The main difference between Molly’s Succulent Mix and traditional soil-based mixes sold at big-box retailers is how each handles water drainage and general aeration. Traditional soil-based mixes tend to compact quickly since they’re made up of very small particles. As a result, they retain a lot of water which is not ideal for indoor container-based plants and especially succulents which are highly susceptible to root rot and other pitfalls associated with over-watering. Molly’s Succulent Mix is soil-free and designed to address the primary needs of succulents and other container-based plants that thrive in dry, arid conditions, by providing them with;
• Proper levels of moisture retention
• Space for free root, water, gas, and nutrient movement
• pH levels that support nutrient uptake
• An environment free of soil-borne diseases and pathogens
• Enough support to anchor the roots and the plant itself

Molly's Succulent Mix is made for succulents, cactus, hoya, and caudex plants. If you're unsure as to whether the mix will work for a specific plant just ask us and we'll be quick to respond with a recommendation. 

No - Molly's Succulent Mix is a complete standalone potting mix. It contains a range of organic (alive) and mineral (inert) ingredients that plants require. It does not require the addition of anything else in order to meet the needs of your plants. If you want to mix it with other mixes or additives you can but please note that doing so is not required. 

No, Molly's Succulent Mix is a soilless potting mix, meaning it does not contain soil but does contain a mix of organic and mineral ingredients. As a soilless medium Molly's Succulent Mix is free of fertilizer, soil-borne pests, and disease. 

Hyuga is a type of volcanic rock and is a lightweight and porous material that is commonly used as a soil amendment for growing plants, often in bonsai cultivation. Hyuga is known for its ability to improve soil drainage and aeration, as well as its water retention properties. It is often mixed with other materials such as akadama, another type of volcanic soil, and organic matter to create a well-draining yet moisture-retentive growing medium for plants. Hyuga is also used as a decorative dressing for potted plants, as it can add texture and visual interest to the soil surface. It is a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts, but can also be used for growing other types of plants, including succulents and cacti.

Akadama is a type of volcanic soil that is widely used as a growing medium for bonsai trees and other container-grown plants in Japan and around the world. It is a granular, clay-like substance known for its excellent water retention and drainage properties, making it an ideal growing medium for plants that require good soil aeration and drainage, such as succulents and bonsai trees. It is also pH-neutral, meaning that it will not significantly affect the acidity or alkalinity of the potting medium. In addition to its physical properties, akadama is also prized for its aesthetic qualities, including its distinctive reddish-brown color. It is worth noting that there are different grades of akadama, ranging from coarse to fine, and that it is often mixed with other materials such as hyuga and organic matter to create a suitable growing medium for different types of plants. Molly’s Succulent Mix uses Double Red Line Hard Akadama which is a hard variety that breaks down slowly.

Molly's Succulent Mix generally requires watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on the plant and local environment. The mix is formulated to drain quickly since over-watering a plant is harder to recover from than under-watering a plant, and potted plants are susceptible to root rot. As the mix drains quickly it's important to properly distribute the water throughout the mix. For best results, we recommend making sure that the water pools on top of the mix in the pot and drains uniformly, vs. e.g. finding a small route through the mix and not spreading out. We also recommend bottom-watering the plant once in a while by placing the pot in a small cup/bowl/saucer with an inch or so of water and letting that soak up through the hole in the pot for 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the plant. Doing so will completely rehydrate your plant and potting mix while encouraging strong downward root growth.