You can substitute succulent soil with several cheap options. Perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and chicken grit all work great for your plants. These materials drain fast like your succulents need. You don't have to buy expensive bags from the garden center.
I started making my own mix three years ago. I got tired of paying ten dollars for small bags of cactus soil. Now I spend that much on supplies that last six months. Your plants grow just as well in homemade blends.
What makes a good option for you? An alternative succulent growing medium must drain fast. Water should flow through in seconds, not minutes. The particles need to be large enough to create air pockets for your roots. Your roots need those spaces to breathe.
Perlite is my top pick for most growers. It's cheap and easy for you to find. You can buy big bags at any garden store for under ten dollars. Mix it with regular potting soil at a one-to-one ratio. Your succulents will love the improved drainage.
Pumice works even better if you can find it. It doesn't float like perlite does when you water your plants. It holds some moisture but drains fast for you. Pumice costs more, but it lasts forever in your soil. You only buy it once for each pot.
Chicken grit surprised me as an option. I found it at the feed store for five dollars per bag. It's just crushed granite in small pieces. Mix it with potting soil for a gritty blend that works great for you. My echeverias grew stronger roots in this mix.
Coarse builder's sand works too, but you need to pick the right type. You want sharp sand, not play sand. Play sand has fine particles that pack down and block your drainage. Look for sand at hardware stores in the concrete section. It costs almost nothing for a large bag.
Here's my budget succulent soil recipe for you. Mix two parts coarse sand with one part potting soil and one part perlite. This blend drains in seconds. It costs about three dollars to fill ten pots. Try to beat that price at your garden center.
Aquarium gravel works in a pinch for you. It drains well and looks nice on top of your pots. The pieces are too large for small succulents though. Use it for bigger plants like jade or aloe. Mix it with soil so your roots have something to grab.
I tested turface last year after hearing about it online. It's a clay product used on baseball fields. It holds moisture but releases it fast to your roots. You can find it at sports field supply stores. It works great but costs more than other options for you.
Landscape suppliers sell bulk materials cheap. Call around and ask about decomposed granite or lava rock. They sell by the bucket instead of tiny bags. I fill five gallon buckets for under ten dollars. That lasts me all season.
Don't overthink your substitute choice. Any gritty, fast-draining material works for your succulents. Pick what's cheap and easy to find in your area. Your plants care about drainage, not brand names. Test your mix before planting to make sure water flows through fast.
Read the full article: Best Soil for Succulents: Complete Mix Guide
