I try to repot any new plants asap. Most of the time, they are not in very good 'soil'. Not sure what you mean by rich - does it look rich because it is wet, or?

You could wait and see how fast it will dry up, but that could be too long. Wet soil could encourage rotting of the roots. I do not like to take chances, especially with plants that are not so easy to get.

Can you tell how long they have been in transit? Maybe they watered them just prior to shipping, but am not sure that is best practice. You didn't say what part of world you are in, and if plant was shipped wet in cold weather, that may cause more problems. It is better to ship plants bare root than in soil.

Like Rina, I try to repot new plants quickly too. I haven't ordered from Hirts, so far only AridLands which ships bare-rooted. Most of my plants I have bought locally, either HD or Lowes, or from a local grower who uses a typically heavy and peaty soil, like everyone else.

Most of my Sans do best in a soil blend -- usually it's 50% cactus/succulent soil (I use Black Gold, because that's what I can buy locally) and 50% perlite or pumice (or a combo of the two). Sometimes I throw a handful of sifted Manna Pro grit in too. It seems to drain sufficiently well while still offering some nutrients.

I find that Sans are extremely forgiving. That said, I don't think I would let a new Sans sit in soil that is very wet for too long. Those roots could rot and you don't want that.

Thanks so much for the advice! They were in transit only 2 days. I live in S. California high desert. The Black Coral is the wet one. The Samuari is drier. I will wait and see if the Black Coral dries quickly. If not, I'll repot it. The soil is black, and very loamy looking. Nothing quick draining in it like perlite, decomposed granite, or pumice. I do believe the Black Coral was watered right before transit. Manno pro? That is a supplement for livestock. I've never heard of using that. What type do you use?

Hi Randi. Yes, Manna Pro is indeed a supplement for livestock. I get it from my local Tractor Supply store. I buy Manna Pro chicken grit. I sift it through an old kitchen colander and wash it. Not too much work because I don't use tons of it (handful here and handful there). It absorbs and retains NO water, just aerates the soil. It does make your pots heavier, if that's an issue -- but for me, adding a little here and there is helpful.

Chicken grit has no nutrients though. Its like the tiny rocks chickens pick up from the ground. I thought you were using perhaps the horse Manno Pro. That certainly has nutrients.

Don't confuse other products by the company of that name...they make lots of different products. It is chicken grit you need, nothing else. Just pure grit, no shells added (they are for chickens, not for plants). Manna Pro is just a company name. Grit (from any co that makes it) is added to improve drainage, not adding nutrition. Certainly don't look for 'nutrients' in chicken grit...if you need any, use fertilizer.

Well draining potting mix is best for succulents, using any soil that some refer to as 'nutritious' is often creating a drainage problem (in pots, not in ground).

Here is photo of mix I use for succulents: it is made of approx. equal parts of chicken grit and sifted perlite, with 10-15% of turface. But I have used mix of only first 2 ingredients, and also mix where I used soil instead of turface (same small amount of it):

Randi

Should the mix not dry up in couple of days, it may be better to repot plant into well draining mix. Why don't you test how wet it is deep inside the pot, using a wooden/bamboo skewer or chopstick?

I will do that. And thank you, rina and robin!

Maybe I should shut up but I use a compost mix now and my plants are thriving now. Just look at the root system of the plants you just purchased. Most likely they are well and full.

I know some who would tell you to tare apart the plant, wash the soil all away from the roots and replant is a gritty mix, then watch it die. Then don't post no more about your plant. Water and cold is the enemy of your plant not peaty soil. Watch your watering during the winter months or no water at all. Leaves may shrink a little but it will recover when it warms up and more water can be added. I had one window box filled with water for months and it grew like weeds. It was during summer and temps above 80.

Some need grit and potting soil mix but for me, I do better with my compost mix.

Stush, your Sans (and especially their underground roots) look fabulous. But many of us are not in a position to compost at all. Not in any way. I live in a deed restricted, controlled community. I live in a typical Florida villa that is attached to other villas. I have no option to compost. If I had a freestanding house on my own land with no homeowners association and no other owners attached, I might do that on a small scale. But for me -- all that is available is my garage to hold my supplies and provide a place to repot, and my outside lanai to give the plants sun and warmth. There are many people in similar situations.

I realize everyone has different opinions. Stush, no, you shouldn't shut up. I like to hear everyone's opinions and growing methods. The Black Coral is drying out a little, but its taking a few days. I didn't know you can go a whole winter without watering. Maybe this is why my first Black Coral almost bit the dust. I was only watering it once a month, yet it wasn't doing well. Now I hardly water it, and its perking up again. For now, I'll see if the soil is dry within a few more days. If not, I guess I'll have to repot it. Again, thank you all for your experienced input!

Talking potting soil is sometimes like talking politics. You know you are going to get an argument. My wife makes me compost at the far end of my yard near the woods where nobody lives for 10 acres. I understand. Miracle Grow is the best substitute for this. Still a little perlite just for good luck. I used to go with a 50% grit mix but sans did not do well.

Randi, Watch temps and cold drafts during this time of year. More light is always welcomed.