How to Grow Succulents in a Shallow Container

Succulent plants, such as cacti, have shallow root systems which make them ideal for planting in shallow containers. Succulent plants make great additions to the decor of any home and require less maintenance than most houseplants. Your container needs to be approximately three inches deep and does not require any holes for drainage; the soil you’ll be using is a sandy mixture that is naturally fast-draining. Since your container has no holes for drainage you need to be especially careful not to over-water your plants.

Cactus potting soil
Shallow container
Trowel
Small pebbles
Small clean brush

Instructions

- 1
  Use your trowel to fill your container approximately halfway with cactus potting soil.
- 2
  Arrange your plants in your container and manually spread the root systems over the soil. Use this opportunity to arrange your plants so that they are spaced enough to allow for future growth and ventilation as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
- 3
  Add a layer of potting soil over the root systems and pat down the soil around your plants. This layer of soil should leave approximately half an inch of space between the edge of the container in the top of the soil. Use a small soft brush to remove any soil particles that may have gotten onto the sides of your succulent plants.
- 4
  Place your pebbles over the surface of the soil between your plants.
- 5
  Water your succulents immediately with room-temperature water. During the summer months, water your succulents once a week and increase the time between watering as the temperature gets cooler. The soil should dry out between watering.
- 6
  Place your plants where they can receive direct sunlight for approximately six hours a day.

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