Bio Leaf DESERT CACTI & Succulent Mix - 5 litre

Bio Leaf potting mix for cacti native to desert habitats is a coarse, gritty blend, high in non-porous ingredients, quick to drain while holding just enough moisture for cacti to replenish their water stores before the mix dries out again.  

Available in 2 litres (available here) and 5 litres (this size)

Which plants is this mix for?

This mix is for desert succulents and cacti that prefer to fully dry out between watering, such as Aloe Vera, Agave, Echeveria, Opuntia (Bunny Ears), Haworthia, Pilosocereus, Saguaro, San Pedro, Sedum, Stenocereus, Sempervivum, Mammillaria and many more. 

For jungle or tropical succulents and cacti who prefer a mix where moisture is retained for longer and dislike fully drying out, go for a jungle or tropical succulent mix instead (not this mix). Plants such as Rhipsalis, Hoya, Orchid Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Fishbone Cactus, Peperomia, and Epiphyllum.

PS: Need LOTS of potting mix? Orders over 15 litres total sometimes get too big or heavy for standard shipping rates. If your order goes over into overweight / oversize rates I will be in touch to let you know. I won't incur any costs without your okay - Anna  

Know your cacti to pick the right mix

All cacti are succulents. Check if your cacti is a desert or a tropical succulent. Tropical succulents and cacti are also called jungle succulents. Here's what the difference means for their care...

As far as substrate is concerned, knowing their natural habitat helps you pick the ideal substrate, and also helps get their watering right while avoiding root rot. This mix is made for DESERT cacti and succulents (not jungle/tropicals).

The right substrate and watering for DESERT cacti and succulents

 
Less is more. Water desert cacti and succulents less often, but deeply. Plant in a gritty, quick-draining mix (like this one), that retains a little water for a short while before drying out again. Check the substrate is completely dry before watering again.

When it is time to water, a good method is a thorough soak or bath to make sure the entire substrate and delicate roots are thoroughly saturated before draining and no roots miss out. If you have a choice, opt for temporarily going fully dry rather than watering again too soon, but when it's time, water deeply.

An ideal substrate for desert succulents and cacti is gritty and well-draining with low water retention. It's high in porous ingredients like pumice and enhanced with organic material to hold some water in reserve.  

The right substrate and watering for TROPICAL cacti and succulents

Tropical succulents and cacti however, prefer not to fully dry out. For these guys you want to let the top layer of the substrate dry out between watering, but not fully dry to the bottom, before watering again.

Opt for a succulent mix designed for tropical or jungle succulents and cacti, instead of a traditional, gritty, low-water retentive cacti mix. Maintain them lightly moist, avoiding ever becoming waterlogged or over-saturated.

What's in this mix?

Bio Leaf Desert Cacti & Succulent mix combines composted bark, pumice, scoria, charcoal and zeolite. Here's why each ingredient was chosen...

COMPOSTED BARK

Composted bark is tree bark that's been composted until it breaks down into a dark, earthy, naturally nutrient-rich substrate. It helps retain moisture and when combined with porous ingredients like perlite and pumice, still maintains good aeration. 

PUMICE

The addition of pumice increases drainage and adds air for healthy roots, reducing the risk of root rot. Even when fully saturated, pumice is highly porous, full of holes that create pockets of air.

SCORIA (LAVA ROCK)

A super-porous natural volcanic rock that collects excess water and nutrients, held in reserve until roots need them, helping prevent waterlogging.

ZEOLITES (LAVA ROCK)

Crystal-like volcanic stone known to trap heavy metals and pollutants like lead and nickel. Soaks up excess water to help avoid waterlogging. Keeps mixes airy. Zeolites are also naturally fungal inhibiting and help balance pH.

CHARCOAL

Keeps water moving down and out. Highly porous to increase air space. Naturally anti-microbial with a high capacity to absorb impurities and toxins from soil including harmful bacteria and fungi.