The substrate for succulents should be light, porous and with good drainage, it can also be adapted depending on the zone and environment in which the plants are located, in hot, dry zones it can retain more water than in colder, rainy zones.
Here are several types of raw materials that are generally easy to find that we recommend:
-Perlite
-Expanded clay
-Volcanic stone
-Turfas
Perlite
Expanded Clay
Zeolite – Volcanic stone
Blond peat
As a reference, here are the proportions we use in our mix, which you can use as a starting point: 50% – Peat moss, preferably blond, it’s light and low in organic content 20% – Perlite, adds air and drainage 20% – Expanded clay, adds drainage 10% – Volcanic stone, improves air permeability, adds micro elements These types of substrate compositions are quite low in organic content, and we can supplement with a little slow-release fertilizer, but it’s important that the fertilization is done in low quantities, excess fertilizer can make the succulents weaker and less colourful. Final advice:
- Keep an eye on the substrate and check that the drainage is correct for the area where it lives, adjust if necessary with more drainage material or peat moss.
- Monitor the water levels in the pots so that the succulents don’t get waterlogged for a long time
- It is advisable to repot your plants every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide the necessary nutrients
We hope we’ve helped you with one of the most common questions you may have, but if you have any doubts, you can always contact us! See you soon! The Jardim da Pini team
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