Sand Flakes – Natural Drainage Mix for Cactus & Succulents

Sand Flakes is material eroded off other rocks that is then worn down into pieces ranging in size from microscopic particles to pebbles to boulders. It is often carried from its source—the rock or mineral deposit it was eroded from—by wind or water and deposited in other areas, sometimes hundreds of miles away.

Specification

Size: These are rock fragments or mineral particles that range in diameter from about 2 mm and 6 mm

Uses

Planting seeds and taking cuttings: Sand Flakes is often mixed with compost or peat to create a soilless rooting medium that drains well. The loose structure of the mixture is beneficial for germination and for rooting cuttings.

Potting mix for container growing: Garden soil isn’t suitable for container growing, as it quickly becomes compacted and brick-like. When water can’t drain, the roots suffocate, and the plant dies. A mixture of compost or peat and sand flakes is an ideal environment. Many plants do well with a combination of one part sand flakes to two parts compost, while cactus and succulents generally prefer a grittier 50/50 mix. A thin layer of sand flakes on top of the potting mix is also beneficial for many plants.

Loosening heavy soil: Improving heavy clay soil is difficult but sand flakes can make the soil more porous so that drainage is improved, and roots have a chance to penetrate. If your soil is heavy clay, spread several inches (8 cm.) of sand flakes over the top, then dig it into the top 9 to 10 inches (23-25 cm.) of soil. This is a difficult task. To make a significant improvement, you would need to incorporate enough sand to equal about half of the total soil volume.

Landscaping: Sand flakes is probably the most versatile aggregate for landscaping. It is natural and flexible, suiting various landscape styles, and fitting any shape. Sand flakes is also easy to change and work with—you don’t need a jackhammer to remove it.

Sand flakes provides adequate drainage in flower beds and prevents the buildup of water around foundations. It’s an excellent alternative to mulch in garden beds and it’s an ideal ground cover that won’t pool water. It’s also more cost-effective to cover an area, such as a patio, walkway, or driveway, compared to pavers.

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