Build Your Own Succulent Garden
One of the newest crazes taking over is building your own succulent garden. Succulents and tillandsia—also known as air plants—are both unique, low-maintenance options that can be used to create a beautiful garden of your own.
Both can be kept as houseplants or enjoyed outdoors for much of the year, as long as they’re protected from cold temperatures during the winter.
“One thing you need to consider when choosing their location is how much light they can handle,” says Michelle Westbrook. “Succulents can take quite a bit of direct sunlight, while air plants do best in indirect light. We’re going to walk you through a really neat and different way of showcasing both of these.”
Here’s What You Need to Build Your Own Succulent Garden:
• A Container
When picking a container to plant in, drainage is one of the most important things to consider. It’s recommended to drill at least two holes into the bottom of your preferred container. If it still doesn’t drain well, you can add additional drainage holes as needed.
• Cactus & Succulent Soil
When working with succulents, you’ll want to use a potting mix designed specifically for cacti and succulents. It drains much faster than regular potting soil, which is important because succulents are very susceptible to root rot if their soil stays too wet.
• Pea Gravel
Pea gravel can be used decoratively on top of the soil to cover bare areas and add texture to your finished garden.
• Succulents
These are the stars of the show! There are hundreds of varieties, so choose a mixture of textures, shapes, and colors to really make your garden pop.
• Air Plants
Despite their name, air plants don’t live on air alone. In the wild, they often grow on trees and absorb moisture from rain and humidity. At home, they’ll need to be misted or soaked depending on the conditions they’re growing in and the particular variety.
• Non-Toxic Glue
If you’re attaching air plants to decorative elements, make sure the adhesive you use is non-toxic and safe for the plants.
• A Few Decorative Rocks
Decorative rocks are an easy way to add another layer of texture and personality to your finished succulent garden.
Remember the Thriller, Filler & Spiller Rule
• Thriller: Something tall that serves as the focal point of the container. In this demonstration, it’s the piece of cedar placed in the center of the garden. A few taller succulents behind the cedar also add to the thriller effect.
• Filler: Something shorter that helps fill in the container. In this case, your succulents serve as the fillers.
• Spiller: Something that trails or spills over the edge of the container. For this garden, sedum was used as the spiller.
Now Let’s Get Started!
1. Drill drainage holes into the bottom of your container.
If you’re using a large thriller, such as the piece of cedar in this example, place it in the container before adding your soil.
2. Fill your container with cactus and succulent potting mix.
3. Make sure your larger thriller is positioned securely.
4. Start adding your succulents around the thriller.
When working with succulents, it’s okay to gently remove some of the excess soil around the root ball to help them fit into your arrangement, as long as you’re careful not to damage the roots.
5. Add your spiller and any additional plants you want to include.
6. Add your air plants to their chosen locations. If you’re attaching them to decorative elements, use an appropriate plant-safe adhesive.
7. Fill bare soil areas with pea gravel and decorative rocks.
8. Admire your succulent garden!
When planting, you’re only limited by the scope of your imagination. And for those of you whose imagination isn’t quite there yet, that’s what The Home & Garden Center in Longview is here for!