Succulent Soil vs. Regular Potting Mix: What Every Gardener Must Know

If you’ve ever picked up a beautiful little succulent at the store, only to watch it wilt and rot at home, you’re not alone. Succulents are hardy, drought-tolerant plants, but they’re also incredibly sensitive to the kind of cactus soil they grow in. Most people assume that any bag of potting mix will do the job, but this simple mistake often leads to struggling plants, especially in climates like Utah’s.

At Kilgore Landscaping, we've spent over 40 years helping Utah gardeners and landscapers find the right materials for their projects, from decorative rock and landscaping sand to bulk road salt and pet-safe, concrete-friendly ice melts. And when it comes to succulents, understanding succulent soil is one of the most important tips we share.

Why Succulents Need Special Soil

According to the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, succulents are a great option for water-conscious landscapers. Native to arid, desert environments, succulents have adapted to survive in conditions where water is scarce and soil drains quickly. Their fleshy leaves and stems store moisture, which allows them to go long periods without watering. But this also means they’re extremely vulnerable to overwatering, especially when placed in landscaping soils that hold onto too much moisture.

Standard garden soil Utah often includes components like peat moss, compost, and vermiculite, materials that are great for moisture retention and nutrient delivery. But when it comes to succulents, this kind of environment can actually do more harm than good. The soil stays wet for too long, encouraging root rot.

So what is soil for succulents like? Unlike traditional potting mix, which is designed to retain water for thirsty plants like ferns or tropical flowers, succulent soil prioritizes fast drainage and aeration. The goal isn’t to keep water around longer, but to ensure it flows through quickly, leaving behind just enough for the roots to absorb.

What Makes Succulent Soil Different?

Succulent soil is all about creating a gritty, well-aerated environment that mimics the plant's native desert habitat. This type of soil usually contains a mix of coarse sand, perlite, pumice, and small gravel or crushed stone. These ingredients help water drain rapidly, prevent soil compaction, and allow roots to access the oxygen they need.

The inclusion of landscaping sand and decorative rock—materials we proudly offer here at Kilgore Landscaping—makes a noticeable difference. Sand improves drainage and prevents water from pooling at the roots, while decorative gravel can be used as a top layer to improve aesthetics and reduce evaporation from the soil surface.

Using this kind of succulent soil blend is especially important for outdoor succulent beds or rock gardens here in Utah. Our region’s dry summers and cold winters require plants that are both hardy and supported by the right foundational materials.

Can You Modify Potting Mix for Succulents?

You can technically use regular potting soil for succulents, but only if you’re willing to make some adjustments. You can modify regular potting soil to be more suitable for succulents by adding ingredients that increase drainage and reduce water retention. A common approach is to mix these elements:

• Coarse sand or landscaping sand (available at Kilgore Landscaping)
  
  

• Perlite or pumice (found at garden centers)
  
  

• Crushed rock or small gravel
  
  

DIY Succulent Mix Recipe:

• 2 parts potting soil
  
  

• 1 part coarse sand
  
  

• 1 part perlite or crushed rock
  
  

This creates a gritty, fast-draining blend perfect for pots or outdoor succulent gardens in Utah’s dry climate. However, it’s worth noting that pre-mixed succulent or cactus soils are readily available, and starting with the right blend can save you time and hassle. 

A Perfect Pairing: Succulents and Decorative Rock

One of the most visually striking and water-wise ways to use succulents in landscaping is to combine them with decorative rock. Whether you’re creating a full rock garden, outlining a dry creek bed, or simply adding flair to a patio container, decorative rock complements succulents beautifully. It also serves a practical purpose: helping retain heat, discourage weeds, and reduce lawn soil erosion, all while keeping your yard low-maintenance.

At Kilgore Landscaping, we offer a wide selection of garden soil Utah and decorative rock in different sizes, colors, and textures, perfect for integrating with succulents. From bold lava rock to smooth river pebbles and crushed granite, our rock options help you craft a landscape that’s both sustainable and stunning. And because succulents require less watering, they’re ideal for pairing with rock-heavy designs that reduce your reliance on grass or thirsty flower beds.

So Which Soil Should You Use?

Use regular potting mix if:

• You’re planting leafy houseplants, herbs, or annuals that prefer moist soil
  
  

• You’re growing in shaded, cool areas that dry out slowly
  
  

Use succulent soil if:

• You’re planting succulents or cacti
  
  

• You’re gardening in containers or dry beds
  
  

• You want to reduce watering, especially in Utah’s dry climate
  
  

• You’re creating a rock garden or xeriscaped yard
  
  

Get the Right Materials at Kilgore Landscaping

Whether you’re a hobby gardener with a windowsill full of succulents or a homeowner designing a full-scale rock garden, having the right succulent soil and materials on hand is key.

At Kilgore Landscaping, we carry landscaping sand, decorative rock, and expert advice tailored to Utah’s soil and weather conditions. If you have questions or want to talk about your options, give us a call today at (801) 561-4231.

Whether you're potting a single aloe plant or redesigning your front yard with a modern, water-wise aesthetic, choosing the right landscaping soils and materials makes all the difference. And we’re here to supply the sand, rock, and local expertise you need to get it right.