The best containers for Succulents

The best containers for Succulents

One of the key aspects of growing succulents successfully is to ensure that the plants drain well after watering. This is best accomplished by using a free draining potting soil but also very importantly to use containers which have drainage holes. We do not recommend growing succulents in containers which do not have drainage holes.

Size of container:

Containers are available in a wide range of different designs and sizes. Using the correct size container for your plant is also important. For smaller growing succulents, it is best to choose a container that is approximately 4 cm larger than the diameter of your plant. This will give your plant space to grow and fill the container. Many smaller growing succulents are very happy growing in a 10 cm pot. Larger growing plants can be planted in containers ranging in size from 12 cm to 25 cm in diameter depending on their ultimate size. You should always repot your succulents incrementally into larger containers.

Another important factor to bear in mind is that succulents are most often found growing in shallow soils and therefore grow best in containers which are wider and shallower.

Types of containers:

Plastic containers

These are readily available in a wide range of designs, colours and sizes, are durable and economical. Plastic nursery containers are a good choice as they have numerous drainage holes to ensure that your plant drains freely after watering. However, outdoors in sunlight plastic containers eventually become brittle.

Clay containers:

Clay pots are an excellent choice for growing your succulents in. Clay pots are porous, allowing air and moisture to move through the container and as a result the potting soil dries out much quicker after watering which is ideal for succulents and cacti. They are also durable and decorative.

Glazed Ceramic containers:

Glazed ceramic containers are mostly decorative pot covers without drainage holes. We do not recommend planting succulents directly into glazed ceramic containers without drainage holes. If the glazed ceramic container does not have drainage holes it is best to use it as a pot cover only. Plant your succulent in a plastic pot and place the plastic pot in the glazed ceramic container.

It is very important to remove the succulent from the decorative pot cover to water it. Take your plant to the sink, drench it thoroughly and allow it to drain completely before placing it back in the decorative pot cover.