Unless you’re living under a moss covered rock, you’ve heard of succulents and suddenly they seem to be all the rage.
I guess I’m ahead of my time because I’ve always thought succulents didn’t suck. I’ve had an old mop bucket planter filled with hen and chick succulents for over 10 years.
My secret? I completely neglect it (much like I do my chipped nails and ragged cuticles).
Succulents are so easy to grow. They don’t need a lot of water and they can withstand any season. I leave my succulents outside whether it’s in scorching summer heat or covered in two feet of snow.
So I turned to my old friend when it was time to come up with a centerpiece for my outdoor coffee table.
Unfortunately succulents aren’t cheap but I have a solution.
I’m letting you in on a little secret to create amazing succulent filled planters without breaking the bank … the sedum ground cover mat.
It’s a tile of mixed sedum succulents ready to be planted in the ground to create an amazing ground cover.
I had different plans for mine – it’s perfect in planters.
Easiest Succulents to Grow (affiliate links)
1) Buy a tile of sedum ground cover (I found mine at Lowe’s for $14.95)
2) Find a unique container (I love this ceramic clam shell I found at HomeGoods or an old mop bucket)
3) Fill container with a shallow layer of pebbles (to help keep roots from sitting in standing water since my container has no drainage hole) and organic cactus soil
Note: since succulents don’t like standing water and prefer dryer conditions, try not to use any water retaining soil like Miracle Gro
4) Measure your container and use scissors to cut the sedum to size.
Note: if you have an odd size container like mine, just cut a few different pieces
5) Add sedum to your container – cut smaller pieces from the tile to fill in gaps
6) Add more soil to fill in empty spaces
Now the most important step – ignore it and watch it thrive!
I also love this giant clam shell overflowing with pink flowers from Old Silver Shed.
Don’t miss my other tips for growing peonies and hydrangeas …
Love peonies – check out my peony planting tips.
I love sedums. I buy a bunch from our local nursery and they’ve taken off to the point I need to get rid of them. I neglect them too. Most of my plants are neglected but only once has is it been a bad thing. 😀
You’ll have to leave some on your neighbors doorsteps Megan!
I use succulents in fairy gardens
I need to make a fairy garden Sherry!
You’re right….they don’t take any care, but thrive and thrive. I ignore mine too. They are easy to get started.
So easy Florence!
Thanks Kelly I love succulents and will be going to Lowes. Succulents are so easy and varied in colors, what’s not to like?
Thanks Kelly I love succulents and will be going to Lowes. Succulents are so easy and varied in colors, what’s not to like?
Love the ideas because succulents are fairly expensive. Thank you for the tips.
I forgot about some Kolanchoes that were on the back porch in a corner…and just noticed that they are blooming…yes…they love to be neglected…love the beautiful succulents in the amazing clamshell…have to get to Lowes!!
Your clamshell is amazing!! I have a Kolancho that my Mother gave me before she passed away, 22 years ago. I love my sedums and succulents!
You have a lovely blog.
I have look at a lot of websites for answers on watering and drainage, your’s was the only one that I found that had my answers.Thank You Very Much and this is my first time planting them…Thank You
Glad you got some good tips Rebecca – enjoy your succulents!
Thanks for the tips..
I live in Arizona. Summer temps three digits. I love succulents and have tried several inside and outside. I am not able to keep them alive. Help. What am I doing wrong?
I don’t do anything to my succulents – I just ignore them. Sorry I can’t be more help