Succulent is a succulent whatever the name, that out of the way why do they want the top to show moisture? Why do they need so much moisture retention capability of the soil? Why do they need to be fertilised?
The requirement is for free draining, my succulents, cactus get enough moisture from the atmosphere(that is why they are shiny, for moisture to condense) normally, while that moisture has enough micronutrients to meet their requirement.
I use Growmore fertiliser but at quarter of recommended dose even then my ulcer causes problems. Add in a pinch of vinegar in the water to drop the PH to 6(bacteria needs acidic medium to thrive and fix nitrogen), crushed sharp granite or silica sand. Those pebbles are not mixed into the soil but used as a top mulch(dressing) to keep the medium cool and retain moisture unless I want the lime they contain. Some clay to give body to the potting mix or plants can lie down. I prefer little bit of leaf mulch but hate manure here. To much Uric acid which burns the plants.
Lynn how about a instruction manual for dummies
feeling up to it? Come on, as it is we are both in our second childhood. Lets make snow angels
.
Regards,
Arif.
