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.
Potting Soil. Commercial all-purpose potting soil and be used as the soil base for your Christmas cactus, but must be amended to improve drainage and promote aeration. Mix one-part potting soil to one-part builder's sand or perlite.This creates a porous soil suitable for succulents.sing garden soil to make potting medium for Christmas cacti requires sterilizing the soil first to prevent injuries to the plant from soil-borne pathogens. Subject the soil to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.