Hello! I am using miracle gro succulent potting mix and what I’ve noticed happening is the soil dries up and contracts around the periphery of the pot (see photos). This causes the water to drain too fast and not soak the soil when watered. I just ordered Coast of Maine succulent potting soil to repot a Madagascar palm. Would you suggest repotting these plants with this new soil I ordered that doesn’t so this? Thank you!
I haven’t used either of these soil brands (although I know most plant people don’t like miracle gro), I just wanted to say to make sure you’re watering thoroughly to avoid issues like this where the soil becomes hydrophobic. I like to let the water flow into a catch pot/tray and then run it through again to ensure I don’t miss sections of the soil.
2 likesThank you for the advice. On another note, I use miracle gro succulent liquid fertilizer. Do you have another option you might recommend?
Personally I use the Pennington all purpose fertilizer because I can get it at walmart, but other popular ones are Foliage Focus or Purived plant food. Just ensure that it can be used with cacti/succulents or dilute the fertilizer slightly more than normal
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I use a granular succulent fertilizer. It lasts a few months. Less hassle.
1 likeGet a liquid fertilizer to add to water, not the foam because it just sits on top of the soil. Hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot don’t usually have anything outside of miracle gro so consider a local nursery or Amazon. All purpose should be fine.
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Along with Fuey's advice, you might want to let the pot sit in the dish of water and let it soak up as much as possible before you empty the excess out. Especially if the soil is already hydrophobic.
1 like Miracle Grow Succulent Soil is bad. Not familiar with the brand you mentioned. I use Jacks Gritty Mix and amend it with regular potting soil. The percentage depends on the plant. For cacti and echeveria I probably use 100% Jacks, for Haworthias I will add about 50% potting soil.
3 likes Just realized I didn’t answer your question. Sorry about that. I would if it were me. I would change the soil to something better. Until then, I would bottom water to make sure the entire pot is moist. It will be easier to change out the soil when the pot is dry.
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This is the answer I was hoping someone would give! A proper soil, a nursery or well draining pot inside the cache pot… bottom watering….
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I would repot when the new soil comes in. That being said, I haven’t used the coast of Maine soil, so I can’t comment on it. However, haven’t had great luck with Miracle-Gro. I have had issues very similar to what you are experiencing. To ensure the plant gets enough water until you can repot, I would suggest bottom watering. I’ve had good luck with this method with very dry substrate.
1 likeOut of sheer principle I won’t use anything by Monsanto/Bayer (Miracle Gro), but I also had a lot of problems with it when I used it in the past. It’s Frankensoil, Frankenfertilizer, Frankeneverything. *steps off soapbox I have good luck with Perfect Plants succulent mix, but I also add extra drainage medium.
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