Succulents come in a wide range of architectural shapes and compact sizes, which makes them a forgiving choice whether you are planting your first pot or filling a courtyard. They are hardy plants, but they still need the right amount of sun, free-draining soil, and measured watering to avoid root rot.
Watering techniques:
top watering and bottom watering
Different succulent varieties have different moisture requirements, but every one of them will rot if left in saturated soil. Two methods work well, and which you choose depends on the plant and the container.
- Bottom watering. Stand the pot in a shallow bowl or tray of water and let the potting mix draw moisture up through the drainage holes. This keeps the foliage completely dry, which helps prevent fungal disease in varieties with delicate or tightly clustered leaves.
- Top watering. Water the soil surface with a watering can or a hose on a gentle flow. Check that the soil has dried out completely before watering again, and make sure excess water drains freely away from the base.
If the potting mix becomes compacted over time, loosen the top layer gently with a hand fork. Water will then soak in evenly instead of pooling on the surface or running down the inside edge of the pot.
Feeding succulents without over-fertilising
Succulents need very few nutrients and do not respond well to heavy feeding. A light, occasional routine is enough to support steady growth.
- Liquid fertilisers. Dilute a balanced liquid fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it as part of your normal watering cycle.
- Slow-release pellets. Work the pellets into the top layer of soil with a small hand fork. They release nutrients gradually over several months.
Handle succulents carefully during feeding and maintenance. Stems, leaves, and shallow root systems snap easily.
Choosing pots with adequate drainage
Open drainage holes are not optional for succulents. These plants cannot tolerate wet feet or stagnant moisture, so the container has to let excess water escape freely.
Different pot shapes support different planting layouts:
- Succulent bowls. Broad, shallow bowls give you surface area for spreading groundcovers and multi-variety arrangements.
- Grouped planters. Medium containers let you contrast textures and colours in a single display.
- Large pots. Deeper containers take mature specimen succulents with substantial root systems.
Pair your pot with a coarse, free-draining succulent mix and place it where it gets plenty of natural light. To work out how much soil your bowls and planters need, use our potting mix calculator.
Does the pot affect how often I need to water?
Yes. A larger container holds more mix and more moisture, so it dries out more slowly than a shallow bowl holding the same plants. Expect to check a small or shallow container more often through summer, and judge by the mix rather than by a fixed schedule.
Should a succulent pot sit in a saucer?
Only if you empty it. A saucer that leaves the pot standing in water keeps the mix saturated and undoes the drainage holes entirely. Keep the holes clear as well, since they block over time with compacted mix and root growth.
Can I plant several succulents in the one container?
Yes, provided they want the same amount of water. Group varieties with similar needs together, because one thirsty plant in a bowl of dry-climate succulents will leave you watering the whole arrangement too often.