Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener planting a succulent bowl is easy and fun while still allowing you to put your personal spin on it. Succulents are an amazing group of plants that have adapted to harsh conditions by storing water in modified fleshy stems and leaves to conserve the precious little water available. They really are a tough group of plants. Not only are they able to withstand extended periods of neglect, but they will also thrive in the face of adversity.
The biggest challenge you will face when planting your bowl will be to decide which succulents you will use as there is such a diverse range of options available.
Succulents prefer as much sunlight as possible but can even tolerate bright light indoors if needed making them great for any spot in the home or garden. If your succulents become leggy and start losing their color, they need more light. Also, be mindful of decreasing the amount and frequency of watering the lower the light becomes. In the wild, succulents grow during the rainy season and go into dormancy during the dry season. The best guideline for watering succulents is to water them regularly during the growing season while ensuring they dry out completely in between every watering. Allow them to dry out more during their dormancy by only watering a little bit as soon as the soil has dried out completely.
To get your succulent bowl started, you will need the following: A selection of succulents, a bowl or other suitable container, river sand, potting soil bone meal, gravel. Start by putting some gravel at the base of the container to ensure that the drainage holes do not get blocked. Next, mix 1 part of river sand into 2 parts of potting soil. The river sand improves the drainage and ensures your succulent does not get wet feet. Fill up with this mix to the depth of the biggest succulent you have chosen. Now arrange the other succulents around it while filling up with soil and a bit of bone meal where necessary. Play around when arranging them to showcase their differing textures, colors, and shapes as much as possible.
Source: heckers.co.za
Links
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus