Firstly, you need to really understand the succulents you have. How much sunlight do they need? How often do they need watering? What are their active growing and dormancy periods? What are the hardiness zones of your succulents? Two resources I can offer to help with these questions are my caresheets, available for a range of succulents (if your succulent is not yet available as a caresheet, please let me know as I am continuously adding to the content) and my care guides.
Sunlight
This is probably the most important aspect to consider as you will not be able to provide different light levels throughout your planter. Ensure that you paid succulents together that need similar levels of sunlight so that you do not end up with some sun burnt and some etiolated.
Watering
It is fairly important to pair similar watering schedules together so you can water them at the same rate; however, if some require more frequent watering than others, you can attempt to water around those plants only. This is quite difficult and not something I would recommend, but it is possible.
Hardiness
If you are planting your succulents outside, you must consider their hardiness or be prepared to change your arrangement in the autumn. Succulents such as Sempervivums are hardy and can survive the UK climate outdoors all year with little worry, but types such as Echeverias will need to be brought inside or into a greenhouse in winter. Indoor succulent arrangements are easier as the temperature variation is much smaller and therefore most types can be indoors all year, you just need to ensure adequate sun levels.
Aesthetic
One of the most satisfying aspects of creating a succulent arrangement is the overall aesthetic. Combining succulents with bright and complementary colours will produce a stunning arrangement. Pair this with a statement pot for a striking outcome. This is up to your personal taste, but is an opportunity to be creative. I like to pair some subdued or dark colours, such as an Echeveria marrom, with something bright that will ‘pop’ in spring, like Echeveria pvn, creating an interesting contrast. By creating a theme for your arrangement, you can choose your succulents by their appearance, colour and shape for pleasing aesthetic. Don't forget about cacti! These can be a great way to add a little spike to your arrangements.
Pairing succulents by genus
This is a simple way of creating easy to manage succulent arrangements, although has limited variety in appearance. An example would be to create an outdoor planter with a collection of Sempervivum, as these are hardy succulents that will survive well in the UK winter. These ‘hens and chicks’ have a range of types for colour and aesthetic variation.
Some successful succulent combinations:
Summer growers by genus that plant well together:
Adromischus with Crassula
Gasteria with Haworthia and Dudleya
Contrast a blooming kalanchoe with a spikey cacti, such as Stenocereus pruinosus
Winter growers:
For a hanging basket/drooping arrangement, pair Ceropegia with a Sedum
Plant types of Lithops together as they have low watering needs, or with Pleiospilos nelii
Euphorbia with Senecio
Want to do something unique and special with your arrangements? Consider using other materials, like driftwood or creating wreaths. For inspiration or to purchase your own, check out these:
Finally, check out these beautiful examples of successful arrangements by Ivy, available on her Etsy shop.
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