Succulents are a great option for both indoor and outdoor planters and can be grown in just about any type of container. Some of the most common containers you can use to grow succulents include hanging planters, clay pots, window boxes, bowls, terrariums, and mugs.
You can also get creative and create unique, homemade planters out of everyday items like teacups, colanders, wood boxes, and even wine glasses. The possibilities are endless. When you begin to pot succulents, make sure to use containers that have drainage.
This is important because succulents are prone to root rot and other issues if their soil is too wet or moist for too long. Adding gravel or a layer of small stones to the bottom of the container is a great way to ensure water can properly drain away from the succulent’s soil.
Make sure that all of the containers you use have drainage holes. Additionally, you will need to use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for succulents and cacti.
Do succulents do better in clay or plastic pots?
Succulents tend to do better in a clay pot, as the clay absorbs and dissipates moisture more easily than a plastic pot. Clay pots also provide better air circulation, which helps keep the roots cool, promoting healthier growth in succulents.
Clay pots also tend to be more porous than plastic pots, which prevents soil from becoming overly saturated with moisture. Generally, plastic pots should be avoided when growing succulents, as their lack of porosity can cause moisture to become trapped around the roots, potentially causing root rot and other problems with the plant.
If a plastic pot is the only option, it is best to line the pot with a layer of gravel or stones to promote better drainage.
Can you put succulents in any container?
Yes, you can put succulents in just about any container that you have available, as long as it is big enough to accommodate their root system and has drainage holes. Succulents also need good air circulation and light, so glass containers should not be used for succulent plants.
For example, pots made out of clay, terracotta, or even plastic can all be used for succulents, as well as wooden or even concrete containers. What type of pot is most suitable will depend on the size and type of the succulent you want to pot up.
For example, if you’re growing a large succulent, such as an agave, then you’ll need a deeper and narrower container for its roots. Likewise, for a smaller succulent such as an echeveria, you can use a wide, shallow container.
Ultimately, as long as the container is big enough and suited to the succulent type and size, you can use almost any type of container for succulents.
Do succulents have to be in pots with holes?
No, succulents don’t necessarily need to be in pots with holes. Succulents need a pot that drains well and provides airflow. Many succulent enthusiasts choose to use pots with holes to increase drainage and airflow, but other forms of containers can work too.
Pots without drainage holes can be used for succulents, as long as additional drainage measures are taken. For example, a layer of rocks, charcoal or sand at the bottom of the container can help increase drainage.
Also, an alternative to soil can be used such as a soilless potting mix that is formulated for succulents. It is important for the soil to be able to dry out between waterings so that the succulents won’t get waterlogged and rot.
By taking the necessary steps to increase drainage and airflow, succulents can thrive in pots without drainage holes.
Should you put rocks at the bottom of succulents?
In general, it is not necessary to put rocks at the bottom of succulents. Succulents are a type of drought-tolerant plants which don’t need much water or drainage, making putting rocks at the bottom unnecessary.
However, rocks can provide a decorative element to succulent planters and can also help to stabilize the plant and make it easier to transport. Additionally, using rocks at the bottom of a pot or planter can help to prevent overwatering, as rocks increase the drainage of excess water.
If you choose to use rocks at the bottom, please keep in mind that you should use washed, sterile rocks, such as aquarium rocks, to make sure that any pests or bacteria are eliminated before you place your succulent inside.
Furthermore, it is important to note that if you’re using small terracotta pots, it is beneficial to put rocks at the bottom, as this will help with drainage and make sure that the succulent’s roots are not subjected to constant wet soil.
Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to include rocks at the bottom of a succulent planter or not – but make sure that if your succulent is placed in a pot or planter with rocks, the succulent is not subject to too much water or dampness.
Do you water succulents from the top or bottom?
The answer as to whether to water succulents from the top or bottom depends on the type of succulent you have. Generally speaking, most succulents should be watered from the bottom. This is known as bottom watering and involves filling a tray or pot with slightly warm water and allowing the succulent’s roots to absorb the moisture from the tray.
This makes the succulent less prone to rot and encourages healthy root growth. Planting the succulent in a pot with a drainage hole can also help with bottom watering.
On the other hand, some succulents may not respond well to bottom watering, as they are prone to rot if their roots remain wet too long. In this case, top watering may be the best option. With top watering, simply add water to the soil and let it seep in.
You can use a spray bottle and mist the soil as well – usually, once every week and a half or so.
The best way to decide which method to use is to observe your own succulent and see how it responds. Overwatering is a common problem for succulents, so it can be helpful to let the soil dry out in between waterings.
Always use lukewarm water, as cold or hot water can shock and damage your succulent’s delicate roots.
How do you care for succulents in pots without drainage holes?
Caring for succulents in pots without drainage holes can be a challenge, but is doable with patience and proper care. The most important thing is to ensure that you are using the right soil to grow your succulents.
Succulents prefer a well-draining soil so cactus soil or potting mix with added perlite or pumice works well. When watering, be sure to use a light hand and water only when the top inch or so of soil is dry.
Too often, succulents are overwatered, leading to root rot and eventual death of the plant. Once you have potted your succulent, avoid placing them in direct sunlight. They can handle plenty of indirect light, but direct sunlight can cause burns or wilting so try to keep them in an area where they will get bright but indirect light.
To make sure that your succulents are getting the air and air circulation that they need, gently remove them from their pot every 1-2 weeks and brush off the excess soil. Fertilizing should also be done sparingly, once or twice a year using a liquid succulent fertilizer that has a lower nitrogen content.
With a bit of care and patience, succulents without drainage holes can thrive in pots.
What happens if a planter doesn’t have a drainage hole?
If a planter doesn’t have a drainage hole, the roots of the plants can become waterlogged, leading to root and stalk rot. Overwatering and oxygen deprivation can occur, as the soil may not be able to properly dry out, negatively affecting the health of the plant.
Standing water in a pot without drainage can also lead to problems such as fungal growth. Moss, mildew, and other types of mold can also start to collect due to the high moisture content. Bacteria can also build up when there’s not enough drainage, leading to sickly or even dead plants.
Adding a layer of stones, gravel or shattered terra-cotta at the bottom of the pot is one way to improve drainage, but using a pot with pre-drilled holes is the best way to ensure proper water flow.
What plants can survive without drainage holes?
Some plants are able to survive without drainage holes, including african violets, angel wing begonias, Chinese evergreen, jade plants, dumb cane (dieffenbachia), ivy, creeping fig, cast iron plants, snake plants, zz plants and Chinese lanterns.
These plants do not require a lot of water and are even able to handle living in soggy soil for extended periods. They typically prefer slightly moist soil, so watering them once a week should suffice, and pots with no drainage should be watered with caution to prevent overwatering.
It is important to note, however, that while these plants can survive without drainage holes, they will thrive in a pot with a drainage hole to keep the soil from becoming too damp or waterlogged. Adding organic matter to soil, such as compost or mulch, can help keep it from becoming too waterlogged.
While lacking drainage holes may not be ideal, these plants are perfect for those that struggle with proper watering.
How many drainage holes does a succulent need?
It depends on the type of pot that the succulent is placed in. Generally, it is recommended to have one to three drainage holes in the bottom of the pot for proper drainage. However, succulents do have the ability to store water and can tolerate short periods of being overly wet.
As such, when planting your succulent in a pot, it is important to ensure that the pot has proper aeration, drainage and a way to keep excess water from collecting. For example, you can use screens as weep holes over the drainage holes to keep soil from clogging the pot’s holes.
Additionally, you should use pots with drainage holes only and will not contain saucers to collect water at the bottom of the pot, as they can cause root rot and the succulent to die. If the pot does not have any drainage holes, you may be able to create some using a drill safely.
How deep should pots be for succulents?
The ideal pot depth for most succulents is 4-6 inches. Certain varieties may require deeper pots, so it is important to research the specific requirements for the type of succulent that you are planting.
Generally, succulents prefer being slightly root-bound, rather than having extra soil. Keeping the pot shallow will help ensure that the soil does not become too water-logged, which can lead to root rot.
If you are growing multiple succulents in one pot, you may need a slightly deeper pot to accommodate their combined root systems. Whichever size pot you choose, make sure that it has a few drainage holes at the bottom and is made of a breathable material, such as terracotta, ceramic, or even wood.
Why are succulent pots shallow?
Succulent pots are typically shallow because water can easily pool in the soil of a deeper pot, which can cause root rot in succulent plants. Succulents need very well-rounded draining soil, and because shallow pots provide a larger surface area in relation to the depth, they tend to dry out more quickly, and they can be allowed to drain without leaving the plant sitting in standing water.
When a succulent is rooted in deep, wet soil, it can become prone to rotting and fungal diseases, making shallow pots the ideal choice. Additionally, shallow pots allow for faster air movement and evaporation, particularly in hot climates, which leads to an increase in air circulation to the lower parts of the succulent.
Finally, succulent plants tend to be shallow-rooted, so a deeper pot can cause them to become unstable, whereas in a shallow pot their roots are able to spread vertically into the soil and create a strong foundation for the plant’s growth.
How shallow can a succulent planter be?
When it comes to planters for succulents, the most important factor to consider is the type of succulent you are growing. Depending on the type of succulent, some may need deeper planters and some may be able to survive in shallower pots.
As a general rule, shallow pots, such as saucers or shallow bowls, make for the best planters for succulents that prefer shallow soil such as echeveria and haworthia. These types of succulents tend to have short roots and do not need a lot of depth to thrive.
Cactus and other succulents with more substantial root systems may prefer deeper pots so the roots aren’t constrained by the pot rim. Most succulents need a pot that has good drainage and is at least twice as wide as the base of the plant.
Most succulent experts recommend a minimal planter depth of 2.5-4 inches for shallow succulents, and a minimum of 4-6 inches for deeper root systems. If the planter is not deep enough, the roots of the succulent may rot from lack of air circulation and lack of nutrients.
Do succulents like to be crowded?
No, succulents typically do not like to be crowded. They prefer to be spaced out a bit, so that the roots have enough room to spread out and take in nutrients from the soil without interference from other plants.
Succulents generally require very little soil, so it is important to use a porous and well-draining soil mix. If the pots are too crowded, this can lead to poor drainage and can easily cause rot and disease.
Additionally, having too many succulents in one pot can also lead to overcrowded roots competing for moisture, causing the water-hoarding succulents to experience extreme stress and even die. For best results, it is best to provide sufficient space between succulents so they can grow and be healthy.
How often should indoor succulents be watered?
Watering indoor succulents should be adapted to your specific environment, as factors such as temperature, sunshine, and soil can all affect how often you need to water your succulents. Generally, succulents should be watered when the soil has dried out completely, which is usually every week or two.
However, some succulents, such as cacti, grow more slowly and may only need to be watered every 1-2 months. It’s important to remember that the key is to never over-water succulents, as this can cause root rot and other problems.
To check whether your succulents need water, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil; if it feels damp, you don’t need to water it yet. If it’s dry, water your succulent and wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it again.
Should you mist succulents?
It is not necessary to mist succulents, as many succulents are desert plants that do not require high levels of moisture. Excess moisture, such as misting, can cause the plants to rot and develop other issues.
Succulents prefer to be watered deeply but only when the soil is dry, and should be watered from the soil, not from the top. If the soil does not drain properly, the succulent’s roots can rot, which can lead to the plant becoming unhealthy.
It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid misting succulents as it can easily cause more harm than good.