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.
Your succulent garden is gorgeous. Great tutorial also. I love it. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
that looks great, I love having plants in my house, and this idea might be one to try in the future !!!
LOVE how this turned out! Succulents are the type of thing that I never see the potential in when I see them at the store and then marvel at how nice they look in people’s homes.
I love this, its so cute!! I also adore the little frog in there! I will have to try something like this!
I love succulents arranged this way! Thanks for sharing and reminding me how much I like them!
That came out so great. Love the little frog! Thanks so much for linking this up to our Wicked Awesome Wednesday link party!
That looks like something from a high end decorating magazine! I have been considering something like that-but I think our house would be too cool for it (and not bright enough) in the winter. I guess I will have to do a bit more research.
I love what you have created here! I recently made a succulent planter for My Mother in Law. I wish I had seen yours first – it’s beautiful! Hope it’s ok that I pinned it on my succulents Pinterest board . It’s so special!
http://pinterest.com/pin/25584764/
I adore succulents! Your idea to add the little froggy is great 🙂
I saw the whipped cream vodka at the store today: I was thinking of incorporating it into a dessert. Yum!
I love this. I’ve been wanting to try growing some succulents. My sister has a whole garden in her apartment in NY. I may give it a try. I’m all about low maintenance.
Succulents are awesome! And you really got me psyched up to go get some more.
That’s pretty! I like the idea of using the river rocks as a base. Very pretty.