Why drainage matters for indoor succulents
If you’ve searched “succulent soil India” or “drainage for indoor plants”, the short answer is: fast drainage + air around roots prevents rot. Regular garden soil is too dense indoors. The best soil mix for succulents in India is light, gritty, and dries quickly.
Core ingredients (India-friendly)
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Base (40–50%): sterile potting soil or cocopeat + compost blend (light nutrition).
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Grit (30–40%): coarse river sand (washed), pumice, perlite, or granite chips (3–6 mm).
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Air boosters (10–20%): perlite, pumice, or baked clay balls/LECA.
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Optional: a pinch of neem cake for soil health; charcoal (5%) to reduce odor and improve porosity.
Local swap tips: If pumice is hard to find, use perlite + coarse sand. Avoid salty beach sand.
DIY succulent soil mix (India) — 3 easy recipes
Recipe A (balanced, most flats)
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40% potting soil
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30% perlite
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30% coarse river sand
Use for Haworthia, Jade (Crassula), Aloe.
Recipe B (extra fast-draining, humid cities/monsoon)
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30% potting soil
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35% pumice/perlite
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35% coarse river sand or granite chips
Great for tiny pots (2–3″) and balconies in monsoon.
Recipe C (nutrient-light, for sensitive rot-prone succulents)
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25% cocopeat
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40% perlite/pumice
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35% coarse sand
Water with diluted fertilizer (¼ strength) once a month in growing season.
Pot + hole + layer: complete drainage for indoor plants
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Pot choice: always use a drainage hole. Ceramic/concrete are stable; plastic dries slower.
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Bottom layer (optional): a thin layer (5–8 mm) of large grit/LECA to keep the hole clear (don’t overdo).
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Mesh: cover the hole with mesh tape to prevent soil loss without blocking water.
How to repot succulents (step-by-step)
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Dry day: start with dry soil and roots.
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Remove old mix gently; trim mushy roots.
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Fill ⅓ pot with your succulent potting mix India recipe.
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Set plant, backfill, and tap pot to settle; don’t compress tightly.
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Wait 48 hours, then water lightly till a bit of runoff.
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Place in bright-indirect light for a week; resume normal schedule.
Watering with fast-draining mixes
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Small pots (2–4″): 30–120 ml depending on size (see our watering guide).
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Rule: water deeply, then let dry (top 2–3 cm dry before the next watering).
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In AC or monsoon, extend gaps 20–30%.
Troubleshooting (quick fixes)
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Soil stays wet >5 days: add more perlite/pumice, reduce cocopeat/compost, improve airflow/light.
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Leaves mushy/rot: unpot, trim rot, switch to faster mix (Recipe B), wait 5–7 days before watering.
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Wrinkled but soil dries too fast: go one step less gritty (more base) or use a slightly larger pot.
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White crust (salts): flush with filtered water monthly; reduce fertilizer.
Suggested collections
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Succulents — starter-friendly picks
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Low-Light Plants — if your room has limited sun
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Desk Plants — compact pots that suit gritty mixes