Can You use Cactus or Succulent soil for other plants? yep…you can. You can definitely use any cactus or succulent soil mix for other plants. Technically they are meant for the same purpose as any regular soil but with little changes.
So You may have to add some organic matter or little this and that to make it suitable for use. You should be aware of the needs of any specific plant that you are gonna grow in this soil.
Ultimately any soil mix is meant to fulfill three essential needs of a plant. These are Support, Nutrition, and Protection.
Read my last post on 20 Plants with Taproots- Know the Root System
Support: The soil should support plant growth. It is an essential component to help both root and shoot growth. The soil strength balances the entire weight of the plant.
The soil should be strong enough to hold the plant in place even in heavy rain or wind like conditions. Other than that, the soil must be soft enough to allow easy room for healthy root growth. These two contradicting characteristics are always found together in a good soil mix.
Nutrition: Some plants are heavy feeders whereas others need low nutrition at the same time interval. Depending upon the need of the plant, the soil should provide enough nutrition throughout its life cycle. This is one important reason why one plant can survive in the soil mix where others can’t.
Protection: The type of soil is always responsible for the protection of plants. Every plant needs protection from harsh climatic conditions, natural factors like wind, or running water and pests. The soil should be safe and protective of the plants it support.
Now I think enough for the basics. Let’s start today’s discussion.
Difference between Cactus soil, succulent soil, and regular soil
- Texture: Cactus soil is more coarse than the succulent soil. Regular soil is finer and has a clay-like texture. Generally, Cactus soil contains more sand and less organic matter. You can find the maximum amount of humus or organic matter in the regular soil. Succulent soil is somewhat intermediate of cactus and regular soil.
- Moisture Content: Regular soil can contain maximum moisture Due to the presence of a high amount of organic matter. Most of the times this type of soil has poor drainage. On the other hand, succulent soil is fairly good with drainage. Cactus soil is best for drainage due to sand and low moisture content.
- Nutrition: A high amount of organic matter provides enough nutrition for the plants. We know that regular soil contains maximum organic matter. This means regular soil is highly nutritious for plants, better than succulent or cactus soil. It is true only if the soil you compare is collected naturally. Commercial soil mix is prepared with enough nutrients to support the plant.
Also read: DIY Aloe Vera Soil Mix recipe, Best Homemade potting mix
Can you use Cactus soil for other plants?
Yes, you can use cactus soil or any cactus mix for other plants. You just have to add some organic matter to provide more moisture retention.
Cactus don’t need much water whereas other house plants like any flowering plant need water at regular intervals. We should always care for the difference in the requirement of these plants.
If you are using the cactus mix for indoor plants then just add 1/3 cocopeat or dry compost to the soil to make it suitable.
The general mix for cactus gets drained quickly. So adding organic matter will maintain the moisture required by other plants.
You should make these changes with the cactus mix to adapt and fulfill the needs of all other plants. After all, The soil is the main component of the sustenance of any plant in nature.
Can you Use Succulent Soil for other plants?
Yes, Definitely you can use good quality succulent soil for other plants. In fact, Succulent soil is better than any cactus mix.
It is an intermediate mixture of proper moisture, nutrition, and drainage. Most other plants will quickly adapt to the succulent mix.
Commercial indoor Potting soil Mix is prepared specially for succulents and sold for all other plants. This type of soil is ideal for indoor gardening.
Every plant needs some moisture to regulate temperature and transport nutrients throughout the day. Just for this reason, a succulent soil mix is a good option for plants in pots. Succulent soil mix can store enough water to keep the roots moist and can drain much of it to prevent root rot.
You should read this before leaving: DIY Aloe Vera Soil Mix recipe, Best Homemade potting mix
Final Words
After all this discussion now we can answer that Both cactus soil and succulent soil can be used for other plants. Still, if you are not sure then check for drainage and temperature regulation in your soil. If it’s good then use it wherever you want. The best soil mix should hold enough water not more than 30-45 seconds.
Is this post useful? Write down your comments and suggestion about today’s topic.
Keep gardening. Live the Green!