.

It must also be said that an excess of lime in the soil not only interferes with the growth and development of cacti, but also spoils their appearance, being deposited on the lower part of the stem in the form of a dull yellowish-gray crust. At first, this crust is easy to remove with a soft brush - thin and fragile, it falls off when touched, like a shell. But the longer this calcareous crust remains on the stem, the more difficult it is to remove. It seems to adhere to it, eats up, and after removal, dark, dead spots remain on the skin of the plant, extremely ugly and rotting at the slightest defeat.

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You can not philosophize when choosing ingredients for planting cacti. Ready-made soil for these plants can be purchased at most shops specializing in the sale of indoor plants.

The advantages of this choice are obvious. It is not always possible to find ingredients suitable for creating a mixture. The origin of gravel is not always known, and there may even be doubts about its composition. Therefore, sometimes it is better to purchase a ready-made substrate compiled by specialists. However, it must be remembered that peat is the basis of most ready-made soils, and its high content is undesirable for cacti.

When choosing a ready-made substrate, it is this ingredient that you should pay special attention to.

The best composition for cacti can be considered soil:

• based on lowland peat;
• categorized as "fertilized".

Often on bags with soil suitable for cacti, there is a designation "For cacti and succulents."

Soil composition

Planting cacti in the ground is possible only after the correct mixture is made. None of the components can be missed, otherwise the cactus may not take root, or start to hurt. The composition of the soil includes:

1. The earth is leafy. This is the main component of the mixture, so it takes up 50 percent of the total volume (10/20). You need to use this subspecies of soil, because it is quite loose and acidic.
2. Clay sod land. This type of soil is needed to retain moisture. It is added in a small ratio (2/20 parts) because the cacti are accustomed to dry soil.
3. Coarse-grained sand (river). It is used as natural drainage (to loosen). It is 2/20 of the volume of the substrate. Also, the soil is sprinkled with sand from above.
4. Clay that has been fired. It is replaced by small brick chips. Acts as natural drainage. Volumetric part - 2/20.
5. Humus. The best option for creating a good potting mix for cacti. You need to add it quite a bit, literally 1/20 of the total composition.
6. Peat. It is not required to use, it only affects the acidity of the soil (increases it). 1/20 of peat is added to the average substrate.
7. Lime. It, unlike peat, reduces acidity. The volume is similar - 1/20.
8. Charcoal. The best natural fertilizer, applied at a ratio of 2/20 parts. It can also be made by hand. It prevents the process of decay and preserves the roots.

When working on the ground, we must not forget about drainage. It consists of brick chips, pebbles and sand. The resulting mixture is laid on the bottom with a layer 1-2 centimeters thick (depending on the volume of the pot).

sheet soil

When studying which soil to plant cacti in, you should learn more about such a component of the mixture as leaf humus. It has certain properties that contribute to the harmonious development of cacti. It will be difficult to replace this component with something else.

Leafy soil contains many nutrients that the plant needs. Moreover, such components are in the form already processed by bacteria. Thanks to this cactus, they are easier to digest.

Overview of the best cactus varieties for growing

Cacti belong to the Clove family. They are able to grow in deserts, places where rainfall is rare. Their succulent, fleshy leaves store moisture, just like succulents. The arid regions of South America and the West Indies are considered to be the birthplace of remarkable plants. But the best types of cacti have spread all over the world and successfully inhabit the window sills of apartments.

Among them stands out:

• Mammillaria. As soon as they don’t call the plant: a snowball, ladies’ fingers, and a golden star. These spherical or columnar cacti are small in size. The growth of the fleshy stem reaches 20 centimeters. A feature of the species are bundles of spines that protrude from closely spaced tubercles. From an early age, mammillaria begins to bloom, covered with flowers of various colors.
• From large cacti lobivia. The dimensions of the cylindrical stem reach half a meter. On the surface of the stem, areas of light and dark shades of green alternate. The entire stem of the plant is decorated with thorns, straight as well as curved. The root is a stem or looks like a turnip. At the root, many children are formed, with which lobivia reproduces. Funnel-shaped flower petals are located on the side of the stem. In an adult plant, up to 25 brightly colored buds open. Another name for the cactus is echinopsis.
• Cereus is a columnar cactus. This long-liver is able to reach a height of up to a meter or two, and in nature - up to 6-8 meters. Spines are located on straight, like a candle, stems. And during the growing season, white or red buds are formed.
• Prickly pear. Flat-oval fleshy stems are divided into segments. Interesting bluish-green color of the cactus. Prickly pear spines are modified, and short hairs bring trouble to those who touch the stems. They dig into the skin and are difficult to get rid of. The plant blooms from spring to autumn.
• Phyllocactus, or epiphyllum. These are leaf-shaped types of cacti, although the flat stems of the plant are called leaves. Decorative cactus flowers. They are large and brightly colored. There are species with fragrant buds.

Depending on the variety of cactus, a container and soil are selected.

DIY soil for cacti and succulents

We will make a loose mineral substrate, which dries out very quickly. Ordinary street land from a forest or from a garden, mixed with coarse sand, is suitable for us.

The main components of the substrate for succulent plants:

• clay base: forest, garden, street land
• mineral baking powder: coarse sand, small stones, perlite, vermiculite, lava, pumice

Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Avoid large pieces of bark and wood chips.

Pumice is a relatively light volcanic rock, porous. More readily available substitutes include perlite, insoluble cat litter, aquatic plant soil, sandstone, or other similar material (agroperlite, as well as vermiculite). The goal is to provide an inorganic substance that allows water to quickly pass through the mixture, while at the same time making the mixture somewhat "airy".

You can add coir (coconut fiber) to the soil, it is sold. It is a coarse, fibrous material that is technically organic but decomposes very slowly. The purpose of adding coir to a cactus mix is ​​to help retain moisture and air, providing structure to the mix. Unlike peat, coir is easy to moisten after drying. Coconut fiber is sold in very tightly pressed briquettes. Before use, it must be torn by hand: the coir expands at least three times its original volume in the briquette, and even more.

Coconut coir and other soil components for succulents.

Clay minerals form the main basis of soil fertility due to their ability to retain nutrient salts.

The disadvantage of clay is its caking and poor penetration of air into the soil, therefore, in its pure form, clay is not used for planting.

It is necessary to add a significant amount of mineral baking powder: any material with a particle diameter of 1-4 mm, ideally 2-3 mm. This is coarse sand large, small can be weeded out through a sieve.

Coarse-grained sand can be easily found in any pet store in the aquarium supplies section, and small pebbles are also sold there, which can also be added to the soil.

If this desert cactus, use the simplest mixture of clean fine sand, coarser grains of sand and some soil. If you have tropical view, add some peat. A plant like Euphorbia is remarkably adaptable to almost any soil and can even thrive in dry soil.

There is no need to ignite or steam the earth. The main thing - do not flood, let's dry properly.

Potassium permanganate should also not be shed, it is a strong oxidizing agent that worsens the chemical properties of the soil.

Some add a little bone meal to the soil, sometimes fertilizer. And remember that cacti are very fond of watering with slightly sweetened water (water with regular sugar).

Use only small pots because large ones take too long to dry between waterings, which is bad for succulents, especially in winter. Small plastic or clay pots are needed, for small cacti a 100 ml pot is more than enough. Most importantly, do not flood the plant!

Keep in mind that besides the soil, there are many other factors such as light, humidity and temperature that affect the growth of cacti. This should all be considered along with the composition of your soil. Don't be afraid to experiment, it's very interesting!

Additional information about the composition of the soil for succulents

Cacti and aloe, let's take them as an example, almost do not react to the acidity of the soil, but it is better to take ground lands with a neutral pH value.

Among the components that make up the soil for succulents, there should not be organic matter. Such substances contain a lot of nitrogen, and succulents do not accept its oversaturation. An excess of nitrogen-containing components leads to extremely rapid growth and moisture accumulation for these plants. They become soft and loose, their stems crack and burst, the leaves lose their decorative appearance.

Leaf humus used to prepare the substrate must be free of debris: small twigs, knots. To do this, it is necessary to sift it through a sieve with large holes or a grate with small cells.

All components must be disinfected to avoid the introduction of pathogenic microbes:

• fry sand and earth for succulents in the oven in a pan or baking sheet for 1-2 hours;
• rinse the drainage material from dirt and place in a solution of potassium permanganate for several hours, then dry in the oven.

Properly prepared soil for succulents will create all the necessary prerequisites for the normal survival of the plant, its growth and development. Measures taken for prevention will protect succulents from disease.

Many succulents are grown not only for decorative purposes, but also as medicinal plants. Their medicinal properties have long been known to the people: aloe is used to heal wounds, from inflammation, cacti are protection from electromagnetic rays emanating from TV or computer monitors.

Pot features

When deciding which land to plant a cactus in, you should also choose the right type of container. The material for the pot can be almost anything. Most often, cacti are grown in plastic small containers. Even cups for yogurt are suitable for these purposes.

Also one of the best materials for a pot is clay or ceramic. They can be decorated in various ways. Even ordinary coffee cups are suitable for these purposes. Some cacti growers grow plants in coconut shells. There are many options. It is not recommended to use metal utensils for such purposes. She can rust. This negatively affects the growth of the cactus.

If there are a lot of plants, containers can be placed on one tray tightly to each other. This facilitates the transfer of the collection, increases the stability of each cup. Moisture stays longer in plastic containers. Watering is done less frequently. The pot must have drainage holes.

Care

Caring for succulents at home is quite simple. In the hot season, the flowers are watered abundantly 2 times a week, and additional dressings are added. In the winter season, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1 time in seven days, as daylight hours decrease.

In winter, you can not moisten the plant at all, as it can go without water for a long time. When the succulent withers, it is necessary to water it.

Such flowers need sunlight. Without enough light, plants slow down growth and development. These plants can be under direct rays and the sun and nothing terrible will happen to them, since they have protective elements from excess light.

Succulents normally tolerate sudden changes in temperature. But, they have a negative attitude towards the cold. In summer, it is optimal to take the plant pot to the balcony, because there is good air circulation.

If proper care is taken for succulents and the right soil is selected for them, plants will develop and grow well at home.

Brick and peat

In for cacti, crushed brick and peat may be included as an additional component. This additive performs several functions in the mixture. First of all, bricks with peat make the soil porous. They also maintain the correct level of moisture inside the pot.

Brick and peat are hygroscopic substances. They absorb excess water when watering. Then gradually they give this moisture to the soil. This is a kind of soil moisture regulator.

The combination of brick chips, peat and river sand is especially successful. If applied separately, one can observe the adverse effects of these substances on the plant. Over time, the brick disintegrates, forming dust. If there is too much sand in the soil, it will dry out. If too much peat is added to the mixture, it will adversely affect the roots of the plant. Therefore, all components must be in the soil in a certain proportion.

Ready land

Cacti need the right soil to grow and develop faster. Of course, desert dwellers survive in standard soil without the necessary additives and even top dressing, but in such an environment the plant will feel uncomfortable and often get sick.

For a cactus, the question of the correct selection of soil is extremely important. This type of plant in the wild has a strong rhizome that goes deep into the soil. At home, this is impossible, so the volume of earth in a pot plays the role of the many layers of soil that are available to a cactus in its usual habitat.

The substrate for cacti is a simple soil mixture, the creation of which is within the power of a gardener with any experience or even without it. When planting a room culture in a new soil, the main thing is to remember that it will not work to create an ideal atmosphere for plants the first time. The gardener must prepare for the fact that the resulting substrate will have to be supplemented and revised a couple more times.

Forbidden Ingredients

Land for planting a cactus should not contain organic fertilizers. Such additives are rich in nitrogen. This component negatively affects the development of the plant. Cacti, consuming nitrogen, become loose. Their stem is stretched. The spines and hairs become weak, the skin will not have time to grow at the same rate as the stem. Wounds, cracks and scars will form on the surface. This is a life-threatening condition for the plant.

Resistance to diseases and other external influences in this case becomes low. The cactus can be attacked by pests, fungal infections. Most likely the plant will die. Therefore, it is forbidden to add bird droppings, manure or horn sawdust to the soil.

The soil should not contain pests and their larvae, undecomposed organic waste

It is important that it remains loose during the entire period of growth of the cactus.

There are flower growers who believe that the soil for cacti is a detail that you don’t even have to worry about. Say, these plants live in those places where there is only dust and stones, so it makes no sense to buy some special land for them.

Many will be surprised to learn that the substrate should not be anyhow, but special, enriched with microelements and nutrients.

Important! For each group of cacti, the soil should be selected individually.

The reason is that plants are forest and desert. Of course, they grow in different conditions, so what suits one, for another will be death.

It is not in vain that specialists are working on creating a soil mixture so that it is as similar as possible to the one that exists in the natural environment.

Therefore, this issue must be approached with all responsibility so that cacti grow and develop.

Soil for cacti - what is it

Cacti that grow in the desert, as well as those that have turnip roots, grow in clay-cloddy soil. As for forest species with fibrous roots, loose earth will be ideal for them. Generally speaking, both species need a moisture- and breathable substrate, with a Ph level that does not exceed 6.5.

It is very important to ensure that fertilizers are not included in the composition of the soil, since this plant does not need various fertilizers intended for rapid growth or building green mass. They also do not need minerals and nitrogen-containing supplements.

Every flower needs its own soil

It is chosen according to the following principle:

• Those species that are susceptible to decay (blossfeldia, ariocarpus, strombocactus and the like) are grown exclusively in waterproof soil, where stones are present in large quantities.
• Instances with thorns are demanding on some components, especially they lack calcium. Therefore, this element must be present in the soil. To do this, it is enough to take an egg shell, grind it to the very minimum and add it to the soil mixture in small quantities.
• Some types of cacti, one of these - astrophytum, as well as similar specimens with long spines, need lime, which must be applied to the ground from time to time.

Important! If lime or calcium is added to the substrate of those types of cacti that do not need these elements, then the plant may begin to die.

As for the substrate, some gardeners do not know how to achieve additional looseness, as well as breathability. And for these purposes it is necessary to use coarse-grained sand. Suitable for both construction and river. In addition, you can use vermiculite, expanded clay, crushed stone, small pebbles and brick chips (previously well sifted and washed).

All these components, except for sand, must be selected based on the size of the cactus, as well as its age. If the mixture is made for a young cactus, then it is best to pay attention to the small fraction, if for an adult, then to the large one.

Important! In the case when the land for cacti is compiled by hand, all components must be sterilized.

Substrate for cactus: how to make it

It is impossible to say what kind of soil a cactus loves, because, as mentioned above, each species needs its own substrate. Which one will be described below.

The soil mixture for desert species consists of the following components collected in equal parts:

• peat;
• leaf land;
• sod land;
• coarse sand.

A completely different soil should be used for cacti that live naturally on the plains. These include a large genus of echinopopsives. As for the substrate, its features are nutritional value and porosity.

Special requirements are placed on the soil for the Cereus family, because they grow quickly and reach impressive sizes. Such flowers will feel good only in a fertile substrate.

Therefore, compiling it yourself, you should add:

• one part of leafy land;
• a quarter of humus;
• one part of sod land;
• one piece of peat.

For unpretentious cacti, it is possible to partially compose the soil mixture using 2 parts of the purchased land, as well as:

• one part gravel;
• two parts of coarse sand.

When planting a cactus, it is imperative to put drainage on the bottom of the flowerpot. It can be crushed stone or expanded clay. After that, you will need to fill in the ground, and add a little pebble or expanded clay on top. It is necessary and mandatory to do this in order to prevent rotting of the root neck. At the same time, great attention is paid to soil moisture.

How to choose the right soil for cactus

Today in stores soil for cacti is presented in a wide range. However, this does not mean at all that you can take the first one that comes across. You need to carefully study what is included in its composition. So, the obligatory elements should be: sheet and sod land, top layer or humus layer, as well as coarse sand. The content of vermicompost is acceptable, however, given that this is a nutrient, it is added to the composition of the substrate in small quantities. Among other components, you can find wood ash, charcoal and dolomite flour. All of these components are redundant.

Today, the most popular soil mixtures are products from the Vermion company, most of them are enriched with biohumus; soil "Flower happiness", which includes dolomite flour; "Tropic for cacti" from the company "Fasco".

It should be remembered that when purchasing a substrate, at home, you will still need to add some additional components, depending on the variety of cactus.

It is a mistake to believe that if cacti are succulents and their natural habitat is not very favorable, then there is no need to take special care of the soil.

Not only should the earth be nutritious and enriched with microelements, it is also individual for each group of cacti, which are desert, forest. Therefore, the soil for cacti should be selected as similar in composition to the one in which they grow in nature. However, in practice, these plants are grown using mixtures based on universal soils, which are often compiled empirically.

The composition of the soil for cacti

Desert cacti, as well as species with turnip roots, prefer clayey cloddy soil, while forest and species with a fibrous root system prefer loose soil. But in any case, the soil should be air and moisture permeable, with a low Ph level (no higher than 6.5). At the same time, fertilizers should not be included in the composition of the soil, since cacti do not need additional substances that stimulate rapid growth, minerals, in particular, a high nitrogen content.

Types of cacti prone to decay, such as Ariocarpus, Strombocactus, Blossfeldia, are grown in permeable soil with a lot of stones.

Species with spines need more calcium than species without spines. Therefore, it is advisable to add eggshells crushed into dust into the soil.

To retain moisture, soddy land is needed (clay, but black soil is not recommended). Leafy earth is rich in nutrients, charcoal is an antiseptic, prevents the appearance of rot, is added in the form of pieces, and wood ash, dolomite flour reduce the acidity of the soil.

Lime is added only to the soil for cacti that need it, such as astrophytums and other species with long spines.

Coarse-grained sand (river or building sand), brick chips sifted and washed from dust, expanded clay, small pebbles, crushed stone, vermiculite give additional looseness and breathability to the soil. The listed components, with the exception of sand, should be selected depending on the size and age of the cacti. For example, for young plants, seedlings, it is better to use a small fraction, and for adults - a large one. Before compiling the soil, all components are sterilized.

How to make soil for cacti

Soil for desert species should consist of equal parts of soddy, leafy soil, peat and coarse sand.

A different soil composition is needed for plain cacti, which include a huge genus of echinopsis. The soil mixture should be porous and nutritious, may consist of:

2 parts of sod land
1 part leaf land
1 part peat
1 part humus
1 part coarse sand

Very fertile soil is necessary for cacti of the Cereus family, which are characterized by rapid growth and large sizes.

1 part of sod land
1 part leaf land
1 part peat
1/4 humus

Based on the finished soil mixture, simple soils are made up for unpretentious cacti:

2 parts prepared soil
2 parts coarse sand
1 part gravel

When planting, a drainage layer of expanded clay or crushed stone is laid on the bottom of the pot, then earth is poured, and another layer of expanded clay or pebbles is laid on top to prevent rotting of the root neck. But top drainage is not always used, because it makes it difficult to control soil moisture.

Ready soil for cacti

When choosing a universal ready-made soil for cacti, you should carefully study the composition, which should contain turf and leaf soil, humus and (or) high-moor peat, coarse sand. Perhaps the content of biohumus, but such nutrient soil is added in small quantities. Other components of the composition are dolomite flour, charcoal, wood ash.

The most popular ready-made soils include Vermion soil enriched with biohumus, as well as the Flower Happiness soil mixture with the addition of dolomite flour, Fasco's Tropic for Cacti.

Special soil purchased at the store requires the introduction of some components, depending on the type of cactus.

For a beginner grower, it is important to clearly understand what soil to plant a cactus in. Often this understanding comes after a series of trials and failures. Do not believe the rumors that the most suitable mixture is one that is similar to the composition of the earth in the homeland of cacti.

Some plant the plant in completely unsuitable soil. At the same time, cacti feel great. However, this does not mean that you can give up on the composition of the soil for the cactus. Particular attention should be paid not to him, but to the structure of the mixture, acidity, ratio and amount of nutrients.

Soil composition for cactus

To properly prepare a soil mixture for a cactus, you need to know some factors. For example, a plant variety, its age. The recipes offered by flower growers differ only in the combination of ingredients. But they always remain the same.

Before looking for the necessary soil composition for a cactus, you should know that it must meet two parameters:

• the mixture is chosen loose, easily permeable to water and air;
• low acidity of the soil.

To understand what kind of soil is needed for a cactus, then first determine its age. For young and dived plants, a loose, nutritious mixture is more suitable. Therefore, most of the composition is leafy earth. Adult and old cacti need dense soil. It will be a greenhouse and clay-turf land.

In soil with a slightly acidic reaction, they are usually planted, growing in the steppes and forests. But mountain, desert prefer soil with a neutral reaction. The main ingredients of soil mixtures are leafy, old greenhouse soil, rotted manure, baked clay, charcoal.

What kind of soil a cactus likes depends on its type. For example, plants that have little to no thorns prefer calcium-free mixtures. But if the cactus is all decorated with thorns, then even eggshells are added to the soil.

The optimal time for preparing the mixture is a month before planting. It is recommended to store it in a slightly damp state. It is very difficult to guess how the plant will react to this or that type of mixture. To identify the disadvantages and advantages, it is better not to change it for a long time.

You can identify changes in the soil mixture during transplantation by examining the root system. If it is developed and healthy, then the mixture is suitable. When the roots are rotten, not developed enough, it is better to replace the mixture, since it does not bring any benefit.

Thus, the optimal composition of the soil for a cactus is determined by selection in the process of its cultivation.