If you read my post on Tuesday, you’ll know that I’ve been dying to either buy or create my own succulent garden for awhile now but failed in my first attempt. Lesson learned from that little episode? Be prepared.
There are many reasons why I like succulent gardens:
- Low maintenance
- No allergy concerns
- Kinda funky and unexpected
Succulent gardens can be purchased just about anywhere, but when you’re looking for something unique, it’s more fun to create yourself.
To see larger images, simply click on the picture.
So here’s what you’ll need to create your own succulent garden:
THE SUPPLIES
- Cactus Soil
- Soil Cover aka Rocks
- Choice of Succulents
- Planter
THE SUCCULENTS
When picking your succulents, you want to make sure that they all have the same or similar sunlight, feeding and watering requirements. You also want to pay attention to things like texture, shape and color. The best composites are usually odd numbers with one tall, one “fluffy” and one “spreader”. Look at your arrangement close together to make sure you like the composition. Look at it from all angles.
THE STEPS
1. Empty Planter
If you are particularly handy, you can add drainage holes. The coffee cup and saucer are bonded together so I didn’t bother with adding any. Also did you notice the dirt in the bottom of the planter? That’s from me placing the plants to see how I’d like them arranged in the pot. I recommend you do this so that you have a rough idea of what your finished product will look like (you can also gauge how much soil you’ll need by prearranging).
2. Add Rocks
To make up for not having drainage holes, add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the planter. A single layer will suffice.
3. Add Soil
Add a layer of soil. You kind of have to eyeball it to see how much you need to put in but remember your succulents’ roots are packed in soil so you want to make sure that you leave room for them but you also need a barrier between the roots and the rocks.
4. Add Water
Dampen the soil. You don’t want it soaking wet but you do need it damp.
5. Add Succulents
Add more soil until your plants are securely situated in the planter. You don’t want the soil to touch the leaves (that can cause them to rot). Adding a layer of rocks over the soil not only helps to retain moisture but it keeps the leaves and soil from touching.
6. Admire
To care for your succulent garden:
- Keep in high sunlight areas
- Water when top soil is dry (roughly every 2 weeks or so)
- If you keep your succulent garden outside, bring it inside when the weather starts to turn
I’m linking up with:
- Rae Gun Ramblings ~ What We Made and What We Wore Wednesday
- Deb Duty Photography ~ This or That Thursday
