Before you plant succulents in a nice arrangement, many plants in one pot, you must consider several factors. First and foremost, succulents can grow in small pots for a long time because their rooting system is relatively small and they do not require much space for their roots (in contrast to many other plant families).
Succulents typically grow in four-inch-deep pots with drainage holes. In my experience, you can plant succulents very close to one another as long as the pot is large enough. You can grow several succulents in a single pot. What about the space between the succulents, though? If you plant the succulents close together, they will grow slowly and retain their original arrangement, which is why you planted them this way in the first place.
It is, however, difficult to water them once they have grown in such an arrangement. However, if you want to give someone an unforgettable gift or sell your succulents for a nice profit, this arrangement is ideal. Succulents grow slowly in general, but you can plant them with a little more space between each plant to make watering easier.
Always Remember, Better Airflow!
It is critical in preventing succulent root rot. If there is more space between the plants, aeration improves, roots do not intertwine, and it is easier to prevent root rot, the leading cause of problems in succulent plants. However, if there is too much space between the succulents in a single pot, they will focus on producing roots rather than growing larger…
So, how many succulents can you fit into a single pot in a nice arrangement? As you are aware, the answer to this question is dependent on a number of factors. As a general rule, I recommend leaving at least 12″ to 1″ between plants to allow them to breathe and absorb nutrients from the soil. This means that the more succulents you can plant in a larger pot, the better! Let’s take a look at some additional variables and questions to keep in mind.
Large Pot Isn’t Ideal
It is critical to think about the pot size for your succulents. Because succulents have shallow root systems, a large pot is not the best option. And if you plant it in a deep, non-breathable pot, it is very likely that it will rot.
However, if you want to use a deep pot, I have a solution for you. To begin, use soil with good drainage to avoid moisture. Perlite and coarse sand, which have a high percentage of draining medium, are the best options. Second, you should sink your pot into the gravel to improve drainage. Finally, after two years, repot the succulents as they grow larger.
On the other hand, some succulents, such as Haworthia, have a robust root system. This succulent has a high tolerance for excess moisture and can thrive in a deep, non-breathable pot.
A drainage hole is also required for all pots. The primary function is to regulate and eliminate the water within the pot. The hole must be at least 12 inch in diameter for smaller pots and up to an inch in diameter for larger pots. To be honest, having a larger hole doesn’t hurt in this case.
How to Combine Succulents in an Arrangement?
Before planting succulents in a single pot, consider whether the varieties you’re working with can grow close together. Let me explain a few things to think about.
Growth Needs
The key is to select succulents with similar requirements. This will ensure the overall arrangement’s harmony and desired appearance. Let me provide an example. A Crassula (Jade plant) that grows in the winter and a Graptosedum California Sunset that grows in the summer are not a good combination. You can’t put these two in the same pot because their needs aren’t the same. When combining different succulents in the same pot, keep in mind their watering, growing season, lighting, and soil requirements.
Agave, Echeveria, and Sempervium are excellent choices for combining winter dormant succulents. Summer dormant succulents, on the other hand, include Aeonium, Aloe, Graptopetalum, and Kalanchoe.
It is not only about combining and arranging succulents, but also about considering their height and color to ensure you achieve the desired harmonic result in your pot. Most importantly, your plot must include a thriller, filler, and spiller. Tall succulents are the thriller plants that elevate the entire projection. Shorter succulents as filler in between the thriller. Finally, trailing succulents can be placed around the pot to make it simple and beautiful. However, this is only an example; the design is entirely up to you. Allow your imagination to run wild. This is your house, and this is your garden. When it comes to arrangements and appearance, you can do whatever you want.
Colors Should be Complementary to One Another.
Planting succulents is a therapeutic hobby, and as you arrange the plants, you are gradually transforming into an artist, because you are already imagining what the theme of your arrangement will be once the succulents grow larger.
I recommend that you think about the colors and how different colors will complement each other to create a better picture. It can be monochromatic or colorful, depending on the combination and the goal you want to achieve. Colors in a plant arrangement can be combined in three ways: monochromatic, analogous, or complementary.
You put succulents with the same colors but different shades together for a monochromatic arrangement. For analogous, you will create a color wheel by grouping colors that are adjacent to each other, such as orange, yellow, and green. Finally, a complementary arrangement is one in which you place each of the opposite colors on the color wheel, such as red and green…
Best Pot for Your Succulent Arrangement
Ceramic or Terra Cotta.
Terra cotta and ceramic are breathable materials. It works well in some environments where airflow is limited, and this type of material can be used both outdoors and indoors. However, if you leave it directly in the sun, it will heat up, which is not good for succulents. This material is heavy, and if you plant a succulent in a large terra cotta or ceramic pot, you will have a difficult time moving it afterwards. Another thing to keep in mind is that ceramic is fragile and will break quickly if dropped.
Plastic.
If you don’t want a heavy pot, plastic is the way to go. This material has the advantage of being lighter than ceramics and terra cotta. But, like any other material, it has a disadvantage in that plastic is not breathable. As a result, the water will not evaporate as quickly as it would in terra cotta or ceramic pots. However, if you have well-draining soil and a draining hole in your plastic pot, this is not a problem. You can also buy a variety of plastic pots in various colors and designs to use with your beautiful succulent arrangements.
Wood.
If you want a unique pot, choose a wood pot. Wood is great for succulents when it is hot outside because it carries water, which cools the succulents. However, wood is not recommended when planting in an environment with limited airflow and sunlight because wood can rot and keep your soil wet for an extended period of time. However, you can still use wood as long as you know how to properly position your succulents.
Metal.
Metal is not a good material to use if you want your succulents to live longer. However, if you intend to use it, you should be aware that the metal properties can quickly change the temperature, resulting in excessive heat in the soil. However, if you use a metal pot or one designed for planting, you should consider the possibility that it will rust, which is not good for succulents.
Glass.
Glass is one of the best materials to use if you want your succulents to look elegant and beautiful. However, it has a flaw–it lacks a drainage hole, which is why I do not use glass pots for my succulents. Furthermore, glass, like ceramics and terra cotta, is fragile, so exercise caution if you intend to move your succulents. It also gets dirty easily and must be cleaned on a regular basis…
To summarize, when it comes to the pot for your succulent arrangement, you have many options. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Consider your situation, your design goals, and the succulents you want to plant in the pot before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I don’t like to crowd too many plants into a single container because I work hard to ensure that each of my succulents has adequate room to grow, breathe, and absorb nutrients. In spite of this, there is no hard and fast rule about the number of succulents that should be planted in a certain container. As a cultivator, you have the freedom to experiment with a variety of plant densities, container sizes and colors, and spatial configurations. At the end of the day, they want you to take pleasure in your progress.
