Most commercial potting soils are too rich in fresh organic matter. Many growers use a mix of a low peat planter mix and pumice (50/50). Sand, small pebbles and vermiculite are ingredients added by many successful growers and hobbyists.

Mix a 4 quarts of medium grit sand with 4 quarts of perlite in your bucket. To this mix add 4 quarts of potting soil and mix well so that no dirt or clumps remain in the soil and make sure everything is loose. Add organic nutrients mix into the soil as succulents need a small amount of organic materials.