Are you ready to start your own collection of succulents? Learn what other supplies you'll need to get started creating your own beautiful succulent container garden!

I love planting new containers of succulents! Since I'm running out of space I've been helping other people plant their own. Kind of living vicariously through others.

I've realized though that once you have your succulents and maybe the pot or planter picked out people don't know what else they need. So, this post will lay the groundwork for what supplies you need.

It really doesn't take much to get started with planting succulents!

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Here are the supplies I consider essential:

• Succulents 🙂
• A container with a drainage hole (see here how to select a container)
• Mesh tape or drainage screen
• Succulent Soil (or make your own)
• Shovel
• Top Dressing

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I'm guessing most of these were pretty obvious, but the mesh tape and top dressing might be new to you. I always stress that when you are starting out with succulents you need a container with drainage. But, if your pot has a giant hole in the bottom, or even a not so giant hole, soil will most likely fall through as you pot your plants and water them. I've tried a few different ways to cover the drainage hole, but my favorite right now is mesh tape.

Check out my post on how to plant succulents to see how all of these supplies work together!

Mesh Tape

Mesh tape is actually designed for patching drywall, but it holds up really well in the bottom of a container arrangement. I recommend cutting two squares and overlapping them to make the holes a little bit smaller. Once you have it all lined up right, just stick it to the bottom of your container! It stays in place even after the soil is in so you don't have to worry about piles of soil on your counter top or work space.

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Top Dressing

Usually people fill their pots full of succulents, make sure the soil is topped off and leave it at that. But, they are missing out on a simple way to really finish off their arrangement: the top dressing. A top dressing is simply a decorative rock or material to cover the soil. Top dressings have become one of my favorite parts of creating arrangements. They can really enhance your arrangement, plus they serve a practical purpose as well. A top dressing will help prevent the soil from shifting when you are watering. It keeps things looking nice and clean.

You can have a lot of fun with top dressings. For a simple look try using a basic pea gravel or make things a little more exciting with some colorful rock or sand. You can use glass gems, sphagnum moss, or even beads! The important thing is to make sure it complements your succulents and container. A top dressing should add to the arrangement not detract from it.

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I hope this help you get started creating a succulent arrangement! Now that you know all the supplies you need you can focus on having fun with selecting succulents and top dressings and arranging them all together. Let me know if you have any questions about any of the supplies I recommend of if there is another essential I've missed!