Jade plant potting mix - Orchid Board

Jeremy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 05:57 PM

My jade plant was outside and there was a strong wind that knocked over and broke the clay pot. I had to repot immediatly. I didn't have time to run to the store and get cactus potting mix. So I decided to use miracle gro moisture control potting mix. Is this potting mix to heavy for jade plant? This mix contains coconut coir which helps avoid overwatering so maybe that can prevent my jade from dying of soil saturation. What should I do, should I repot it again?

Jeremy

caseydoll · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 07:28 PM

Hi Jeremy! I have a jade that I've had for almost 10 years. I have never potted it in cactus mix, always regular miracle grow potting soil. I have never had a problem. In fact it is huge! This summer I must admit that I watered it a bit too much while it was outside and rotted a few of the stalks. That was purely my stupidity though! I have used miracle grow moisure control on many of my other houseplants and have found not much of a difference between that and the regular kind. I wouldn't repot. Just be a little more cautious when watering at first until you get the feel of how it holds the water. It seems to soak it up a little more but doesn't stay excessively wet. My jade seems to suffer when I let it get too dry so maybe this mix will work well. I see no problem!

justatypn · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 07:35 PM

Hey Jeremy, no need to worry about the use of miracle grow...one of the best on the market with a sweet bonus of enriched plant food.

It's formulated with a natural fiber technology to absorb excess water and release it to the plant as needed. Protects against over- and under-watering.

One product I recommend at work over any other plant soils.

Jeremy · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 08:10 PM

I decided to change potting mixes. The jade plant is grown with my orchids and the high humidity causes the soil to dry very slowly. I changed to miracle gro cactus mix and I also decided to add some perlite into the cactus mix to prevent the soil from compacting. Also I decided to get some cacti ( can't help getting new plants). I hope they will grow well with my cattleya orchids and hopefully they won't rot due to the high humidity.

Jeremy