Are Succulents Acid Loving Plants?

Last Updated on April 23, 2022 by Guillermina

Are succulents acid loving plants? Again, we’ve heard many people asking us this question. In truth, many plants grow well in soil with specific acidity levels and succulents are one of them. Succulents can thrive better in soil with around pH6.

Different varieties of succulents require unique acidity levels. It depends on their native area, plant structure, genetics, and many other factors like the habitat they have adapted or are accustomed to. For example, echeveria must be between 4 to 6.5pH, which is why they most thrive on limestones.

However, there are many beliefs regarding succulents and the acidity level in the soil. Today, we will tackle the various myths associated with growing succulents and reveal to you the truth.

Table of Contents

Myths About Soil Acidity And Succulents

Acidity is the most important factor in growing succulents.

This is a myth. Although succulents prefer acidic soil to bloom at their best, it’s not the most important factor. Of course, you need to consider the proper combination of other factors for a lovely succulent such as proper temperature, humidity level, and watering technique.

Recall that succulents need soil that permits water to drain quickly. Great succulent soil permits the plants to relax. Succulents will not fill well in reduced soil. It holds a lot of water and dampness, and succulents could do without remaining in such wet circumstances. Consider this when buying or mixing your succulent soil.

You can’t grow succulents in the DIY succulent mix

In truth, succulent mixes in stores have all started with DIY and are packed in professional plastic containers. If you want to create your mix, all you need is coarse ground soil, sand, and pumice. Pumice are tiny rocks that you mix with your ground soil to increase its coarseness and improve its ability to drain quickly. If you have loamy soil, you can mix it with 50% sand. When potting you can even layer the pumice on the base, which will help drain the water better.

All succulents are hardy and will require acidic soil.

This is not all true. Not all succulents are hardy since there are succulents that prefer warmer weather. A few succulents are harder than others. For outside planting, it is prescribed to point toward hardier succulents since they can endure more. A few decent decisions for tough succulents incorporate Sedum and Sempervivum.

3 Vital Ingredients For A Perfect Succulent Mix

1. Gardening Soil

You can use gardening soil as a base for your succulent mix. Any generally useful soil will do. Simply ensure that it is perfect and new. You can get it from the close by garden store or request it on the web. While purchasing gardening soil, ensure that it is light and permeable to assist with accomplishing the ideal soil for your plants.

Never utilize a smaller soil or any nursery soil. Soil like this will hold a lot of water and dampness which will thusly cause root decay in your plants.

2. Coarse Sand

Another significant ingredient is coarse sand. This will assist with making the dirt blend breathable. Be that as it may, you shouldn’t utilize the sand from the ocean side, however, it is enticing to do as such, particularly assuming you live on the coast. It doesn’t give air circulation. One more issue with oceanside sand is that it contains minerals that are destructive to the delicious plants.

3. Perlite or Pumice

Perlite is a lightweight white natural material that resembles Styrofoam. It makes for an incredible expansion of the dirt blend, making it more permeable. One more justification for why perlite is an extraordinary expansion to the blend is that it doesn’t ingest and hold an excess of water and dampness. It will forestall compaction of the dirt, making it quickly depleting and that is by and large the thing succulents love.

The following is the perfect formula for succulent soil.
Three pieces of gardening soil
Two pieces of coarse sand
One piece of perlite

Make a point to have a fair estimating unit-a cup for instance. Assuming you are utilizing a cup, you simply blend 3 cups of fertilized soil, two cups of coarse sand, and one cup of perlite. Blend them well in a blending compartment, and there you have it-your own delicious blend, with sharpness levels appropriate for succulents.

FAQs

Are coffee grounds good for succulents?

Surprisingly, coffee grounds are great for succulents. They help break down the soil and add nitrogen to improve the permeability of the whole setting. Coffee grounds also help aerate the soil and improve drainage and may even suppress weeds, and drive away pests. So now, if you have coffee grounds, you know where to place them.

What is the recommended succulents’ soil pH level?

The recommended succulent soil pH level is 4-6.5. This acidity level is general among succulents. Anything more than this can be dangerous to the plants. Lower acidity can be supplemented by fertilizers, proper watering techniques, and average sun exposure. For succulents, remember that indirect sun exposure is always a must. Otherwise, you can supplement it with grow lights, especially during the winter season.

What compost is best for succulents?

Any succulent lover would recommend standard general multipurpose compost mix since it has more improved permeability. Conversely, you can buy a John Innes number 2 succulent mix, then you can just add river sand at around 30%. Alternately, you can use grit, pumice, or perlite.

Why do some plants like acidic soil?

Some plants like acidic soil because pH affords them good access to nutrients. AS long as your soil provides the proper pH level, it will be sufficient. Avoid raising the pH level further to avoid poisoning your plants. There are pH level testers for soil sold online. If your soil’s pH level is low, you can add materials that contain some form of lime. Ground agricultural limestones are also great additions because succulents love them. Thankfully, you can get hold of most of these ingredients online.