Soil Mix

8 years ago

I have been trying to find out what type of soil I bought. I hear people recommending 5-1-1 but I can't find the ratio for Miracle grow cactus potting mix.... which is for citrus plants too.

This is my exact bag

https://www.miraclegro.com/en-ca/products/soils-amendments/miracle-gro-cactus-palm-citrus-potting-mix

Featured Answer

jenny_in_se_pa

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Dave - the reference to "5-1-1" basically means a mix that is 5 parts bark fines, 1 part perlite, 1 part peat (or some peat-based soiless mix). I expect that nurseries can get a similar mix (with variations) via wholesale but for regular consumers, you basically make it yourself.

Regarding MG - I really don't like the blanket statements that one can't grow citrus (or any other plant) in anything other than "5-1-1" or "gritty". One of the biggest issues (outside of the environment where the tree might be growing in) is the grower and their cultural practices. Note that there are people who grow citrus and other plants just fine in some variation of MG soil (often amended with more drainage materials like bark fines, perlite, turface, etc). I have a couple citrus in amended Promix and others in 5-1-1.

There is a tendency for newer growers to overwater plants and unless there is excellent drainage (and "drainage" does not mean "rocks at the bottom of a pot") then the roots may suffocate towards the bottom, leading to root rot (due to a perched water towards the bottom). The recommended mixes provide more air pockets for the roots to help to alleviate the problem. Alternately, for those who don't normally water with a heavy hand, the 5-1-1 can be a detriment because it can dry out quickly, leaving the poor plant without much moisture and sometimes requiring extensive soaking to re-wet.

If you live in an area that gets quite a bit of rain, 5-1-1 works well because the water just runs through. But if you live where it is hot and dry, 5-1-1 would require continual watering (e.g., even drip irrigation) to stay hydrated.

So you have to determine what your tendency is to plant care, consider the environment where the plant will be growing, and adjust the mix to that.

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Comments (8)

poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
Don't use MG soil for cactus and succulents. It is to heavy for citrus
TheyCallMeDave
Original Author
8 years ago
When you say it's too heavy, you mean it retains too much water? I have noticed that.... I've been trying to grow hot pepper seedlings with this cactus grow.
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TheyCallMeDave
Original Author
8 years ago
I already bought the bag, so what should I mix it with to become a better mixture?
TheyCallMeDave
Original Author
8 years ago
Furthermore, I don't understand why they sell this soil specifically for citrus if it's not any good.... Does that make sense?
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
And to go along with Jenny if you don't do frequent re-pots a MUST when using finer particles mixes, the mixes will tend to compact allowing too much moisture to be held into them for long while holding salts and suffocating roots..

I also use Pro Mix, Fafard, and others...

But if you were to ask me which I preferably choose, I would say the 5.1.1. mix for many various reasons..

Dave, it's big business for the almighty dollar. False advertisement. They also sell a Cactus and Succulent one that kills mine. I have to amend almost any bagged mix to keep it pours enough so that the roots on my plants can breathe. The more porous, the longer the mix lasts..That is why the 5.1.1 mix has such a small fraction of peat moss.

Many the live in drier climates will use more peat while others in darker colder climates will use not at all of just a small percent.

Mike
Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
8 years ago
Jenny, you gave a great explanation! I totally agree that it is possible to use Miracle Grow soil mixes (I do) successfully as long as one knows how to care for trees in those mixes. But usually people new to growing citrus use something like Miracle Grow soil, do not know how to water properly and end up killing the tree. Besides Miracle Grow, I also use 5:1:1 and gritty mixes for various reasons.

As for companies like the one that make soils like Miracle Grow, I imagine that rapidly draining soils would not sell well because they would require frequent watering and consumers would shy away from them for that reason.
poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
I got a bag of pine bark mulch a bag of Perlite and used aged compost from my compost maker and mixed in that oder a 2-2-1 mix. I*t is light weight and drains/aerates easily. when it needs watering the tree is light. after watering the tree is 5 pounds heavier. Pick up the tree and when it is light it is time to water.