Need advice making a mix for rot prone cactus

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Hi all,

I purchased a beautiful cactus on eBay and the seller casually said he’s heard this variety is water sensitive but didn’t have any problems himself. It is an Echinocereus rigidissimus var. ribispinus.

I just checked llifle.com and under cultivation it says “...is not the easiest cactus to grow...Rot easily it is sensitive to overwatering (rot prone), so perfect soil drainage is a must.”

I have an order of pumice I purchased a few days ago sized 1/4”-3/8”. The pumice still hasn’t shipped out yet. I also have peat moss and smaller sized perlite. Any advice for how I should mix up these materials for the wet Northeast area? (I live in NY)

Featured Answer

gdinieontarioz5

7 years ago

My advice would be fairly coarse pumice . I just got the same cactus 10 days ago, growing in a peaty soil. Is going into Lechuza Pon, a rather coarse soilless mixture that holds even less water than pumice. I use it for most cacti and Haworthias.

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Comments (7)

Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Interesting I’ve found this cactus too be easy. I never have to think about it;).

You could plant in pure pumice if you’re worried about rot. In my zone it doesn’t need to come in during the cooler months, but I keep it away from any winter rain. Definitely keep dry during the winter. If there is any old mix on the roots be sure to remove it with your fingers before you repot into the grittier mix.

The cactus is beautiful on it’s own, but the flowers are incredible;).
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b) thanked Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
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kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
7 years ago
Kara those flowers look beautiful! One of the reasons I wanted the cactus besides those red/pink spines.

Kara and gdinie, I’m a chronic underwaterer and have lost plants to lack of water..that’s why I’m worried about making a mix that’s too gritty/dry I tend to favor less gritty mixes to compensate my lack of watering but I don’t want this cactus to rot on me if I do that. The pumice being shipped to me should be quite coarse
gdinieontarioz5
7 years ago
Others can only tell you what works for them in their circumstances and climate. It is good to know that on average a plant rots easily, or dries out easily, but you will have to find what works for you. I have my plants outside in pots during the summer, and they have to be able to stand an unexpected rain storm, even if they were watered the previous day. If your plants are often underwatered, you will have to take that into account. Success with your beauty!
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b) thanked gdinieontarioz5
Brandon Smith
7 years ago
No sage advice here just wanted to say that a pretty cactus!
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b) thanked Brandon Smith
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Welp the pumice wasn’t in the package that arrived so I checked my bank account and it was refunded to me without notice. Except I still paid for a huge bulk of shipping for my order because of a bag of pumice that didn’t even end up being included or weighing down the package!

I made the order from PlanetNatural if anyone’s curious >:( I’ll have to settle for peat and perlite for now
gdinieontarioz5
7 years ago
You can order pumice directly from http://www.generalpumiceproducts.com/

Excellent quality, and free shipping in USA.