Success with Succulents

Marking RHS National Gardening Week 27th April – 3rd May.

Why choose Succulents?

Easy to care for, with an appeal to both adults and children, there is something very charming about the symmetry and muted colours of these slow-growing, sturdy plants. Their requirements are not complicated, making them straightforward to plant up, look after and sell.

Where to display Succulents

Succulents need a bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and as they appreciate fresh air, can be displayed outside. Frost hardy unless temperatures are extreme, they thrive on neglect, a useful selling point for the less green-fingered customer.

What sort of containers are suitable?

Succulents can be planted into almost anything, the only requirement is good drainage and a container that is not too deep, as they have shallow root systems. Terracotta pots, glass bowls, quirky ceramics, even China cups can be used successfully for showing off your Succulents. Having an interesting mix of containers also means a range of price points from pocket money plants to something more up-market such as a glass terrarium.

Choosing your plants

Most Succulents share the same environmental conditions, which means there is a wide choice of plants to choose from. Colour, shape and texture are the main considerations, it’s important that when combined, they make a pleasing whole.

How to plant up Succulents

You will need:

• Cacti and Succulent compost

• Gravel or aerated pebbles for drainage

• Top dressing, such as moss or decorative stones.

Fill the bottom of your container with the drainage medium, then add a shallow layer of compost, leaving a gap for the top dressing. The deeper the container the more drainage materials will be needed. If you are planting a number of Succulents, lay them out on the surface first, to see how they fit together before pushing them gently into the compost.

Don’t fill the container entirely with plants, a little room left around each one will give it growing space and leave room for decorative elements.

Add the top dressing, which has a practical as well as decorative use. It will enhance your plants appearance, function as a barrier between the fleshy leaves and damp soil, stopping them from rotting, and will also shade the roots from direct heat.

Finally, wipe the container, add a little water, price up and put on sale.

Images Envato Elements

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.