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2. Perch at the Rim
A common error among succulent growers is planting too deeply. Campania International Celine Planter The Celine Cast Stone Planter by Campania International is a durable, low-profile style made of concrete that has been texturized to resemble stone. Its shallow depth and drainage hole make it the perfect choice for succulent gardening. At a hefty 16 pounds, it’s virtually tip-proof. Key Features:
Cast stone Tapered bowl 17” L x 11.75” W x 4.25” H Weighs 16 pounds 3 colors: ferro rustico nuovo (rust), nero nuovo (charcoal), and pietra nuova (chocolate) Drainage hole Indoor/outdoor use Handcrafted in the USA
2. Charlotte Triangular
American Essence Charlotte Triangular Planter The American Essence Charlotte Triangular Planter is made of lightweight and durable molded polypropylene that is fully recyclable. While the sides strike a dramatic triangular pose, the clever rounded bottom perfectly accommodates the contents of three six-inch pots. There is no drainage hole in this planter. To avoid overwatering, fill one-third of the way with pea gravel, and place entire grow pots or their contents on top. Key Features:
Polypropylene Triangle with round base 15″ x 6.25″ H Weighs 2 pounds 7 colors including black, bronze, charcoal, white, and metallic shades Indoor use Made in the USA
The American Essence Charlotte Triangular Planter is available from ePlanters.
3. Dale Fiberglass
Jay Scotts Dale Fiberglass Planter The Jay Scotts Dale Fiberglass Planter resists UV rays and freezing. It’s a lightweight, footed receptacle with a low profile and freeform shape. You may order this product with or without drainage holes. Drainage holes are required for outdoor use. There are two options when ordering fiberglass containers: “sealed for indoor use” and “add drainage holes (non-refundable).” I found this a little confusing. Sealed for indoor use just means that there are no drainage holes. And, if you order one with drainage holes, you can’t return it. Key Features:
Fiberglass Freeform footed 14 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches Weighs 8 ounces 5 colors: silver, white, and matte black, brown, and charcoal Indoor/outdoor use Optional drainage holes Weatherproof Made in Vietnam, hand-finished in the USA
The Jay Scotts Dale Fiberglass is available from ePlanters.
4. Timbrell Fiberglass
Jay Scotts Timbrell Fiberglass Planter The Jay Scotts Timbrell Fiberglass Planter is a substantial UV- and frost-resistant container suitable for use indoors or out. Its design is an elongated double oval with ample room to feature your favorites. You may order this item without drainage holes (sealed) or without drainage holes (non-returnable). Drainage holes are required for outdoor use. Key Features:
Fiberglass Double oval 42 x 12 x 7 inches Weighs 4.5 pounds 5 colors: silver, white, and matte black, brown, and charcoal Indoor/outdoor use Optional drainage holes Weatherproof Made in Vietnam, hand-finished in the USA
The Jay Scotts Timbrell Fiberglass is available from ePlanters.
5. Short Hayden Fiberglass
Jay Scotts Short Hayden Fiberglass Planter The Jay Scotts Short Hayden Fiberglass Planter Set is a collection of three rounded complementary pots. These are perfect to display larger varieties and those that cascade in both indoor and outdoor settings. Exceptional UV and frost resistance means no cracking or fading, and years of enjoyment. The first is 12 inches in diameter at the rim, tapering to an 11-inch base. It’s seven inches tall, with an inside measurement of 9” x 9,” and a weight of three pounds. The second is 16 inches at the rim and 13 inches at the base. It’s 8 inches tall, measures 12.5” x 12.5” inside, and weighs 5 pounds. And the third has a rim diameter of 20 inches that tapers to a base of 15.5 inches. It’s 10 inches tall with an inside measurement of 16” x 16,” and weighs 7 pounds. This set is available without drainage holes (sealed) or with drainage holes (non-returnable). Drainage holes are required for outdoor use. Key Features:
Fiberglass Three complementary rounded pots 5 colors: silver, white, and matte black, brown, and charcoal Indoor/outdoor use Optional drainage holes Weatherproof Made in Vietnam, hand-finished in the USA
The Jay Scotts Short Hayden Fiberglass set is available from ePlanters.
6. Nested Small Metal
Nested Small Metal Planters, Set of 2 The Nested Small Metal Planters Set from Plow & Hearth comprise a rugged two-piece set made of galvanized metal, accented to look like brass soldering. The first has a diameter of 20 3/4 inches with a height of 4 1/4 inches. The second is 17 ¾ inches around, with a height of 4 1/4 inches. While durable enough for outdoor use, these pots have no drainage holes, so be sure to keep them in a sheltered area. Filling one-third with pea gravel before topping off with potting medium keeps excess moisture away from roots. Key Features:
Galvanized metal 2 round pans Combined weight approximately 6 pounds Indoor use/outdoor sheltered use No drainage holes
The Nested Small Metal set is available from Plow & Hearth. Thanks to the very helpful Plow & Hearth customer service representatives for answering my questions about this product.
7. GEO Trough
Geo Stainless Metal Planter Box by Veradek Display your favorites all in a row with the Veradek GEO Trough Planter. Lightweight and long-lasting, it’s crafted from heavy-gauge, seam-welded stainless steel, for a bold, horizontal container that is leak-proof and scratch-resistant. This product is available in three sizes. The length of this style is 32-inches long, and heights and widths vary. Choose from 32” L x 4” W x 6” H, 32” L x 8” W x 3” H, or 32” L x 3.5” W x 3” H, to suit your plants and decor. Each weighs 5 pounds. There are no drainage holes, so apply a layer of pea gravel in the bottom before adding lightweight succulent potting medium. And note that heavier soils may cause warping. Veradek products contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are made with 70% recycled materials, and are fully recyclable. The representatives in Veradek and Wayfair customer service were very helpful in providing answers to my questions about this product. Key Features:
Stainless steel 3 colors: black, stainless steel, or white 3 size options Indoor/sheltered outdoor use No drainage holes Use with lightweight potting medium only
The Veradek GEO Trough is available from Wayfair.
8. Binwen Modern Ceramic with Bamboo Tray
6-Inch Modern White Ceramic Planter Pot with Drainage Bamboo Tray Perfect for displaying a collection of smaller succulents, this shallow 6-inch round ceramic dish from Binwen has a drainage hole in the bottom, a convenient bamboo drainage tray that’s both useful and attractive. The modern, sleek design pairs well with any decor. This container is depicted in many of the photos throughout this article. Key Features:
Ceramic and bamboo 6.29 x 6.29 x 1.57-inch planter 6.18 x 6.18 x 0.47-inch tray Weighs 1.3 pounds Hole in bottom of container for drainage Draining tray included
9. Reclaimed Wood Hexagon with Succulents
4-Inch Hexagonal Planter with Succulents This hexagonal planter is made in California from reclaimed wood, and it’s perfect for display at the office or at home. Place it on your desk near a sunny window, or create a centerpiece for your dining table. An added bonus for this planter is that the work is already done for you. It comes filled with an assortment of carefully selected succulents in complementary colors and textures, top-dressed with moss. And it’s perfect for giving as a gift to the succulent lover in your life! Key Features:
Reclaimed wood Approximately 4 inches across Slight variations in coloring, since each is unique Filled with carefully selected succulents Perfect for gifting Made in the USA
A single planter or trio of hexagons are both available from Succulent Gardens.
Tips for Success
Now that you have an exciting array from which to choose, here are three tips for successful succulent cultivation in your new pots and planters:
1. Good Drainage Is Essential
Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix, 4 Quarts You may also display small, plain grower’s pots with drainage holes in their bases inside larger, decorative pots without drainage holes. Place a layer of pea gravel between them for stability and optimal drainage.
Shallow Planter Liners, Various Sizes You may like to purchase clear plastic saucers like these, available from ePlanters. They’ll protect surfaces from water spillover. Sizes range from 6 to 17 inches in diameter with multiple quantities per package to fit the pots that you have selected. When plants sit low in a pot, they don’t get the air and light they need. This may lead to the rotting of lower leaves, and vulnerability to pests and disease. Instead, mound your potting medium up a bit and let plants sit high enough that their lowest leaves are at or above the rim of the container.
3. Water Only When Completely Dry
Water when the potting medium dries out completely, not on a scheduled basis. The best way to determine when it’s time is to poke a clean, dry chopstick all the way down into the potting medium along the edge of the container. If it comes out dry and clean, it’s time to water. Don’t just test one container and water them all, because different sizes and materials dry out at different rates. Porous ceramics and stoneware that allow air and moisture to pass through may need more frequent watering than non-porous plastics and metals. In addition, metals and dark containers generally heat up more than others, which will also dry out the soil more quickly.
Design Like a Pro
Succulents come in an amazing variety of funky shapes and textures that never cease to amaze me. I have pots around the house showcasing various specimens that have caught my eye over the years. But what I really love are the groups I’ve put together for special occasions. And since you’re ready to create live art to complement your decor, it’s time I let you in on a little designer’s secret. It’s a simple formula that’s been around for ages: Thriller + Spiller + Filler = a balanced arrangement
A thriller creates a dramatic focal point. Its height, texture, and color make the first impression. Choose your largest, most exciting specimen for this feature role. A spiller is a variety that cascades down the side of a container, drawing the eye down. Use one or more trailing types spaced around the edges. A filler goes in between the thriller and spiller to unify the group. Use low profile favorites of the same or different types to tie everything together.
Similarly, you may group individual pots according to this scheme. Use inverted pots to elevate spillers and fillers as needed to complement a central thriller. And that’s all there is to creating balanced designs to awe your guests! And do you know what else? You can propagate your own succulents from cuttings to keep or give away. If you liked this article, you may enjoy reading about arranging foliage from your garden, houseplants for healthy indoor air, and keeping containers looking great. And you can visit our full archive of container gardening projects and tips here. Happy gardening! Photos by Allison Sidhu © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published March 28, 2019. [lastupdated]. Product photos via Campania International, Plow & Hearth, Wayfair, Succulent Gardens, Binwen, and Hoffman’s. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu.
