It is possible to make a Succulents addition to a home garden.These plants are able to survive in many different environments and require very little upkeep once they are planted.If you want to introduce a few cacti, stonecrop, or aloe plants to your garden but don't have a lot of room, you can create your own miniature version using materials of your choice.It's good news for the inexperienced horticulturist and can be done inside your home, if garden space is at a premium, because Cultivating a miniatureSucculent garden is quick and easy.
Step 1: Your materials should be gathered.
In the garden department of your local home improvement store, you can find everything you need to start a miniature garden.This project requires at least one small container, a few ounces of natural gardening soil, some small pots or pebbles, and your choice of plants.The average price for a basic planter will be between $30 and 50.You can put together a miniature garden in 15 minutes with all your supplies in place.
Step 2: What type of plants do you want to grow?
Most people think of cacti when they think about succulents, but there are a lot of other varieties to choose from.The lesser-known Succulents include Echeveria, aloe, cotyledon, and sempervivum.Pick plants that you think will be a good fit for the garden you have in mind.It may be worth considering factors other than just looks, like the climate you live in, accessibility to sunshine around your home and how much time you'll be able to devote to caring for the plants.You can find more options at your local greenhouse or plant nursery.It's important to consider how large the plants can get.
Step 3: The container should be the right size.
The exact size of your garden is up to you, but if you want it to fit in a small planter, it should be able to.If you want to keep things simple, you could go with a basic flower pot.Think about some weird containers for your plants.Miniature gardens in mason jars or fish bowls will look charming displayed throughout your home, while outdoor arrangements could be created in an unused bird feeder, wheelbarrow or even a pair of rubber gardening boots.The container you choose should encourage proper water drainage and provide enough space between plants so they don't smother each other.
Step 4: Add touches that are decorative.
If you want, you can add some visual appeal to your garden by decorating it with small statues, figurines, and other items.If you are starting a garden for aesthetic purposes, this type of flair can be used to break up the monotony of a sea of green plants and black soil.Seashells, wood carvings, and other found objects can be used to decorate the gardens of those who don't buy a lot of knick-knacks.
Step 5: There is a layer of stones over the planter.
Pick a container and sprinkle pebbles into it.The pebbles will provide a foundation for the soil and help drain excess water which can cause cacti to die off or rot.If your planter has holes for drainage, make sure they are not covered by larger stones.The initial layer of stones should be at least an inch thick.Put the larger stones in place first, then fill in the gaps with smaller rocks and pebbles.
Step 6: Place a layer of planting soil on the stones.
Take a few ounces of soil and put it in the planter.Break up the soil to keep it from clumping.The soil needs to be at least an inch thick in order to hold most Succulents securely and allow them to take root.The soil can be funneled into smaller containers with a spoon.You might want to mix some sand with your soil.This will keep the consistency light and well-ventilated, which is beneficial to the growth and survival of plants.
Step 7: You can design a scenic arrangement of plants.
Think about what you want your garden to look like.You can arrange tufts of senecio around a large mound of kalanchoe orjovibarba.The layout of your garden should be unique to you.A look of eye-catching diversity can be created by placing a few different types of Succulents in close proximity.To fill out the appearance of the garden and act as a natural perimeter, plant aptenia cordifolia around the planter's edges.Epiphyllum, Echeveria, and Queen's Tears are some of the beautiful Succulents.
Step 8: The Succulents are transferred to the soil.
If you want to expose the root ball, remove the plants from their containers.The tip of your finger can be used to burrow into the soil and place the plants in the holes you made.To anchor the plants, lightly Pat the soil around the bulbs or stems.Allow your plants to sit above the rim of the planter.This will help keep the water out of the plants base.Place your plants on top of the soil in rows and use a spray bottle to water them.
Step 9: Use stones to cover the soil.
When you get your plants where you want them, scatter pebbles and larger rocks over the uppermost part of the soil.The added weight of a second layer of stones will hold the plants in place and help distribute the water more evenly.Stick in whatever accessories or decorations you please and call it a day after you have covered the topsoil.A second layer of stones will help protect against erosion.There are colorful glass beads or gemstones in your garden.The same function as pebbles, but with a more elegant and personalized appearance.
Step 10: Make sure your plants get plenty of light.
Plants like hot, dry weather and do best when left someplace where they can bask in the sun.If you want your plants to get plenty of sunshine, make room near an uncovered window.If you are going to leave the miniature garden outside, make sure other plants and objects don't block the primary light source.A good rule of thumb is to get six hours of sunlight per day.Don't expose your garden to too much heat.Even in the warmer months, hours and hours of direct sunlight can be oppressive.
Step 11: You can water your garden.
Succulent plants need regular watering.They won't need as much water as seasonal plants.Start your plants with half a cup of water every few days.When the soil beneath the stones begins to glisten, pour the water in a slow trickle all around the planter.In the colder months, waterings are reduced to once every couple of weeks.Between waterings, let the soil dry out completely.This may seem foreign to many horticulturists, but most succulents prefer a desert-like setting and are naturally equipped for dry spells.
Step 12: Large plots and gardens should be fertilized.
Nitrogen-richfertilizer can be added to the soil periodically to keep the garden healthy.The plants will be able to grow and thrive if they have a good fertilization.If you live in an area with poor growing conditions, this will be helpful.When you first plant the succulents, mix a small amount of compost orfertilizer into the soil.Spread another thin layer every few weeks as the plants grow.Make sure that the application of thefertilizer is approved for use with plants.
Step 13: The succulents should be protected from extreme conditions.
Succulent are known for their remarkable survival skills.Wild shifts in temperature can damage or kill them.Succulent gardens need to be protected against wind erosion and interference from natural pests.There are signs of disease and over or underwatering in your Succulents.Plants that have been overwatered will become soggy and squishy, while thirsty plants will quickly dry out and lose their color.Blights can appear in many different ways, but most often are mold growths or wound-like defects.If you are expecting long periods of rain or frost, bring the plants inside.