---
title: "Hi so I think the soil in one of my plants is too compacted. I tried…"
description: "Hi so I think the soil in one of my plants is too compacted. I tried doing the finger test to see how wet/dry the soil was and it was difficult to make a hole…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/MrlbomClqhJLa2z79ACXWA"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Maddy"
published: "2025-05-20T21:18:42.394143Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YG5wOBhTSontYKpgx72TUL2Y9VLMlSNwmXygQRXeVok/3kdVyLGXTXqYfdOmjBWv2w.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi so I think the soil in one of my plants is too compacted. I tried…

_Posted by Maddy on 2025-05-20_

Hi so I think the soil in one of my plants is too compacted. I tried doing the finger test to see how wet/dry the soil was and it was difficult to make a hole in the soil. But my plant seems to be doing good, it’s even growing new leaves! Should I try to take out some of the soil to loosen it up or leave it be since it’s growing?

I attached a photo of the growth☺️

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YG5wOBhTSontYKpgx72TUL2Y9VLMlSNwmXygQRXeVok/3kdVyLGXTXqYfdOmjBWv2w.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### The leafy Angel commented on 2025-05-20

So when my soil gets like this I take like a chop stick and poke holes on the soil and loosen it up

#### Maddy replied on 2025-05-20

Okay I will try that, thank you!

### Sharon commented on 2025-05-20

If the plant is still doing well, I would leave it, especially since it’s a succulent. After all, they are suited to survive desert ish type of conditions

#### Maddy replied on 2025-05-20

That’s what I was thinking too but I didn’t know for sure. I’m new at this so I doubt myself. Thank you!

### Savannahlovesplants commented on 2025-05-21

Take chopsticks to loosen up with the chopsticks poke holes into it!

### Heather B commented on 2025-05-21

If you do the chopstick method, wait a few days to water. Allows the roots time to heal.

#### Maddy replied on 2025-05-21

Good to know, thank you

### Savannahlovesplants commented on 2025-07-13

I want one so bad!

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