How to Choose the Right Soil and Container for Succulents

Succulent plants tend to grow in dry areas without a lot of moisture available through their root systems. For that reason, the roots are not adapted to being kept wet for very long. The deciding factors in choosing the right soil and container are that they promote drainage and help avoid root rot.

Best Soil for Succulents

Succulents are resilient and can tolerate a range of different soil types, as long as the soil drains well. Most stores that sell potting soil will have a succulent and cactus mix. The key feature of a soil made for succulents is that it will contain a lot of non-absorbent material such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. These materials create air pockets around the roots which allow water to flow through the soil easily and keep oxygen flowing around the roots. After watering, roots dry out more quickly since there isn’t moist soil compacted against them.

Best Containers for Succulents

Succulents are efficient at absorbing water through their roots and storing it in their fleshy leaves and stems. Their root systems tend to be shallow, so they do not need a lot of space for their roots to spread out. The most important factors in choosing a container that keeps succulents healthy are drainage and size.

Drainage

Planters for succulents absolutely must have drainage holes. These holes in the bottom of the pot allow excess water to drain out each time the plant is watered. If you want to use a decorative pot that doesn’t have drainage holes, you can drill holes in the bottom or you can use it as a cache pot by placing a plastic nursery pot inside so it is hidden by the more decorative container.

Container Size

The size of the container used for a succulent should allow about 1-2 inches of soil around the root ball. When repotting a root-bound succulent, choose the next size of pot which will usually be 2 inches wider in diameter.

A pot that is too large will hold extra potting soil that is not necessary to support the plant. Too much soil generally holds on to excess moisture in the pot, which can cause problems for your succulent’s roots. It is best to keep the container on the smaller side to keep the plant healthy.