Why is the soil draining so fast?

Question

☘️WARNING THIS IS LONG☘️
So about a month ago is switched Pyrite <0.5m away from a window (See the picture). Here’s the thing…his soil has been draining in 2-3 days and he’s been kinda pale. The window gets LOTS of sun and LOTS of heat. So could it be the change in scenery? There’s rocks in the soil so I’m surprised it’s draining so fast. I think the paleness is just too much sun (I forgot to rotate him), but I’m worried it might be something else (bc the soil drains so quickly). Is it possible the soil is hydrophobic?? If so what do i do?

#SucculentSquad #CactusClique #Cactus #Cacti #Ferocactus

@sarah10orio · Accepted Answer

I think well-draining soil is GREAT for cacti.  I have my cacti in smaller pots like yours with cactus soil.  When I water, the water runs straight through and I don't water for about 6 to 12 days depending on weather, placement, etc.

@BeesZenGarden · Answer

Did you change the soil AND the location?… 🤔 If you only changed the location it might just be drying faster because of the extra sun and heat. I would just keep watering when necessary and maybe provide some shade to your little guy for part of the day?… It’s gonna be Fall and Winter soon and he’ll need less water.

@ElderWasabi · Answer

Since cactus are used to living in such hot and dry conditions, I would avoid always watering it, because in a real desert scenario, he would spend weeks & months without any water.. that could cause some nasty rot along the way for Pyrite. 🤕

@TruthfulApricot · Answer

Rocks in the soil actually help the soil to drain faster. They don’t cause water retention. ❤️

@Roserade · Answer

It should only need water every few weeks. Cactus are very very drought tolerant, and thrive being dry.

@BeesZenGarden · Answer

Clearly, I’m not a succulent parent! 😅 As everybody pointed out, cacti like being dry… So make sure you don’t overwater. 😓💦 You might want to check the roots to make sure you’re not getting root rot

@hoyahead · Answer

Hey Mandy, hope you found the answer you were looking for! 💜

@dreamlettuce · Answer

@hoyahead omg this is so much better than me having this boring copy/paste thing 😩😩

So smart

@hoyahead · Answer

@kscape yay I’m glad you think so! I hope it’s useful!! 😊

Why is the soil draining so fast?

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