When we talk about delicate succulent plants we refer to those that have a special tendency to rot or, on the contrary, to dry out. It is often thought that these are very resistant plants and very easy to care for, and the reality is that they are generally very grateful, but there are some that are a bit demanding. So that they are not so, it is important that we plant them in a suitable substrate, which is what I'm going to talk to you about this time.
In addition, you will learn to identify delicate succulents. Do not miss it.
Substrate suitable for succulents (cacti and succulents)
There are many succulents that can live in black peat mixed with 20 or 30% perlite, such as Aeonium, Echinopsis, Pachycereus, among others. However, keep in mind that this substrate is sometimes not the most suitable for all of them, especially if you live in a humid or very dry climate. And is that depending on the weather it will be more advisable to make one mixture or another. Of course, you can buy ready-made cactus soil, but it will not always be easy to find a quality one (there are many that have too much tendency to compact).
So, I encourage you to prepare the following mixture and provide it to your succulents, especially to the delicate ones:For humid or very humid weather:
- 50% river sand + 50% perlite, pumice or any other porous material.
For dry weather:
- 50% black peat + 30% perlite + 20% pumice or akadama.
What are delicate succulents?
Delicate succulents are those that live in soils with very good drainage, and therefore when planted in peat, they tend to rot easily either by overwatering, or by a combination of excess humidity + low temperatures. And they are the following:
- All plants with caudex: Adenium, Cyphostemma, Cissus, Arborescent Aloes (a. dichotoma, A. plicatilis,…), etc.
- Succulent: Aloe polyphylla, Mammillaria, Copiapoa, Coryphanta, Lobivia, Sempervivum.
To avoid taking risks, it is best to plant them all in the most suitable substrate depending on the climate we have. Surely now it will be much easier for you to have some beautiful succulents 😉.