Here is an easy-to-do and easy-to-grow project with beautiful results using a low bowl planter around 13-16"! Low bowl planters have the perfect design to contain and grow unique succulent plants, making a most interesting focal point in your garden or patio.
Succulent plants, native to desert and arid regions, are easy to grow and take little care. Succulents have many unusual varieties with different shapes, texture, color and size, and are available in most garden centers. In fact, finding the most unusual plants will make this a rare and unique container garden collection.
CHOOSE THE PROPER INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CONTAINER:
Choose a pro-growers medium potting mix. Add 1 part sand and very small gravel to 2 parts of the potting mix. The soil needs to drain well but be heavy enough to hold the shallow root systems of succulents and/or cactus. Fill the container to the top.
Choose an interesting variety of succulent plants close to the same size. Depending on the size of your container you can fit 8 4" pots or 6 Qt. size pots.
Some variety suggestions would be:
Hen & Chick Succulents
Aloe
Echeveria
Dudleya
Crassula ovata 'Jade'
Hawothia cuspidate
Adromischus
Rosalaria
Sedums
Pick plants that "fit" well together, as for shape, color and texture, to make an appealing combination.
PLANTING:
Plant varieties that will grow taller or fuller in the center. Surround center plants with the rest of the plants to suit your taste. Check plant tags for growing styles to be sure yo put cascading growing plants on the edge such as 'String of Pearls'.
GROWING:
Place your planted container in a full morning sun position. Avoid the hot late afternoon sun for these plants. These plants prefer bright light with good air circulation.
Water to set the plants. Plants can remain on the dry side. Water the planter only when soil is very dry; once a week at the most. Fertilize once a month with any balanced houseplant fertilizer, following package instructions for mixing.
At summer's end, before freezing, bring your planter inside.
Here are a couple of great websites to help get you started with your plant caring journey!
