HI, I want to repot some cactuses. Money is a bit tight atm so don't want to buy cactus soil, but I have a load of multipurpose compost. Can i just mix that with some sand? if so what ratio an what sand i best?
I've never bought special cactus compost (didn't even know they did it!)
I do a third mix, third of sieved multi purpose compost(to get the wood chip out that's usually in there), a third sharp sand (washed) and a third gravel (with a bit held back for top dressing)
Multipurpose compost contains a lot of organic material, which is not good for cacti. A mixture of JI compost and grit in roughly equal proportions, and perhaps some sand, is usually recommended.
Top soil with plenty of sand/grit should be fine, but I would forget about the general purpose compost. Cacti do not like soil that retains moisture for a long time.
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Firstly Pot if I may say so great user name. Brings back school boy memories. mine Bulb head. Cactus Compost won't rob the bank
I've never bought special cactus compost (didn't even know they did it!)
I do a third mix, third of sieved multi purpose compost(to get the wood chip out that's usually in there), a third sharp sand (washed) and a third gravel (with a bit held back for top dressing)
Multipurpose compost contains a lot of organic material, which is not good for cacti. A mixture of JI compost and grit in roughly equal proportions, and perhaps some sand, is usually recommended.
Thanks for the replies.
If compost is not suitable what about using top soil? i've got plenty of that in the garden. Could maybe mix it with some sand and compost?
Top soil with plenty of sand/grit should be fine, but I would forget about the general purpose compost. Cacti do not like soil that retains moisture for a long time.