Whether you're planting newly acquired succulents from Leaf & Clay, or repotting some of your current collection,follow the steps below to grow and maintain happy, healthy succulents.
Things to Consider BeforePlanting Succulents
The first and most important thing to consider before planting your succulents is thekind of soilthey will be planted in. Soil should be a well draining mixture of organic material, pumice or perlite, and sand. In general, a good succulent soil should contain equal parts organic material (peat moss or bark) and inorganic material (pumice or perlite), with no more than 10% sand.
The next consideration should be that of the container the succulents will be planted in. Of course, if your plants are going into the ground, this information does not apply. Ideally, any container you decide to plant your succulents in should have a drainage hole, although it is not necessary. We sell a variety of pots with and without a drainage hole. A drainage hole is a small hole in the bottom of the pot that allows excess water to drain from the soil and out of the pot. This opening also allows oxygen to circulate through the soil more freely, decreasing drying time and improving root health.
Without a drainage hole, the soil will remain wet for much longer if you accidentally overwater, increasing the likelihood of rot and irreversible damage to your plant's root system. If you are planting in a pot without a drainage hole, you'll simply need to be careful not to overwater. When it comes to succulents and their health, excess water is public enemy #1.
Photo: The appearance of a proper succulent soil mix
Photo:A Leaf & Clay succulent pot with a drainage hole
Steps to Planting Succulents
You've got your well-draining container, appropriate succulent soil, and bare-root plants ready to go. Let's get planting:
- Prepare your planter by filling it ¾ full with a commercial pre-mixed succulent soil, or your own 50/50 mixture. If you are moving your succulent to a larger planter, make sure the planter isabout 2" wider than the diameter of the succulent. This will give your succulent plenty of room to grow and stabilize.
- Take your succulent out of its current pot, and gently loosen the roots. You can "tickle" the roots from the bottom to loosen them up and knock off the soil. Think of this step as giving the roots a nice stretch. Spreading and lengthening them out will allow them to stabilize in a bigger pot and get used to their new soil. This is the perfect time to brush away any dead roots as well as pull off any dead leaves around the base of the plant. Be sure to brush away the old, excess dirt while you're doing this!
- Dig a shallow hole in the new soil, place your succulent in it, then cover the rootswith more potting soil, tamping firmly to stabilize the plant. Be sure to add enough soil toreach the base of the plant, but don't cover any leaves or let the leaves rest on top of the soil! This will result in rotting leaves because they'll absorb too much moisture from the soil.
- Once the plantis stable,you cangive your new potted succulent a personal touch byadding colored rocks,pebbles, or sand. If you do add something to the top, be sure that the materialdrains wellso that water can get downinto the soil below!
**Please Note: It is important to avoid watering your freshly potted succulents for several days. This delay causes the roots to spread out through the new soil in search of water, which ultimately stabilizes the plant.**
Photo: A pot ready for planting, 3/4 full of succulent mix.
Photo: A bare-root succulent.
Photo:Tamping soil around the roots after planting.
Photo:Add a white pebble top-dressing for a clean, finished look.
The Next Steps
Now that you've planted your succulents in their new container, it's time to learn about their water requirements so that they stay happy, healthy, and beautiful.
Check out ourGuide to Watering Succulents, or head back toThe Ultimate Succulent Care Guide!
FAQs
Grow succulent plants in free-draining soil or compost, such as cactus compost, in full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly from spring to autumn but avoid watering altogether in autumn and winter. Most succulents are slow growing. If you grow them in pots, repot them into fresh compost every couple of years.
How to plant succulents for beginners? ›
Grow succulent plants in free-draining soil or compost, such as cactus compost, in full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly from spring to autumn but avoid watering altogether in autumn and winter. Most succulents are slow growing. If you grow them in pots, repot them into fresh compost every couple of years.
Do you plant succulents in soil or rocks? ›
As good as they may look in rocks, succulents can't survive for very long in rocks alone. They need moisture and nutrients from the soil that rocks simply cannot provide. However, there are several easy ways to hide the soil around the roots, producing the same effects without compromising on plant care.
Should you put rocks at the bottom of succulents? ›
Put a layer of rocks, pebbles, stones, or pumice at the bottom of the pot evenly. This will increase the drainage rate of the soil and prevent water from accumulating, which may lead to root rot. Also, consider the size of the pot when putting pebbles or rocks.
What is the best thing to plant succulents in? ›
Plant Succulents in the Right Soil
Generally, soil that drains best is porous and sandy. You can opt to pick up a store-bought succulent soil—sometimes called cactus soil—or DIY your own mix by combining potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite. Remember, succulent roots are very fragile so be gentle when repotting.
Do succulents grow better in pots or in the ground? ›
Planting in pots showcases their prominent and unique foliage and allows gardeners to move their location when growing conditions are not optimal. Too much heat or too much rain can cause problems for succulent plants, so a container's mobility provides plants with much-needed protection from the elements.
Do succulents need to be planted deep? ›
If you are looking at shallow or deep pots, always choose the shallow pot. The depth of the pot should be 10% bigger than the plant. How about we use real life examples to clarify: You have a 2 inch succulent - Grab a 2.5 (best option) to 4 inch pot (absolute maximum size) for best results.
Is it OK to use regular potting soil for succulents? ›
When it comes to succulents, you can use a regular potting mix, but you may want to amend it to increase your chance of success. “You can use regular potting soil as long as you mix it with pumice or perlite,” Elliott says. “Pumice and perlite help with adding drainage to the soil.”
How often should you water succulents? ›
How often should you water a succulent? According to Retro Den, the rule of thumb for watering your succulent is every other week during non-winter months. During the winter months, when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to water your succulent only once a month.
Why put pebbles on succulents? ›
By using a layer of pebbles, the soil doesn't move even if it has very tiny particles. Also, when the top dressing is mixed with regular soil, it leads to better drainage for plants. Your succulent does better when the excess moisture in the soil is drained. The roots of a succulent become stable with a top dressing.
Most succulents do best in bright direct light and need at least 6 hours of natural light per day. But if you only have a shady corner in your home, choose plants like mother-in-law tongue that do well in low light and place them near a south or east-facing window.
Should succulent soil be loose or tight? ›
Succulents have shallow root systems and prefer soil that well-draining. A loose, rocky soil that is nutrient-rich is optimal. If planting in containers, use a potting mix specifically formulated for succulents and cacti and plant in a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage.
Do succulents like to be crowded? ›
Planting a Crowded Succulent Landscape
I would give them a bit more space since outdoor succulents have the potential to grow faster because they are out in the open. Give them 1 to 3 inch space between plants. It may look funky at first, but when it fill in, trust me… you won't regret the end result.
Should I mist succulents? ›
Full grown succulents don't actually like to be misted. They thrive in arid climates, so when you mist them, you are changing the humidity around the plant. This can lead to rot as well. Use misting for propagation babes to lightly provide water to their delicate little roots.
Do succulents need soil or sand? ›
Because succulents are drought-tolerant plants that do not require consistent moisture, their potting soil should be porous and well-draining and have a lower percentage of organic matter than traditional indoor soil mixes. A loose, grainy soil mixture with plenty of sand and perlite or pumice is ideal.
Can you plant succulents in regular potting soil? ›
When it comes to succulents, you can use a regular potting mix, but you may want to amend it to increase your chance of success. “You can use regular potting soil as long as you mix it with pumice or perlite,” Elliott says. “Pumice and perlite help with adding drainage to the soil.”
How often should you water a succulent? ›
How often should you water a succulent? According to Retro Den, the rule of thumb for watering your succulent is every other week during non-winter months. During the winter months, when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to water your succulent only once a month.
Do succulents need direct sunlight? ›
Most succulents do best in bright direct light and need at least 6 hours of natural light per day. But if you only have a shady corner in your home, choose plants like mother-in-law tongue that do well in low light and place them near a south or east-facing window.
