Can I Use Beach Sand For Succulents?

Choosing the right kind of soil is essential for the healthy growth of all plants, including succulents. If you’re growing them in your garden and are wondering- can I use beach sand for succulents, well, here’s helping you out. 

Read on to get a quick overview of everything you need to know about choosing the right soil or medium for your succulents. 

Choosing the Right Growing Medium For Succulents

Succulents have shallow root systems, which is why they prefer a growth medium that is loose, rocky and nutrient rich. If you’re growing succulents for the first time, you might just want to consider using your regular traditional houseplant soil- but it is actually a big mistake. 

For cacti and succulents, it is important to choose well-draining soil or a specifically crafted potting mix that has less organic matter as opposed to regular houseplant soil and potting mixes. 

If you’re not too keen on using the commercially available variety, you can also make it yourself. All you’ll need to do is combine perlite or pumice with coarse sand (think poultry grit) and some potting soil. 

Can I Use Beach Sand For Succulents?

Using only beach sand for your succulents is not recommended. Beach sand contains high levels of salt, and while it can be used as a component of a potting mix, using it by itself can cause irreparable damage to your succulent.

In addition, beach sand is very fine, and barely has the capacity to hold water or nutrients, which can again be harmful to your plant. 

Another reason why sand isn’t recommended is because it could turn out to be too compact than needed. With succulents, it is a good idea to use coarse particles of sand that can retain moisture better. 

Recommended Read: Do Succulents Grow Bigger in Bigger Pots?

Can I Mix Beach Sand with Potting Mix?

While a good quality potting mix should be good by itself, and doesn’t need to be mixed with beach sand to be a good medium for your succulents, you can surely take the step.

You can mix the beach sand with some potting mix or clay, turning the mixture into a more potent growth medium for your succulents. 

Remember to stick to the 1:5 ratio for your sand and potting mix to ensure ideal growth of your succulent. 

Can I Use Beach Sand After Rinsing it?

Using beach sand by itself isn’t recommended because of its high salt content- but what about using it after rinsing it and washing away all the salt? 

Well, washing the sand can definitely help, but the entire process itself can be quite time consuming and messy. 

In contrast, just sticking to regular potting mix can be a good alternative. 

Will Beach Sand Harm My Succulents?

Using only beach sand for your succulents can definitely harm them. Because the sand isn’t capable of holding water, you could end up underwatering your plant even without realizing it. 

The high salt content might cause pH changes, which could cause your succulent’s health to deteriorate. 

You can consider mixing the sand (after rinsing it) with your potting soil to make it a more favorable growth environment for your succulents.