About 5 years ago, Sheridan Cleland of MyPDFscripts wrote the below article on his blog. Soon after, the site disappeared. I wanted to keep the memory alive, because these practices by the studios have not changed. They have only become worse.
Cacti are one of my favorite types of plants to grow inside all year and outside in summer. Unfortunately, the ambient air tends to stay moist during most seasons, a condition which makes cacti unhappy. Cactus potting soil can enhance drainage, increase evaporation and provide the dry conditions that cacti favor.
Sand and Gravel. All members of the Aloe genus require sandy or gravelly soil with very good drainage to reduce the risk of root rot and nutritional deficiencies. When planted in containers, aloe vera plants do well in a mixture of commercial potting mix with extra sand, granite grit or perlite added.They can also be planted in potting soil meant specifically for cactuses. When planting aloe vera outdoors, look for a sandy spot that dries out completely after rainfall.aised Planting. Outdoor aloes sometimes need extra drainage help in wet climates, since their soil may not dry out completely between rain showers. Consider planting your aloe vera in a raised bed or on a slope to discourage wet conditions and increase the amount of oxygen available to the roots.