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10 Best Soils For Succulents 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix, For Indoor Succulents, Aloe Vera and More, Made with Miracle-Gro Plant Food, 4 qt

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,411
Drainage
Aeration

Most important from
18298 reviews

Drainage
This potting mix helps with drainage and has made my plants healthier.
Aeration
The mix remains soft, allowing new roots to grow while holding water well.

The Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix is designed specifically for indoor succulents such as aloe vera, cacti, echeverias, and more. One of the key strengths of this product is its blend of sphagnum peat moss, processed forest products, and Miracle-Gro plant food, which helps provide the necessary nutrients for succulent growth.

Additionally, this potting mix promotes good drainage and aeration, which are crucial for preventing root rot in succulents. The texture of the mix is designed to be loose and well-draining, allowing for proper air circulation around the roots. However, some users might find that the mix retains more moisture than preferred, potentially requiring extra caution with watering to prevent overwatering.

The pH level of the mix is generally suitable for most succulents, but it may not be ideal for all species. The product is easy to use, and one 4 qt. bag is sufficient to fill an 8-inch container, making it convenient for small indoor gardening projects. Some users have noted that the mix can occasionally have larger wood pieces, which might need to be removed manually. The Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix is a reliable choice for indoor succulent enthusiasts, offering good drainage, aeration, and nutrient content, but it requires careful watering and occasional manual adjustments.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,411
Drainage
Aeration

Most important from
18298 reviews

Drainage
This potting mix helps with drainage and has made my plants healthier.
Aeration
The mix remains soft, allowing new roots to grow while holding water well.
#2

Back to the Roots 100% Organic Succulent & Cacti Mix (Value 12 quart) | Made in The USA

Rating
9.6
Aeration
Nutrient Content

Most important from
1732 reviews

Aeration
Easy to expand, light, and fluffy—perfect for succulents and cacti!
Nutrient Content
The soil expanded into a lot of volume, with plenty of organic matter—great value for the price.

The Back to the Roots 100% Organic Succulent & Cacti Mix is tailored specifically for the needs of succulents and cacti, ensuring a balanced nutrient profile that promotes optimal growth. The inclusion of aged bark is a significant advantage as it enhances soil structure and aeration, promoting robust root development. This is crucial for succulents and cacti, which require well-aerated soil to thrive.

Additionally, the blend includes perlite and horticultural sand, which facilitate rapid drainage. This is essential for preventing waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot, a common issue with these types of plants. The soil mix is made in the USA and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

One potential drawback is the weight of the product, at 15.64 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle. This soil mix is a strong contender for anyone looking to provide their succulents and cacti with a healthy growing environment. It's especially beneficial for those new to succulent care, as it takes the guesswork out of soil composition.

Rating
9.6
Aeration
Nutrient Content

Most important from
1732 reviews

Aeration
Easy to expand, light, and fluffy—perfect for succulents and cacti!
Nutrient Content
The soil expanded into a lot of volume, with plenty of organic matter—great value for the price.
#3

Mix Horticultural Lava Rock Pebbles Pumice Potting Soil Amendment Succulent Cactus Bonsai Gritty Rock Decorative Gravel Plant Drainage Volcanic Rock for Terrarium Fairy Gardening Top Dressing 6lb

Rating
9.4
Drainage

Most important from
9055 reviews

Drainage
Works just as expected, providing excellent drainage for my succulents.

The TOYPOPOR Mix Horticultural Lava Rock Pebbles Pumice Potting Soil Amendment is highly effective for succulents, cacti, and other drought-tolerant plants due to its exceptional drainage capabilities. This is crucial for preventing overwatering, which is often a problem for these types of plants. The professional-grade formulation ensures a balanced supply of nutrients, supporting healthy plant growth.

This mix includes a variety of natural stones such as red and black lava rock, maifanitum, and green mineral stones, which not only improve drainage but also provide essential trace minerals. The product's texture and composition promote good aeration, further benefiting root health. Additionally, its ability to improve drainage and neutralize soil pH makes it versatile for use with other plant types.

The vibrant colors of the stones make it a great choice for creative DIY projects like terrariums and fairy gardens. Weighing just under 6 pounds and with a compact packaging, it is convenient for storage and handling. Some users might find the mix less suitable for plants that prefer moisture-retentive soil. This product is ideal for succulent enthusiasts looking for a reliable, decorative, and nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Rating
9.4
Drainage

Most important from
9055 reviews

Drainage
Works just as expected, providing excellent drainage for my succulents.

Buying Guide for the Best Soils For Succulents

Choosing the right soil for your succulents is crucial for their health and growth. Succulents are unique plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, and they thrive in well-draining soil. The right soil mix will help prevent root rot and ensure your succulents get the nutrients they need. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting soil for your succulents.
DrainageDrainage is the soil's ability to allow water to pass through it. This is important because succulents are prone to root rot if they sit in waterlogged soil. Well-draining soil ensures that excess water can escape, preventing the roots from staying too wet. Look for soil mixes that contain materials like sand, perlite, or pumice, which help improve drainage. If you live in a humid climate or tend to overwater, opt for a mix with more drainage materials.
AerationAeration refers to the soil's ability to allow air to reach the roots. Good aeration is essential for succulents because it helps prevent compacted soil, which can suffocate the roots and lead to poor growth. Soil mixes with larger particles, such as perlite or pumice, provide better aeration. If your succulents are in pots without drainage holes, prioritize a soil mix with excellent aeration to compensate.
Nutrient ContentNutrient content is the amount of essential nutrients available in the soil. While succulents don't need highly fertile soil, they still require some nutrients to thrive. A balanced succulent soil mix will contain a moderate amount of organic matter, such as compost or coconut coir, to provide necessary nutrients. If your succulents are showing signs of nutrient deficiency, consider a soil mix with added organic matter or use a succulent-specific fertilizer.
pH LevelThe pH level of the soil indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Succulents generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. This range allows them to absorb nutrients effectively. If you're unsure about your soil's pH, you can test it using a pH meter or test kit. If the pH is too high or too low, you can amend the soil with materials like sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise pH.
TextureSoil texture refers to the size and feel of the soil particles. For succulents, a gritty or sandy texture is ideal because it promotes drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils that retain too much moisture. If your soil feels too dense or compact, you can improve its texture by adding coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. Choose a texture that feels gritty and loose to ensure your succulents' roots can breathe and grow freely.

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