Are Cacti Succulents?
You might wonder if cacti are considered succulents, and while they share some similarities—like storing water in their stems, having thick, waxy coatings to reduce water loss, and thriving in hot, dry conditions—cacti and succulents are actually distinct from each other.
Here are some key differences between cacti and succulents:
- Areoles: Cacti have areoles—bumps on their stems where spines and thorns grow from. Succulents, on the other hand, do not have these.
- Branches: Some succulents have branches, but cacti don’t.
- Height: Succulents are typically shorter, while cacti can grow up to 3 meters tall.
- Leaves: Many succulents have true leaves, but cacti don’t have leaves at all, regardless of the species.
- Flowers: Succulents rarely bloom, while cacti are known for their large, colorful flowers.
What’s The Best Soil for Cacti and Succulents?
If you’re growing cacti or succulents, the right soil is crucial for their health. You can buy a ready-made potting mix for these plants, but if you prefer making your own, here’s what you need to know:
The soil for cacti and succulents should be:
- Well-draining: Cacti and succulents need soil that drains well. Too much moisture can cause their roots to rot.
- Low in organic matter: You don’t want soil that retains moisture too long.
- A bit airy: The soil should allow for good airflow around the roots.
My DIY Mix for Cacti and Succulents:
- 5 parts perlite
- 1 part builder’s sand (coarse sand works too)
- A pinch of Azomite rock dust
- 4 parts potting soil
Perlite helps keep the soil light and aerated, while sand improves drainage. Azomite rock dust provides essential minerals that help the plants thrive.
After mixing these, place the soil in your pot, and top it off with fine pea gravel or small aquarium stones to prevent the plant crowns from rotting.
To make the soil slightly more acidic, you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to every 5 gallons of water you use for irrigation.
How to Water Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents aren’t thirsty plants. In fact, they prefer to dry out between waterings. As a rule of thumb, water them once a week.
Here’s what you need to do:
- When watering, make sure the soil is thoroughly soaked. You’ll know it’s enough when you see water draining out of the pot’s bottom.
- Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Remember, both cacti and succulents don’t like sitting in damp soil, so make sure they’re in a well-draining pot.
Final Thoughts on Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents can be planted together in the same pot, as they share similar care requirements. However, always double-check the varieties to ensure they don’t have special needs that could conflict with each other. For example, a cactus from a semi-desert climate might need different watering conditions than a succulent that thrives in a moister environment.
If you’re growing both types together, it’s important to be mindful of each plant’s needs to ensure they both thrive.Tool
🧠 FAQs: Cacti & Succulents Together
Q1: Can I use regular potting soil?
❌ No. Regular potting soil retains too much moisture and can cause root rot.
Q2: Do cacti need more sun than succulents?
☀️ Generally, yes. Most cacti love full sun, while some succulents prefer partial shade.
Q3: What size pot is best for both?
Use a wide pot with drainage holes to support airflow and root spread.
Q4: How often should I fertilize them?
🧪 Once every 2–3 months during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Q5: Can I grow them outside?
🌤️ Yes! As long as the climate is warm and dry—or you bring them indoors during cold weather.
