The Complete Guide On How To Plant Succulents In Pots

Planting succulents in pots is a skill that every succulent grower needs. If you happen to be an experienced one, you might not need this guide for instructions. However, this tutorial might be necessary for beginners. Make sure that you don’t skip a line!

Things To Consider Before You Plant Succulents In Pots

Before we get to the full tutorials, here are a few things you need to prepare:

#1. Size Of The Plants

Knowing which succulent you are going to plant is important because they are all different in size. It could be as big as an Agave Parryi or a small cute Aeonium Kiwi. The size of the plant will affect the size of the pot, definitely. Also, it’s better if you know which arrangement you want for the plant. For example, you are going to place them near the doorsteps or on the windowsill. Plant selections will be much easier if you know the purpose of making them.

#2. Size Of The Pot

You shouldn’t plant succulents in a pot that is either too big or small. If the pot is too big, it will take more resources to raise your succulent than it’s needed. In case the pot is too small, your succulent’s root might reach the bottom and the sides of the pot too early, so you might need to repot the succulent. The recommended size for the succulent is about 1-2 inches wider than the size of the estimated diameter of the plant.

The depth of the pot also matters. Succulents mostly have short laterally growing root systems so shallow planters are alright. The deeper the pot is, the more moisture it keeps. If you are planting in an arid condition, you can choose a higher pot without drainage holes to keep more water for the plant.

#3. The Pot Material

There are several materials used to make pots: terracotta, plastic, glass, cement, and ceramic, … Those mentioned are popular and easily bought in local stores. If you are planting in a wet condition, it’s recommended to plant your succulents in terracotta pots. I find other materials like glass, cement, or ceramic the same except for different decor purposes. Lastly, plastic containers/ pots are mostly suitable for seedling or propagating purposes.

There is a detailed guide on how to choose the pot for succulents, see here!

#4. Drainage Holes

Drainage holes are vital for succulent pots. If you accidentally overwater the succulents, drainage holes will take care of it for you. Therefore, it reduces the chance of getting root rot, which is hard to revive. Even if you buy terracotta pots, you will still need drainage holes in most cases, except for the arid condition.

#5. Type Of Soil

The most simple formula to get started is 50% high-quality succulent potting soil and 50% perlite or pumice. For more about making your perfect potting soil for succulents, see here!

How To Plant Succulents In Pots – A Step-by-Step Guide

Below is the step-by-step guide on how to plant succulents in pots:

1. What you’ll need

Here is the list of what you need to plant any succulent in any pot:

• A hand trowel
• A succulent plant
• A pot
• The soil mix

2. Instructions

Step 1: Create the first layer of soil mix at the bottom of the pot using a hand trowel.

Step 2: Place the succulent/ transplant the potted succulent to the desired pot.

Step 3: Fill the pot with soil mix with a hand trowel. Spread the mixture evenly to the sides of the pot.

Step 4: Top-dressing the soil with some pebbles or rocks to keep the perlite stable when watering.

FAQs

Can you plant succulents in pots without holes?

Yes, you can but you need to be super careful with watering those succulents. If the pots are terracotta pots, it would be better because an excessive amount of water can go through the pot. If you have a glass or metal pot, it would cause serious problems when you overwater the plant. So, it’s better that you buy pots with drainage holes.

Can you plant succulents in just rocks?

No. Succulents are among the rarest plants to survive in just rocks but not for a long time. They may live for a few weeks/ months until the water stored in the leaves and stems runs out. It’s best to plant succulents with soils.

How to plant succulents in pots without drainage holes?

It’s easy, you do the same as above but this time, buy a pot without drainage holes.

Final Words

That’s everything I want to share about the topic ‘How to plant succulents in pots‘. I hope with this guide, you can successfully plant any succulent in any pot. Is there anything that I miss or do you have any questions? Let me know in the comment section! Thanks for visiting Succulent City & I hope to see you around soon!