>>> Beginning with Succulents<<<

Don't: you will get addicted.

Harry

But a good, safe and inexpensive addiction, surely, Harry?

Proceed with caution. I used to be the houseplant girl (orchids, hoya, ferns, etc.), then that first succulent jumped into my cart a few years ago. Now, I find myself buying them six types of soil amendments at five different stores; drilling pots of all origins with a diamond-tipped bit; installing grow lights and plant stands to accommodate them inside in the winter; spending hours researching their individual needs regarding seasonal watering, fertilizer application, photoperiods, and propagation; and suddenly Lowes and Home Depot aren't enough for me. . . now I'm attending cactus and succulent shows and perusing online succulent vendors to get something just a bit more unusual. So much for those orchids. . . ;-)

I would forego the potting soil, and the sand as well. The former holds too much water for succulents, the latter aids in compaction of soil. You want water to drain away relatively quickly and have air spaces for oxygen to get to roots. You could use the GW search for 'gritty mix' and read up on components to use. I'm not sure there are many knowledgeable folks out there who would recommend potting soil for succulents/cactus.

hey!!! great link 8D

I should be doing stuff instead of looking at cool pics -__-

I know, it's dangerously addictive!

ns, you might want to start at the beginner's section. They give pretty good advise on what plants to begin with and how to give succulents the best environment to grow.

I think the easiest thing for a beginner would be to just mix potting soil and perlite 50:50. Plant your succulents in terra cotta pots that aren't more than an inch wider than your plants. Those are very simplified guidelines but you can get by just fine with that for the short term.

For the longer term I'd read the article linked below, and think about whether you want to go all in and make up your own gritty mix.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2842847/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xxii?n=125

Thank you so much for the advice everyone! bernardyjh, the blog you linked is such a great help, and the beginners section even more so! andy_e thanks too for the link for the gritty mix!