Sharp drainage needed

[Digging in the Dirt 3]

I wanted to try and grow a few tropical plants this year that need sharp drainage, and I heard that if I add sand to my dirt, that would do the trick.  However, they warned me not to use "playground " sand because that could start to clump together and make the drainage worse than if I had not added it at all.

 

Does anyone use sand to improve their drainage?  Are there better alternatives than sand?

 

Thanks.

[carolm 1]

I've grown plumeria for a number of years and found a 1:1 mix of potting soil and perlite does the trick.

[Digging in the Dirt 3]

Thanks for the perlite recommendation.  I was just reading that perlite does do a good job of improving drainage and aeration in potting soil.  Hopefully it's not to hard to find.

 

Thanks.