Soil too hydrophobic. Mix in description.

Soil mix: Parts: Material: 1 perlite 1 pumice 1 lava rock 1/2 coarse sand and rocks (local sand) 1 worm castings 3 organic potting soil 2 store bought cactus soil (peat, perlite sand) Small amounts of crushed oyster shells, bone meal, gypsum, sulphur.

Soil has become so hydrophobic that nether top nor bottom watering will saturate the soil. It doesn’t soak up even when pot submerged entirely, and will just erode a channel through the pot when top watered.

I do let my soil dry completely for 1-2 days, I’m sure that’s the cause of the soil being over-dry. But I don’t wanna play with root-rot.

I’ve even tried top watering while the pot is submerged. Looks saturated, but a half inch under the surface is totally dry dirt.

I was thinking of replacing 1/2 or 1/3 of the potting soil with coco choir. I’ve read it retains too much moisture, and my climate is somewhat humid. I just can’t deal with taking an hour to water each pot it’s excruciating.

How’s everyone’s experience with hydrophobic soil? And coco choir?