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.
Heavy garden soil or potting soil designed to retain a lot of moisture will suffocate the roots, making the Christmas cactus grow and flower poorly. It also may result in root rot and the Christmas cactus' death.rowing Tips. Well-drained soil helps a Christmas cactus grow well only when the plant pot also allows excess moisture to drain. The pot must have at least one drainage hole in its bottom.