Growing Succulents can be a great and unique addition to small space gardening as well as a garden landscape feature, but today we are discussing the option of growing these lovely architectural plants in containers.

A collection of succulents can look very striking and some people choose to grow these versatility, hardiness and yes, wonderful flowers. Succulents also compliment cactuses and are often grown side by side in the garden.

Growing Succulents in the container Succulents can be grown in almost any container as long as there is adequate drainage. They can be grown in a standard pot or hanging baskets. Troughs and window boxes are also another great way to mix these plants up to create a miniature landscape.

Some people take a shining to planting as novelty pieces using anything from an old boot to a teapot, creativity here is the key. Just don't forget to add drainage holes, four or nail size holes in the bottom of a tea pot would provide sufficient drainage.

Growing succulents have enormous appeal to children, the most popular being the Jelly Bean Plant, Panda plant and the Burro's tail. As long as they don't kill these plants with over kindness, usually by over watering, succulents will thrive with minimum attention.

The great range of colours and leaves alone can make for interesting grouping of pots and containers of either single or mixed succulent species.

There are a few species which suit hanging baskets and naturally come from areas where they cling to trees or hang over rocks. These include the Ice plant, Pig face and Flaming Katy, while Burro’s tail must be grown in this way.

Large specimens such as Mother In-laws tongue can be used as a feature in the garden or on a terrace. Also the Madagascar palm, Pencil tree, Silver dollar plant, Agaves and Aloes can be used in a similar way.

Growing Succulent that have sharp spines are best positioned away from regular used paths and entrances. Detailed foliage succulents such as the Agave victoria-reginae, make lovely potted plants positioned where their form and markings can be seen to best advantage. Slow growers such as Agave can remain happily in the same container for many years.

Watering and Fertilizing Succulent plants

Most succulent plants prefer to be watered fairly regularly during the growing season, but kept drier during their dormant phase. Living in an area with high winter rainfall need not rule you out for growing succulents, as long as the soil drainage is rapid. In large rainfall areas just place the containers under an eave or bring inside until the weather eases.

Succulents grown in the landscape or mini landscape can withstand a wet winter if there is adequate drainage. One way to do this is to keep your garden beds raised above ground level and apply sandy soil into the soil profile.

Most succulents can be grown in the ground and survive without supplementary fertiliser, unless the soil is extremely poor. Organic matter added to the soil before planting will often supply all the necessary nutrients. Container plants can vary depending on the quality of the medium. I always recommend a high quality potting. High quality premium mixes generally have an added slow release fertiliser.

Also enquire at your local nursery for special Succulent and Cactus potting mix. These carefully designed medium will supply the necessary nutrients and supply great drainage for these free drainage lovers.

Excess fertilisers in garden beds or containers, especially excess nitrogen will result in soft growth which will not stand up to tough growing conditions. If you feel that feeding is necessary use a slow release fertiliser or a medium strength liquid plant food.

Small amounts of low-nitrogen fertilisers formulated to encourage flowering and fruiting, such as some tomatoe or Rose foods, may also be suitable for some succulents.

What can go wrong! Stumpy's Tips