How to Group Potted Succulents
In my new video, How to Group and Display Potted Succulents (9:48), I show you practical as well as aesthetic ways to display a container collection. Find the main points below.
But first, why even grow succulents in pots?
Ten reasons to grow succulents in containers
- Who can resist a great pot? Personally, I collect art pots, Talavera, frogs...
- Pots are great for succulents that, in the garden, might get engulfed or trampled.
- Containers make it easier to observe and nurture prize plants.
- Cacti and small agaves are fascinating to look at when safely framed by pots.
- Pots make it possible to pick up and carry prized succulents.
- You can move plants that can't handle summer sun but need more sun in winter (like echeverias).
- If you change residences, you can take your collection with you.
- Pots make a balcony, rooftop, deck, patio or hardscape a garden.
- You can tend your collection without having to bend or kneel.
- Family and guests enjoy looking at them.
There are probably many more (please share yours in the Comments).
The Drawback
Pots multiply. Soon you're tucking containers everywhere. Plant parents---the nurturing kind (you know who)---tend to be more concerned about where succulents will thrive than where they'll look good. But it IS possible to achieve both. In my How to Group and Display Potted Succulents video, I present three main concepts to guide and inspire you.
#1: Go High
If you're going to nail pots to a tree, don't use copper or anything that rusts. (I used stainless steel.) Pots by Marsha Rafter.
Vertical space is easy to overlook, but when floor space is limited, it's a great option for displaying potted plants.
Below: I love this idea by newsletter subscriber John Yeomans of Kent, England. To display his sempervivum collection, John added screws to a small stepladder's wooden steps. He kept the screws elevated so they secure the pots through their drain holes. "I can move the whole thing as a unit," John says.
#2: Group Like with Like
Repetition adds cohesion to an assortment and makes it more pleasing to the eye. In How to Group and Display Potted Succulents, I show you windowsill succulents, a poolside succulent garden, and many others.
Repetitions here include the type of succulent (mostly cacti), a limited palette of glazes, and---importantly---the topdressing.
#3: Create a Display
One secret to an effective display is to have larger, taller plants in the middle or in back, surrounded by medium-sized and lastly smallest pots.
A grouping of colorful potted succulents serves as a focal point on Jim Gardner's patio.
Now on my YouTube Channel
ONLINE SUCCULENT SOURCES
Subscribers' #1 choice: Mountain Crest Gardens
ONLINE POTS: Amazon (affiliate)
ART POTTERS: Susan Aach
Where do YOU shop for succulents?
Find out what to do if the succulents you want aren’t available near you. See others’ favorite succulent sources, mail-order and walk-in, and share yours in the comments below. Please tell us your city or region, what you’ve purchased, and anything else that might be helpful.
Succulent Container Design
Succulent Container Design Design ideas and must-dos for beautiful, easy-care potted succulents Here you’ll find info on succulent container design in articles and videos. Scroll down to see what interests you and best meets your needs. Click to see my gallery of 150+ floral-style arrangements! Succulent Container Gardens, How-To Welcome to the most comprehensive info…
Thanks! I’ve been seeing beautiful photos of succulents in pots where the pastel colors of the pots complement the succulent’s color. But I can’t seem to find any of these colorful pots that have drainage for succulents. Any suggestions for good pot sources?
Hi Nelda — Pots sold by vendors at Cactus and Succulent Shows and Sales are tailor-made for pairing with succulents, at least in the style of “staging”—i.e. what’s likely to look good on the show table and impress judges. Many of those art pots are earth tones, but potters do use glazes in shades that work with (and more importantly, don’t upstage) succulents. As for other sources, for us San Diegans, Planter Paradise has the best selection and prices, but inventory changes continually: 1146 E. Chase Ave., El Cajon; 619/440-6563. I’d love to know what others might recommend.
Why grow succulents in pots? Not all of us live in temperate climates where we can have our succulents outdoors all year round! I live in Minnesota, and while there are a few succulents that can survive the winter in the ground, those aren’t the ones I’m interested in, so I can only leave mine out about five months of the year, at most. It would be great if you would offer more tips for those of us in that position. (There are a lot of us!) Also, for those of us who can’t make it to the cactus and succulent shows, it would be nice if you could offer some sources for finding good pots for succulents that can be ordered online.
Hi Joyce — Thank you for your excellent comment and observations. Yes, many of you are beyond the banana belt where succulents grow outdoors year-round. The premise for my second book, “Succulent Container Gardens” was to make it possible for anyone, anywhere to grow and enjoy succulents, because containers are portable and can be moved when the weather turns too hot, cold or wet. Here on my site, start with my Wall Street Journal article, “Showy Succulents for Snowy Climates.” Also on my site are these pages and posts: Cold-Hardy Succulents for Northern Climates ; Overwintering Succulents; and How to Grow Succulents Indoors.
As for “good pots for succulents” that can be ordered online, I’ve added links. You’re not the only one to point out the omission!
I have a very small boutique business selling succulent dish garden from my home. My Facebook and business name is Earth’s Expressions. I am a retiree, on a pension. I love nature, plants and succulents in particular. May I have your permission to use your article on grouping plants together. I will give full credit and acknowledgement to you and your article in my Facebook post. Thank you for your consideration.
Absolutely, Mary-Anne. Anything on my site or social media can be used providing you credit Debra Lee Baldwin plus (if possible) a link to my Facebook page or website. Thanks for asking!