Soil and drainage for every type of plant
Tropical foliage, succulents and cacti need different mixes. Here's which one to use.
The right soil depends on how much water each plant tolerates. This is the rule from our care sheets:
| Plant type | Examples from the catalog | Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical foliage | Calatheas, Philodendron | Rich in organic matter, with gentle moisture retention: peat and perlite. |
| Succulents and fleshy stems | ZZ plant, Kalanchoe | Flawless drainage: extra river sand or pumice. |
| Cacti and outdoor plants exposed to rain and direct sun | Torch cactus, Bunny ears cactus, Aloe vera | Porous soil with at least 30% perlite or pumice, to avoid waterlogging. |
Drainage comes first
In cacti and succulents, poor drainage is the main reason plants are lost. Use pots with a drainage hole and avoid waterlogging.
Sign of overwatering
If you see yellow leaves with wet soil, stop watering and check the drainage. More signs in the leaf symptoms guide.
