---
title: "I'm wanting to get a good cactus and succulent soil mix, but I'm…"
description: "I'm wanting to get a good cactus and succulent soil mix, but I'm scared to order it because they all seem to have bad reviews about gnats. Is it safer to buy…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/goHO0vpWEjeji0LoFKlhqR"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Samantha"
published: "2025-03-17T17:45:47.310575Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/theCactusAndSucculentCircle.jpg"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Cactus \& Succulent Circle](https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w.md)

# I'm wanting to get a good cactus and succulent soil mix, but I'm…

_Posted by Samantha on 2025-03-17_

I'm wanting to get a good cactus and succulent soil mix, but I'm scared to order it because they all seem to have bad reviews about gnats. Is it safer to buy in store? Or does someone have a good recommendation?

## 10 comments

### Qixer commented on 2025-03-17

Depending on the quantity desired, you may be better off mixing your own.

#### Samantha replied on 2025-03-17

Ok, do you have a recommendation for a good mix I could make?

#### Qixer replied on 2025-03-17

Good rule of thumb is 50/50 mix organic, inorganic. There is hundreds of different products that can achieve this. Just have to find what works for you.

### KJM commented on 2025-03-17

People can complain all they want about gnats in their soil but it doesn't necessarily come from the bag. Sure there could be gnats in the bag but they could just as easily fly in from outside your house. I have used the espoma brand for years and have had no complaints. There are many other brands that would work well also.

#### Samantha replied on 2025-03-17

Ok thank you!

### Daria Lev commented on 2025-03-18

I’m in the USA and I use soil from FatPlants. Can find on Amazon. I got one pack with mold and just returned. Other packs were fine. So it’s like 4/1 ratio of good vs bad packs so far)

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/sbHTHkuNyanayl2L2paAvtBPXs1o3TihjZiN5oelcio/tYMWl5iCSZW1I53m6oFwMg.webp?size=large)

### LM commented on 2025-03-18

I have issues with gnats put mosquito larvae killing pellets/bits on top of the soil of all your plants. Water as usual. The breakdown of the pellets will kill the gnat larvae in the soil. I use sticky traps for the flying adults.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/yob2iscP9Z1n5F2kqP_91yQcZ1rA-sg59W1pOsntfWk/ysjPQFjMTSa0yyws9w0rZQ.webp?size=large)

#### Bunny413 replied on 2025-03-19

The pellets are actually organic material with the bacteria that kills the gnats soaked in, so eventually they may start to mold.

#### LM replied on 2025-03-19

They do a little is that harmful to the plants?

### Bunny413 commented on 2025-03-19

I use Hoffman Organic Succulent Cactus Mix mixed with Bonsai Jacks Gritty Mix or Molly's Gritty Mix. The percentage mix will depend on where you grow, what pots you use, and if you grow indoors or out. I am in the American South, grow Indoors, both of which make powdery mildew a problem. So I grow in only terracotta, with a mix of around 40% soil mix, and 60% gritty mix. Also for gnats, I use either gnatrol or Microbe-Lift BMC with every watering.

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