The grower

About

Prickly Point is the personal succulent log of Brian Behrens. His passion for cacti and succulents began in 2022, when the owner of Venice Plants gifted him a few starter plants. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into a full obsession. As Brian's interest in drought-tolerant landscaping expanded, so did his collection—spanning both in-ground plantings and an ever-growing variety of potted succulents. Alongside this hobby, Brian developed a love for custom pottery, even creating his own handmade cement pots from time to time. Prickly Point is located in Los Angeles, California (Hardiness Zone 10b).

Brian holding a freshly purchased cactus alongside Oscar at Green Touch Nursery
Picking up a new addition from Oscar at Green Touch Nursery.

In the pot

Current potting mix

A fast-draining, mineral-heavy blend that works well for most potted succulents and cacti. Adjust ratios by plant needs and your climate.

Ratio by volume

6.5 parts total

  • Pumice3 parts46%
  • Calcined Clay1 part15%
  • Decomposed Granite1 part15%
  • Cactus Soil Mix1 part15%
  • Biochar1/2 part8%

Composition

  • Inorganic 77%(Pumice, Calcined Clay, Decomposed Granite)
  • Organic 23%(Cactus Soil Mix, Biochar)

Add-ins & finishing

  1. 01Dash of Mycorrhizal Fungi Powder
  2. 02Optional dash of all-purpose fertilizer
  3. 03Top dressing with Maifanitum, Lava Rock, or other fines

Further reading

Links to resources

Gear

Succulent gardening supplies & tools

Welcome to Prickly Point's curated list of recommended succulent care tools, soils, fertilizers, and creative DIY supplies.

Soils & Growing Mediums8

Fertilizers & Nutrients12

Plant Treatments (Pests & Diseases)4

Light & Shade7

Watering & Irrigation7

Gardening Tools16

Plant Stands & Shelving6

Pots & Propagation4

Succulent Books & Inspiration3

DIY Cement & Concrete Planters14