oh so succulent

This morning I got to work on planting some of my succulents that I’ve been hoarding collecting each time I run to Lowe’s or Ikea.

Succulents are easy house plants for anybody because they don’t require too much in the way of care or maintenance. They are desert plants, so they don’t like to be watered to frequently. They only need to be watered when they are completely dry. Here in Arizona, where it’s really dry, I only water mine once a week or even a week and a half. So most other non-desert places you would water them even less. Most succulents rest during the winter, so they require very little watering, if any at all, but it depends on the species. Always read the tag that comes with your plants.

The root system of succulents tends to be very shallow, so there is no need for a deep pot. In fact, since the root system is shallow, a deep pot can be harmful to the plant because the soil at the bottom of the pot will stay moist..and that can lead to all kinds of ickys. The fun part is that since you don’t need a deep pot you can get really creative in your choice of planting vessel.

I started with a shallow dish that I found while thrifting. I lined the bottom with black rocks, many of which I got at the craft store, and others that I already had. I made it so the rocks “climbed” up the side of the dish, so that you could see them through the glass.

I then put a layer of cactus soil on top of the rocks. It drains better than regular potting soil so it dries out quicker.

Then I placed my succulents where I wanted them. I wanted a mix of colors, some green red and blue. In the middle I put an old aloe that needed repotting. The reddish ones, called graptosedum ‘California Sunset,’ I laid at an angle, so when they grow they will cover part of the edge. I did the same with the senecio ‘Mini Blue,‘ but not quite as much. I also added some sedeveria ‘Jet Bead,’ in towards the middle. Once all the plants were situated where I wanted them, I packed in some more cactus soil. Then I placed more rocks around the plants. I added some large, clear, flat marbles that I had and a few smaller dark ones to add some sparkle. After that I lightly watered the whole thing, to clean any loose soil off the plants.

See the cute little glass frog I added for interest! His name is Fred. He once was on the top of a glass stir stick that broke. I think he likes his new home.

Linked to: Today’s Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, Running With Glitter, Home Stories A to Z, I’m Topsy Turvy, A Stroll Thru Life, Not Just A Housewife, Sugar Bee Crafts, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Blue Cricket Design, Lil’ Luna, Elements Interiors, Someday Crafts, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, The Cottage Chick, Somewhat Simple, Paisley Passions, House of Hepworths, Remodelaholic, Whipperberry, 504 Main, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, The Lettered Cottage