Expert Tips for Arranging Succulents in Containers and Landscapes
Succulents are so beautiful in their own right, so it really doesn't take much to create a great arrangement for them. These techniques will help your arrangements really stand out!
Over the past few years I've been privileged to work with some incredible succulent designers, and photograph their arrangements. Every one of these designers has his or her own style and techniques–but it seems every arrangement is a work of art!
Consider Colors
One of my favorite things about succulents is that they come in virtually every color of the rainbow! This makes it a lot of fun to arrange succulents based on common colors and patterns. Since my background is in art, I'm always drawn to arrangements that really show off color schemes.
Some succulents are monochromatic–they have just one main color (usually green), but may have a variety of shades of that color.
When creating a monochromatic arrangement, it's great to use different shapes and textures to add more interest.
For succulents of a few different colors, you can look for groupings with analogous colors–shades that are next to each other on a color wheel. For example, you could use green, blue and purple or orange, yellow and green.
I tend to create arrangements focused on greens, blues and purples–but brighter arrangements with reds, oranges and yellows can be really eye-catching!
My favorite color schemes are based on complementary colors–shades that are opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple.
Blue and orange just happens to be my favorite color combination of succulents–probably because plants in blue or orange are very rare and unusual, and the colors are so intense. But this red and green arrangement is super vibrant and exciting, too!
Thriller, Filler, Spiller
What's the deal with this little rhyme? It's actually a “formula” that's commonly used in the world of container arrangements–and it's probably one of the most widely suggested guidelines for designing an arrangement.
It's so simple, and it results in great arrangements every time.
A “thriller” succulent is one that's large, tall, spikey, or dramatically different from the other succulents in the arrangement. It should stand out as the first thing people notice when they see the design.
“Filler” succulents, on the other hand, make up the bulk of the arrangement. “Filler” doesn't mean boring or dull, though! Choose “filler” succulents that complement your “thriller” while still providing some visual interest, whether it's their color or texture. You can even use multiple succulent varieties!
“Spiller” succulents hang over the edge of the pot. These are typically trailing succulents like “String of Pearls“, “String of Bananas” or “String of Hearts“. These can also be longer succulents like Sedum “Burrito” that will eventually trail as they grow more.
Whatever kinds of “spiller” you choose, just make sure they cover the edge of your pot in some way. It can make all the difference for the longevity of your arrangement!
Consider Light Needs
As fun as it is to put together an exciting arrangement, it's also important to factor the kind of light your succulent needs in your design choices. While succulents growing indoors generally require as much light as possible, there's actually quite a bit of variation in the amount of sunlight each species needs.
For example, Sansevierias are very tolerant of low lighting and don't like full sun. Sedum nussbaumerianum on the other hand, needs full sun in order to maintain it's intense color and compact shape.
It's crucial to make sure your arrangement combines succulents with similar lighting needs.
A full list of the succulents that like full sun, or partial shade, or low light, could easily fill a whole book–or a website! However, you can identify succulents you own and then look up their light needs using a reference like our succulent plants page.
When you're planting succulents outdoors, it's important to make sure you choose species that can handle the amount of light they'll receive in your garden. Not all succulents will tolerate full sun, while others will wither away if they're shaded all day.
Combining succulents with similar lighting needs will ensure that your whole arrangement (or garden bed) stays looking great for years to come!
Leaf Thickness and Watering Needs
Just as your arrangement needs to combine plants with similar lighting needs, it's equally important to combine plants that need similar amounts of water.
The easiest way to tell a plant's water needs at a glance is by examining its leaf thickness. But if you're not sure, it's best to identify the succulents you're working with and look up their specific needs.
Whether you're following a specific technique, rule or tip, or just going wild and crazy making up your own rules, you'll find that succulents are a lot of fun to combine. There's really no “wrong way” to combine succulents, as long as they have similar light and watering needs, and you're using a gritty succulent soil and proper watering techniques.
Unique Succulent Planting Idea
Several years ago I had the opportunity to meet the couple behind Redeeming Eden. While touring their garden I saw this gorgeous succulent filled table. I've wanted to create something like it ever since.
They built the table themselves and stained it with Olympic Maximum Waterproofing Sealant to prevent any water damage. I'm in love with how it looks!
If you're looking to create a project like this, remember to add drainage holes to prevent your succulents from rotting. What a great way to make a statement though, right? The size of the table is perfect. Not too small, not too large. You could definitely add this to a seating area on your porch and it would be both useful and decorative.
Are you feeling inspired to make something great with succulents?
Don't miss these important tips for planting succulents
After you purchase a new succulent, it's important that you replant it to ensure it stays live in your home. Taking a few minutes to learn how to plant succulents will start your succulent growing journey off on the right foot. You'll want to make sure you have the right supplies, including soil and pottery, to give your succulent (and yourself) the best chance at success.
7 Worst Mistakes Beginners Make When Growing Succulents
Many people assume that they can take care of succulent plants however they want -- just treat them like normal house plants. The problem is succulents aren't like most other house plants. They have completely different watering needs and often need more sunlight and airflow than other plants. Find out what the most common succulent mistakes are and how to avoid them.
This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.