DIY Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix: Affordable Recipe for Large Batches

Commercial Mix Basics

Most bagged cactus soil contains peat/compost, sand, perlite, lime, gypsum, and a wetting agent.

Homemade Recipe (by volume)

• 1/3 composted humus
• 1/3 coarse sand (builder's sand)
• 1/3 Espoma Soil Perfector (fine lava rock) – it stays porous forever, unlike perlite which crushes to dust.

Cheaper alternative: lightweight expanded clay aggregate from a concrete block plant. Mix 1 cup lime per wheelbarrow load.

Stapelia Note

Yes, Stapelia (carrion flower) blooms smell like rotting meat—unforgettable!