How to Make a Succulent Container Garden

For the perfect indoor container garden, try planting with succulents! Succulents are low-maintenance and beautiful. Refresh your space with a container garden full of dynamic foliage and natural color.

STEP 1: Supplies

succulent gardening

Gather your supplies. This will vary depending on your creation, but here are the basic items you will need:

  • Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil or Black Gold® Cactus Mix
  • Succulents ranging in size from Calloway’s or Cornelius
  • Calloway’s Premium Pottery
  • Hand shovel and gloves

STEP 2: Soil and Pottery

The soil you use is very important to the health and success of your container garden. First, never use the native soil from the ground, as it does not contain the nutrients and moisture-retaining properties of proper potting soil.

Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil is formulated specifically for your containers. With moisture-retaining polymers, Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil provides the ideal conditions to foster healthy root growth for thriving plants. It is ideal for all potted plants and container gardens.

Black Gold® Cactus Mix is excellent for planting all types of cacti, bromeliads, and succulents. This potting soil contains a unique blend of horticultural grade perlite, pumice, earthworm castings, compost, and bark which helps provide the ideal soil structure and drainage that these types of plants need.

Pick out a stylish container, large enough for the selection of succulents that you will be planting. We have many to choose from in various sizes and styles. Your selection of Calloway’s Pottery or whatever container you are using must have a drain hole. If there is too much moisture, it will cause root rot and that can be easily avoided with the draining system in your pottery.

To get started, place a piece of bark or stones in the bottom of your container to help prevent the soil from leaking out, making sure water can still flow through. Then, fill your container with Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil or Black Gold® Cactus Mix.

STEP 3: Adding Your Plants

Select your succulents to create a design that is visually pleasing. When it comes to the design, use the “Thriller, Filler, and Spiller” method. Choosing your plants based on “Thriller, Filler, and Spiller” selections will create an exciting creation with dimension and texture.

Watch the video below for a quick tutorial on placement of your plants based on the “Thriller, Filler, and Spiller” design method for your Succulent Container Garden.

First, add your “Thriller” plant. Find a larger succulent that is tall or will create a strong focal point.

planting with succulents

Remember, the “Thriller” plant will be a larger and dramatic option. It is the focal plant in your container. Depending on where your container will be displayed, you can either plant your “Thriller” in the center, if your container will be viewed from all sides, or in the back of the container.

succulents

Then, add your “Filler” plant. The “Filler” plants are medium-sized plants that tend to be a more rounded plant to make the container look full. Place your “Filler” around the “Thriller” or in front of the “Thriller” plant.

succulent indoor plants

Finally, add your “Spiller” plant. The “Spiller” plants are trailing plants that hang over the edge of the container. They should be planted close to the edge of the container, in front of, or surrounding the “Filler” plant.

string of pearls

String of Pearls creates an interesting visual and dripping display. Always choose a selection that will spill over the edge of your container with attractive leaves that compliments your creation.

container garden ideas

Your container garden will shine in your indoor space and provide a pop of beautiful, natural color.

planting with succulents

STEP 3: Care Tips

Water in thoroughly and add more potting soil as needed. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In addition, your succulents need bright indirect light throughout the day.

For more care tips, check out our blog about succulent care, here!

succulent plant tips

Top off your creation with decorative stones, moss, pebbles, or keep it as is! Stop by our store nearest you today for all your Succulent Container Garden needs!