Make an Indoor Succulent Garden

Do you love the interesting textures and shapes of succulents? If so, why not make an indoor succulent garden to enjoy throughout the fall and winter? And once the weather warms up, you can keep your garden inside or transport it to the deck, porch or patio!

Succulents are plants that are native to desert regions and can tolerate severe drought and heat. Many varieties have beautiful color hues, and some even produce flowers. Best of all, these plants are extremely low maintenance, requiring only direct, bright sunlight and very minimal watering. Materials to Make an Indoor Succulent Garden

• Medium container with drainage holes
• 3-5 different types of succulents
• Potting mix designed for succulents or cacti
• Drainage rocks
• Moss or crushed stones (optional)

Directions to Make an Indoor Succulent Garden

1. Select an interesting container with drainage holes. The container must be big large enough to hold three or more different types of succulent plants. A container with a patina or color that complements the colors of the succulents will enhance the visual appeal of the garden.
2. Choose 3-5 different types of succulents to group. Make sure the plants are similar in scale and complement one another. Nurseries, flower shops and home and garden centers usually carry a variety of small to medium succulents. Prices typically start as low as $3 per plant.
3. Spread a 1-2 inch layer of drainage gravel in the bottom of the chosen container, and add a potting soil mix designed for succulents or cacti until ¾ of the container is full.
4. Experiment with arranging the groupings of succulents in the posts before planting. Gently loosen the roots of the succulents with your fingers before placing the plants in close clusters in the container to achieve a full, established look.
5. Using your fingers, gently work the roots in the soil and add more soil to cover the top of the roots. Avoid covering the stems of the plants with soil.
6. Add enough water to dampen the top of the soil.
7. If desired, place dried moss or crushed stones on top of the last layer of soil to stabilize the plants and add interest.
8. Place the succulent garden in an area that receives full sun or underneath a bright artificial light source. Add water sparingly, only when the soil is very dry to the touch.