How to Make Your Own Indoor Succulent Garden

If you like the idea of having plants around, but you either don’t have the time for high-maintenance plants or you simply haven’t had good luck with plants in the past, a succulent garden is both easy to care for and visually attractive. Thanks to the wide variety of forms and colors succulent plants come in, you can design a unique indoor garden to enjoy throughout the year.

Succulents evolved in arid climates to survive for extended periods when water was scarce. They don’t need to be watered often, and they’re slow-growing, which means you won’t have to worry about trimming or pruning them to keep them looking attractive.

Here are the materials you’ll need to make your own garden:

• A shallow container: flat planting dish, thrifted ceramic container, wide glass bowl, galvanized tin tray—feel free to get creative!
• Pea gravel
• Potting soil designed for succulents or cacti
• Plants: Choose a mix of forms and colors for visual interest, but be sure to check the plants’ care requirements to be sure they will all thrive together in the same conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the nursery if you aren’t sure!
• Decorative gravel for the top (optional)

1. Place a layer of pea gravel in the bottom of your container for drainage. This is especially important if your chosen container does not have a drainage hole—the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid rotting the plants’ roots.
2. Add a layer of potting soil. Soil specifically labeled for cacti or succulents is mixed to be fast draining, which will also help keep your plants healthy.
3. Place your plants. Consider where you intend to place your garden as you start deciding how to arrange the plants you’ve chosen in your container. For example, if you intend to put it on a console table in your entryway and one side will always face the wall, place the tallest plants in the back so they won’t block smaller plants from view. On the other hand, if you’re creating a rectangular centerpiece for your dining room table that will be viewed from all angles, try grouping taller plants near the middle. Cascading plants add a charming touch to the edges of your arrangement. Succulents don’t mind being planted close together, so group them snugly for a lush look.
4. Fill in the soil. Once you have all the plants positioned where you want them, fill in the space around each one with more potting soil. If you’ve chosen to space your plants further apart, you can cover the surface of the soil with decorative gravel for an attractive finish.
5. Water your garden. Lightly water the garden to settle the soil in place, being careful not to overdo it. It’s better to let your succulents get slightly parched between waterings then to drown them. You will most likely not need to water more than once per week.
6. Place your garden and enjoy it! Put your garden in a spot where it will get several good hours of bright light each day and won’t be subjected to drafts of hot or cold air.

At Rachel Cho Floral Design, we know that flowers and living plants enhance our homes, businesses, celebrations, events, and ordinary days. We love creating the perfect designs for our clients’ needs. For help with all your floral needs, contact us today.