Succulents require a well-draining soil with larger particles so water can enter quickly and drain away from the roots without compacting the soil. The best soil for succulents should be porous and well-draining and have a lower percentage of organic matter than traditional indoor soil mixes. Here are some key ingredients to look for when choosing soil for succulents:

• Sand: Sand is a super important part of any succulent soil mix. It helps to improve drainage and aeration, and provide that grainy texture that succulents love. Avoid fine sands for your succulent soil and opt for the medium to coarse grit for optimal drainage.

• Potting Soil: Potting soil is still an important part of any succulent soil mixture as it provides the organic matter and nutrients the plant needs. You will want to choose a potting soil that is well-draining to use for your succulent soil, and since you will be mixing it with additional sand and perlite/pumice, you can use less of it than you would for other houseplants.

• Perlite or Pumice: Perlite and pumice are both lightweight, porous materials that help improve drainage in succulent soil mixes.

• Coconut Coir: Coir is a fibrous shredded coconut husks and is very slow to decompose. Unlike peat, coir is easy to wet when it dries out.

• Bark: Adding a little finely ground bark to the soil mix will help water penetrate more quickly.

There is no one perfect succulent soil and most can be adapted to suit a variety of growing conditions. For the best potting soil for succulents, start with a basic cactus and succulent soil mix, or even an African violet mix, available at most garden centers. Then add some extra ingredients to find the one that will make watering easier, improve the drainage, and hold up a long time without compacting. A good starting point for most succulents is two parts sand, two parts potting soil, and one part perlite or pumice.