Pay in installments of $6.61 with
,
and
Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 6 - Jul 11
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
can i use orchid potting mix for succulents Molly's Gritty Mix for Cactus & BonsaiQuick answer: what is Molly's Succulent Mix? For: succulents, cacti, bonsai, Haworthia, Echeveria, Sedum, Jade, and any arid environment plant. What's in it: high mineral gritty blend of pumice, lava rock, and crushed bark. Low organic matter by design. Why it works: succulent roots are built to drink fast and dry out fast. The gritty structure drains in seconds and holds zero standing water, so roots don't rot. Pre rinsed and pH balanced straight
Quick answer: what is Molly's Succulent Mix?
- For: succulents, cacti, bonsai, Haworthia, Echeveria, Sedum, Jade, and any arid-environment plant.
- What's in it: high-mineral gritty blend of pumice, lava rock, and crushed bark. Low organic matter by design.
- Why it works: succulent roots are built to drink fast and dry out fast. The gritty structure drains in seconds and holds zero standing water, so roots don't rot.
- Pre-rinsed and pH-balanced straight from the bag. No salt flush required.
- Bonsai-safe. The grit profile matches what serious bonsai growers blend by hand from akadama, pumice, and lava.
More plant-specific guidance: Ultimate guide to growing succulents indoors, Potting soil vs potting mix.
Succulents and cacti evolved in arid, mineral-rich environments where water moves through gritty substrate in seconds. Their roots are built to drink fast and dry out fast. Standard potting soil holds moisture for days, suffocates the roots, and rots them from the bottom up. The fix is a high-mineral, low-organic, gritty mix.
Molly's Succulent Mix is engineered to mimic native desert and rocky-slope substrates. A blend of pumice, lava rock, and a small amount of organic matter that drains in seconds and forces the soak-and-dry watering rhythm succulents need.
The gritty-mix philosophy
Most "succulent soil" sold at garden centres is regular potting soil with sand mixed in. That's not what these plants want. The right mix is roughly 70% mineral aggregate (pumice and lava rock) and 30% structural organic (coir, charcoal). Water hits the surface and runs through within seconds. Roots get a brief, intense drink, then dry conditions for the next 1 to 2 weeks. That's how succulents stay alive in pots.
What's in the bag
- Pumice (volcanic, lightweight): the mineral backbone. Holds a tiny amount of water inside its porous structure, but lets the rest drain freely.
- Lava rock (red lava): chunky drainage and heat retention. Roots love the warmth differential it creates.
- Coir fiber (small percentage): just enough organic to retain a little humidity and prevent the mix from drying to a brick. Not enough to compromise drainage.
- Horticultural charcoal: filters salts from tap water (succulents are surprisingly sensitive to mineral buildup).
- Calcitic limestone (trace): buffers pH to the slightly alkaline range (6.5 to 7.5) most desert succulents prefer.
Low peat content, no worm castings (succulents don't want a nutrient flush), no commercial fertilizer. The whole mix is intentionally lean.
Plants this is for
Designed for succulents and cacti:
- Echeveria, Sedum, Crassula (jade), Sempervivum: the classic rosette succulents.
- Haworthia, Gasteria: they prefer slightly more shade but want the same gritty drainage.
- Aloe (vera and others): medicinal succulents, this mix prevents the rot they're prone to in heavier soils.
- Most cacti: Mammillaria, Echinopsis, Opuntia, San Pedro, golden barrel.
- Lithops (living stones): require fast drainage to stay alive year-round; this mix is well-suited.
- Bonsai with high drainage needs: juniper, pine, and certain deciduous bonsai work well.
- Caudex plants: Adenium, Pachypodium, and other swollen-stem species that need fast drainage at the base.
Not for: tropical "succulent-looking" plants like Hoya, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), or Easter cactus, which actually prefer humidity-retaining mixes. For those, use Molly's Aroid Mix.
Watering with gritty mix
The right rhythm: soak and dry. Water deeply, then wait until the mix is bone-dry before watering again.
- Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches feel completely dry. For most succulents in standard 4 to 6 inch pots, that's every 10 to 21 days indoors.
- Water until liquid runs clearly out the drainage holes. Don't dribble. Soak.
- Discard any water in the saucer. Do not let the pot sit in standing water.
- Wait. The plant will let you know when it's thirsty (slight wrinkling of leaves, lighter pot weight).
In winter, water roughly half as often. Most succulents go dormant or semi-dormant.
FAQ
Why is this so heavy compared to other succulent soil?
Because it's mostly minerals, not peat or coco coir. The weight is what makes it work. Light bag means light drainage, which is the opposite of what succulents need.
Can I use this for bonsai?
For tropical bonsai, no, they want a moisture-retentive aroid-style mix. For drought-tolerant bonsai (juniper, pine, certain deciduous species), yes, this mix or a 50/50 blend with finer organics works well.
Will the mix break down or stay porous over time?
Stays porous. The mineral components (pumice, lava rock, charcoal) don't decompose. The small organic fraction breaks down slowly. Most succulents in this mix can go 2 to 3 years before repotting.
Should I add fertilizer?
Sparingly. Succulents are slow growers and don't need much. A diluted (~1/4 strength) cactus-specific fertilizer once during the growing season (spring) is plenty for most species.
Packaged in a heat-sealed resealable bag. New formula released April 2026, see the formula release announcement for details on what changed.
Related care guide
Watering, light, and repotting fundamentals for succulents and cacti.
Have questions? Read the Molly's Succulent Mix FAQ for detailed information on watering, repotting, and which succulents this mix works best for.
New: the complete soil guide
Not sure if you need cactus soil or succulent soil? They are the same thing. Read: Best Soil for Succulents and Cactus →
Not sure which mix your plant needs?
Take our free 60-second Soil Finder quiz → Diagnose the problem and get the exact Molly's mix and amount for your plant, plus 10% off.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.0 ★★★★★
Based on 1730 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 3
Great, yet, not so great
I never bother leaving reviews, but this one gave me an opinion that was strong enough that I had to say something.
Much like many other reviews out there, a lot of people complain about the placement of the buttons. Actually I think for the most part everything is fine except for the scroll wheel and the default left click. My problem with those two is, if you're using your index finger to use either feature, you have to really stretch your finger outwards to access it. If you tilt the whole device so that it reaches more easily, then the thumb buttons are now at an odd position. I do have to say though, I originally thought that a non vertical hand position would kill my wrist but surprisingly it didn't. It didn't save my wrist either. But creating finger pains isn't exactly a good alternative due to the uncomfortable positioning. Yes I know you can remap the buttons to different functions but that's settling for less as that means you're opting out on using the uncomfortable buttons.
A quick little history on my previous devices. I've used regular mice like everyone else before all these problems creeped up on my hands. The most comfortable regular mouse for me is the logitech mx revolution. But eventually using that started to cause pain. I then moved onto the evoluent vertical mouse 3. That mouse is great and I still use it depending on what I need it for. However I recently ordered the zero tension mouse and I find that for overall usage, that one is the most comfortable since your wrist is at its most relaxed state. No twisting of any kind. Not only that, the fingers curl naturally along the device to reach the buttons. Some people palm their mice leaving their fingers straight, but for others with longer fingers it's a bit difficult to use a mouse without curling your fingers backwards a bit to accommodate positioning.
What is the whole point of that long paragraph? This trackman doesn't allow your hand to be in a resting state and *may* cause more strain, or a different type of strain in addition to whatever problem you may already experience.
While it sounds like I'm claiming that this is the worst pointing device ever, I'm just stressing on the bad points. It's definitely a solid piece of technology. Doesn't feel cheap, the ball is super easy to clean along with the insides where some dust may collect. All the buttons feel solid. Overall it's got heft so that the whole thing doesn't slide around during use. But build quality and maintenance takes a backseat if comfort isn't there.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2010
★★★★★ 4
Macho Macho Mouse!
This is the biggest mouse ever! At least the biggest I have ever seen or held. It is more like a large rat than a mouse. It was a bit too large for my petite/medium sized hand (I should have read the dimensions more carefully). I did not like the long cord it came with, and the device at the end of it for wireless capability - not very portable. The lock button malfunctioned and just quit working. The scoll buttons are too close together for me and too small. The ball was nice and smooth, but it did not ease the pain in my hand as I had expected. But I have inflamation issues. If a smaller one were available, it might have worked better for me, but the design/layout of some buttons didn't work for me. I surmise that this mouse works superb for men or women with large hands. But it was just not a good fit for me or my work area, and it malfunctioned. I ended up buying and loving...
My husband, who is utterly finickly about his mice, actually found this one comfortable and easy to use. The biggest reasons for a trac ball mouse are 1) it works nicely by my side when laptopping on my bed-top - no need to move the mouse around, only the trac ball. 2) The ball and buttons do not cause inflammation in my hands.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2009
★★★★★ 5
Great for radiology
I work intensively with computers. In radiology, the number of data points to process quickly is multifarious: dictation software, PACS, and workstations, 4 screens, etc. Volume is also inherently high. I've used this product for two-years and am very satisfied.
At times, I was finding wrist fatigue a bit of an issue with the classic two-button mouse with a center roller. My symptoms were nothing serious, just irritation at the end of each day from "clicking". I purchased this roller as a trial, to see if I get any relief. It worked just as I had hoped. I have no symptoms during or at the end of the day. I not will not go back to just a mouse.
Build is very comfortable and solid.
Ease of use. For me, it is a 5*, but you should know that it does have quite of bit of complexity. As you can see, it has any number of buttons--which I was specifically looking for. I find that these myriad buttons are very functional and easy to use in practice. You just have to map out what are high volume or repetitive motions/keystroke actions. Now I love Macs and their simplicity (and this trackball also works nicely with them), but their mouse is too stripped down for my needs.
I am someone who uses keyboard shortcuts whenever possible to speed things up. And again, in my business, speed and accuracy are critical. I already was already maxed-out with mere two-button mouse. This trackball allows me to custom assign functions and keyboard assignments. For instance, page-up and down are assigned to arrow buttons on the trackball. Now when I'm on a website or scrolling through ultrasound exams, I just click rather than moving to the keyboard. To initiate a case dictation is typically alt-8: now this function is tasked to a button on the trackball. Clicking the middle mouse scroll wheel is now assigned to mini-scroll wheel on the trackball. And so on.
I worried that the trackball would have trouble interfacing with the programs I used. It essentially had no problem. It was recognized across the board. There has been only one function that still requires a mouse: a shortcut I use for zooming on the PACS is to hold down the option key and spin the center wheel. For some reason I am unable to replicate this function. Because the zooming shortcut is something I use all the time, the mouse stays on my desktop next to the trackball
Which brings up another nice feature of this product: it can co-exist with a mouse. I plug the wireless transmitter into the front USB port and leave the mouse connected in back. I can use either device whenever I like. If a colleague comes over to review a case, they never know what to do with the trackball so I just move it out of the way and they use the mouse. If I move to a different workstation, I just unplug the transmitter and move and plug it into the next computer. The trackball will need to be configured as a first-time each time you start on a new computer, but done the profile will remain. There is logitech software that needs to be installed, but all of the mice are logitech, so the software for adjusting the trackball is for me already in place.
My productivity is higher and I have less frustration thanks to this device. For not only does the device allowing me to short-circuit and subsume common tasks, but it it simply much faster than a mouse. You can adjust the speed of cursor tracking and you can also embellish cursor movement with an accelerator. With multiple large, high-resolution monitors, this is very rewarding. Everything is faster. When I have to review a case on a colleague's workstation with a mere mouse, I am given a glimpse of how I used to work: the mouse is sluggish and I have to do a lot of wrist movement. Sure, the conventional mouse can itself be accelerated, but you still have the basic fact that you have to keep moving your wrist to cover four screens and to scroll through hundreds of images. I appreciate afresh that I am using a trackball and not a mouse.
Lastly, I do have to give high credit to logitech itself. 6-12 months into purchase, the buttons I had assigned to serve as "page-up" and "page-down" were not responding 100% of the time. Sometimes that signals that the AA batteries are wearing out, but even with new batteries the issue persisted. I called logitech and they switched out the device without any questions. Really top-flight service. The replacement is going on strong after 1 year.
So in short, if you are considering a trackball, get one. This one is I think the top of the line. If you don't need to extreme functionality, consider the Logitech Trackman Marble Mouse which has fewer buttons but works on the same principle (I actually use the marble mouse at home, because my at-home use is much lighter).
I have read about "review mills" that churn out praise or scorn. I find Amazon's reviews to be a great source for separating wheat from chaff. It has a critical mass of users and reviewers. That said, when I was looking for a trackball, however, I did not see a review that was on-point for my niche needs. Hopefully this review will fill that lacuna.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2011
★★★★★ 5
Solid Hardware; Doesn't fit all hands
I use Windows 7 Premium 64bit and I also run Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit in VMware workstation for work. All buttons and functions work properly in both the host an the guest machines.
This trackball is solid Logitech. It feels substantial and the buttons and track back are well made. Cleaning the trackball is a snap. Just pop it out, give it a wipe, and done. The software is also very easy to use and to customize the buttons to your liking. I am not a huge fan of the external USB radio transmitter that is used and that alone might have stopped me from buying this). It does not use the Logitech USB receiver other mice use, so I wouldn't recommend trying to travel with it.
The programmable buttons are great. I like the default assignments, but I programmed the scroll lock button to send "Enter" instead. I have set-up Windows to move the mouse to the default button when a dialog appears, so I can just hit that key rather then moving the mouse or moving my hand back to the keyboard. It's a little thing, but it's productive.
A note about fit. I did not ding the score for fit since fit is very personal. What I like may not be what you like. But here is my $.02.
If you can get to a store to try it out, do so. I have average sized hands for someone who is 5' 9" tall. The Trackman is a little bit big to easily get to all the buttons. I tend to rest the side of my hand on the desk which means I can easily get my index and ring fingers on the ball, my ring finger on the right mouse key, and thumb on the left mouse button and the forward/back buttons above the left click. The other buttons along the top ridge are out of reach. I have to shift my hand. Not a huge deal until you consider my hand is now out of place with respect to the trackball and buttons so I have to shift back and forth. It's an annoyance for me.
I have tried moving my hand up to rest more on the ample real estate on the back of the body, but that is more uncomfortable. I also tried floating my hand over the unit. That hasn't stopped me from using the Trackman, but I am not likely to buy another one these models. However, if you find it fits your hand, then this I highly recommend this trackball.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2011
★★★★★ 5
Best right-handed trackball ever
This is the best pointing device I've ever used, hands-down. This is the second one I've purchased since I've managed to run out the last one in 4-5 years of very heavy usage. Here's what I like about it.
The real centerpiece of this trackball is the off-center ball. Now, this does make this definitely a right-handed trackball and lefties will probably feel left out, but putting the ball off-center matches the general distribution of your fingers over your hand. It's been to be maneuvered with your index through ring finger, and it is perfectly positioned to roll to any of those fingers as you need to use the scroll wheel or the right mouse button. Compared to a more omni-handed Kensington and the comfort difference is astounding. Likewise, for me, this is infinitely more comfortable than using my thumb for the trackball. The trackball pointing devices that use the thumb inevitably make my hand and thumb joint feel jammed up.
Also compared to Kensington, having a proper vertical scroll wheel is infinitely better than their "orbit ring" in my mind. The index finger quite naturally lines up with the wheel. The overall shape fits my hand comfortably and makes for easy long hours working or gaming.
Construction is solid and it's durable with good maintenance. As noted I used the previous one for at least 4 years, and used it quite heavily for general computer tasking, through EDA tools (Modelsim), through heavy gaming (including FPS and MMORPGs). If you are a button hog, then you might run out, but there's more than enough for me to use and i'm quite pleased with what I've been able to make it do.
Defictis: There are few. As noted, if you are a left handed computer pointer... you'll have to go with a mouse or a Kensington. If you've trained your right hand to point this may work for you. The wireless aspect of the device is not it's strongest feature and there have been a few rare moments when it seems to lose its connection with the base station. And wireless range is probably a little limited, though I've used it successfully several feet away from the base. It does have a few dropouts in motion further away though, so don't use this for a large presentation room or TV gaming.
But that's pretty much it. The sad thing is that Logitech doesn't seem to push this product into stores, so it's a bit hard to find on the shelf where you can do a touch fit. They've used this form factor for awhile though, so hopefully it'll continue to be useful in Amazon sales and make a comeback in a new product again soon. I"m tempted to buy another though to have in reserve in 4-5 years though!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2010