Starting using Miracle Gro Cactus/Succulent mix usually adding (25% or less) Miracle Gro for containers that contains a lot of perlite. Also, use my yard soil(desert sand) add with compost made for our area(contains a lot of cotton stock/bark). I planted some pots with Miracle Gro Cactus/Palm/Citrus. Cover all soil in pots and garden with free local mulch from our city. From May thru early Sept our average high temp. is 100. So most of the cactus thrive and multiply. Palm trees seem to seed in the pots of succulents. Some of the more delicate succulents are in pots on shelf display which is in shade all day. The rest of the succulents get morning sun and afternoon shade and some the opposite. In the Texas winter storm I lost all my aloe vera, most of my jade, and portions of the 'vining' succulents. Soil doesn't seem to make a difference at least not as much as moisture. I use Shake 'n Feed to fertilize all my plants. I consider myself a Lazy gardener at this time in my life.
