Succulent gardens are a great way to add life to any space, and are very easy to maintain as well. Succulents come in various sizes, colors, and textures and can be used to create almost any design. Below is a step by step guide on how to design your succulent garden.
1. Choosing the Right Location
When planting, you should consider the area you want to put your succulent garden. Succulents are best grown in an area that gets at least six hours of light per day, but indirect light is preferred. If you are planting the tree outside, it is recommended that the tree be planted in a south or west exposure. For indoor gardens, a sunny windowsill is ideal. Ensure that the area has proper drainage to avoid water accumulation which is likely to cause root rot.
2. Selecting Your Succulents
Variety is the spice of life and this is very true for a succulent garden. Select from various forms of succulents such as rosette succulents such as Echeveria, hanging succulents such as String of Pearls, and the tall succulents such as Aloe Vera or Agave. Think about the color scheme that you want to create; there are succulents that have bright colors and there are those that have dull colors. This will lead to the formation of a very beautiful and lively garden since different shapes and sizes will be incorporated.
3. Preparing the Soil
Succulents need proper drainage and that is why they should be planted in a well-draining soil. To grow cactus, it is recommended to use a commercial cactus mix or prepare a mixture of equal parts of potting soil and sand or perlite. It helps to provide enough water drainage while at the same time holding some water. If planting in a garden bed, it is recommended to add some gravel or small stones to the bottom of the planting hole to enhance drainage even more.
4. Designing Your Layout
Before planting, it is recommended that you come up with a layout for your succulent garden. Succulents can be grouped into larger and smaller ones; one can consider placing the larger ones in the center and the smaller ones around them. Vary the height and surface of the items to create dimension. It is also possible to introduce other aesthetic features such as rocks, driftwoods, or ornamental stones in the arrangement. For a more formal design you may want to plant in a more formal manner such as in a grid like fashion or in straight lines.
5. Planting Techniques
When planting, it is recommended that each succulent is planted at the right depth. Do not plant the stems as this may cause rotting of the stems. Before putting the plants into the soil, it is recommended to slightly free the roots. When planting, water lightly to help the soil pack well but do not overwater as succulents like it on the dry side.
6. Maintenance Tips
Succulent gardens are easy to maintain but there are certain things that need to be done to maintain them. Succulents need very little water; do not overwater them, let the soil dry out completely before the next watering. Water the plant during the growing season that is spring and summer, once in 2-3 weeks and during the winter season, water the plant once in a month. Succulents also need to be fed and the best time to feed them is during the growing season using a diluted cactus fertilizer.
7. Seasonal Considerations
If you have your succulent garden outside, then you have to consider the changes in the weather. In cold regions, it is advisable to shield your succulents from frost by either taking them inside or using covers when the weather is very cold. For the plants that are grown indoors, it is vital to provide the succulents with enough light during the winter season where the days are short; you may have to use grow lights.
Conclusion
Succulent garden is an excellent project that is fun to develop. Hence, it is important to know the right place to plant the succulents, the types of succulents to plant, and the right way to plant and take care of them in order to come up with a beautiful garden that requires little attention. Whether it is in the interior or the exterior of a house, a succulent garden gives a special and calming look to the area. So, let your imagination and creativity go wild and have fun in creating your own succulent garden!