Top 5 DIY Succulent Planter Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How to make a planter for succulents? ›

For this design, all you need is a teacup of any design or size of your choosing. Simply fill the teacup with a layer of rocks for drainage, add succulent soil, and plant your chosen succulent. This is a great way to add some greenery to your home in a unique succulent planter.

Pair blue-green succulents with purple ones to get a cold-toned arrangement, or pair yellow, orange, red, and yellow-green for a warm-toned arrangement. Variegated types of succulents or succulents with some kind of markings give an extra interest and are highly welcomed in succulent arrangements.

A widely accepted rule of thumb is to opt for a pot with a diameter approximately 10% larger than the succulent's widest point. For example: 1. If you have a 2-inch succulent, choose a pot with a 2.5-inch diameter.

Ideally, a succulent or cactus would be planted in well-draining or sandy soil and then topped off with small rocks. Even though succulents can't grow in rocks alone, there are several ways to make it look like you're growing them in rock. You can also do this if you are planting them in an outdoor area of your yard.

You can use a special soil mix for succulents, or create your own by mixing potting soil with sand to make it more porous. (Remember: Succulents don't like wet roots.)

If you are looking at shallow or deep pots, always choose the shallow pot. The depth of the pot should be 10% bigger than the plant. How about we use real life examples to clarify: You have a 2 inch succulent - Grab a 2.5 (best option) to 4 inch pot (absolute maximum size) for best results.

Any good succulent soil consists of three parts: sand, soil, and pearlite or pumice. The ratio of these three ingredients varies based on succulent type and personal preference. If you're mixing your own, a great starting point is two parts sand, two parts potting soil, and one part pearlite or pumice.

But since succulents don't like sitting in water for long periods, they prefer to be grown in a free-draining pot to thrive. So if ever you have the option to choose, always get a pot with good drainage or drill one yourself.

Earthen terra cotta is the top choice for plant containers due to its breathable and porous nature, ideal for succulents. Terracotta is one of the most popular choices and a personal favorite.

Do succulents need direct sunlight? ›

Most succulents do best in bright direct light and need at least 6 hours of natural light per day. But if you only have a shady corner in your home, choose plants like mother-in-law tongue that do well in low light and place them near a south or east-facing window.

How often should you water a succulent? According to Retro Den, the rule of thumb for watering your succulent is every other week during non-winter months. During the winter months, when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to water your succulent only once a month.

Rocks in the bottom of containers do not contribute to better draining soils and healthier plants. Instead plant roots encounter saturated soils that don't drain efficiently. It all has to do with something called a perched water table.

One of the best things to put at the bottom of a planter for drainage is broken pieces of pot. You can use any unwanted plant pots or chipped crockery for this – simply smash them up into small to medium-sized pieces. Adding a layer of broken pieces of pot like this will prevent compost loss out of the drainage holes.

Therefore, when you add gravel or other coarse materials to the base of your pots, water lingers around plant roots instead of draining, which increases the likelihood of root rot developing.

“Rocks allow space for water to gather. However, you will find that the moisture still needs to escape somehow, likely back up into the roots, which isn't good for a plant's root system,” says Golen. Instead of a layer of rocks, he recommends adding perlite to the soil instead to help roots breathe.