From my perspective, my roots are my lifeline, but they are also my greatest vulnerability. I am a desert dweller, a succulent at heart, adapted to store vast amounts of water in my caudex to survive long periods of drought. My roots are simply not equipped to sit in consistently moist, dense soil. When they do, they suffocate from a lack of oxygen and quickly fall victim to rot-causing pathogens. This is the single greatest threat to my health in your care. Therefore, the single most important quality of my soil mix is its ability to drain water away from my roots almost immediately after watering. Every component you choose must serve this ultimate purpose.
I cannot thrive in standard potting soil or garden dirt; it is simply too heavy and moisture-retentive. My ideal home is a gritty, airy, and largely inorganic blend. A perfect mix for me would consist of three key parts. First, a small amount of a fast-draining organic component, such as a high-quality potting mix or coconut coir. This should only make up about 30-40% of the total blend, as its sole job is to hold onto a minimal amount of moisture and provide some trace nutrients. The remaining 60-70% must be inorganic gritty materials. Perlite is excellent for aeration, while poultry grit or coarse sand (not fine play sand) provides weight and improves drainage. For the ultimate mix, ingredients like pumice or lava rocks are superb as they are porous, providing both drainage and aeration without breaking down over time.
While drainage is the primary concern, the chemical environment of the soil also matters to me. I prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 6.0 to 7.0. This pH range allows my roots to most effectively access the essential nutrients they need, even if those nutrients are primarily supplied through fertilization. Most of the recommended inorganic components like perlite and pumice are pH neutral. The slight acidity can be gently provided by the organic potting mix component. You generally do not need to worry excessively about amending for pH if you use the right ingredients; the mix will naturally fall within a suitable range.
My ideal soil mix can be undermined by the wrong container. My pot must be a willing partner in the pursuit of perfect drainage. I require a pot with multiple, large drainage holes at the bottom—this is non-negotiable. Furthermore, the material of the pot plays a role. Unglazed terracotta or clay pots are my preferred home. Their porous walls allow water to evaporate from the sides of the soil, further reducing the risk of waterlogging and helping to keep my roots healthy and oxygenated. A shallow, wide pot is often better than a deep, narrow one, as it accommodates my natural shallow root system and prevents a large volume of soil from staying wet deep below.
