Can I Just Put Rocks in the Succulent Pot?

Fill a terra cotta pot with equal parts potting mix and coarse sand. Make sure that the pot has at least one drainage hole at the bottom. The native setting for most cacti and succulents is well-drained, sandy soil. Recreate these conditions indoors using a mixture of 1 part soil and 1 part sand.

Choose a plant as a focal point or centerpiece, if planting multiple succulents together. Typically, this should be the biggest or most colorful plant. Using gardening gloves to protect your hands, put this plant in the center of the pot. Place smaller succulents around the central plant. Use a variety of succulent species for more vibrant color and texture.

Fill any empty spaces in the pot with additional potting mix. Top it off with a layer of rocks, gravel, pebbles or other decorative material.

Add liquid plant fertilizer to water, according to the product’s directions. Water the succulents, gently directing the flow of water into the sandy soil. The root systems are remarkably adept at hydrating the plants, so don't overwater them. Most cacti and other succulents thrive with just periodic watering. The top soil ought to be thoroughly dry before watering again.

Sunlight is a crucial element for growing healthy succulents in containers. Windows with a southern or western exposure are ideal places for cacti and other desert plants. Most succulents will also thrive under artificial light.