How To Make Fake Succulent Planters

Honestly, this is the easiest arrangement I’ve done all year! To begin, simply adhere to these easy guidelines.

Step 1: Insert foam, and fill in empty spaces with moss.

You’ll see that I didn’t use all of the desert foam in the container. Instead, I filled in the gaps with moss and angled the stems of my succulent plants into the foam.

This green Spanish moss was picked because it doesn’t compete with the vibrant artificial succulents.

Step 3: Insert faux succulent stems into foam bricks.

I used wire cutters to trim the stems of the succulents so that they were flush with the foam foundation. Try alternating hues (reds, greens, and blues) and styles for greater aesthetic appeal (cascading versus upright).

Based on the succulents and planter you select, the finished item will resemble this…

Here is how the succulent arrangement currently appears in my living room:

How are rocks adhered to one another to make imitation plants?

Important!! Decide how much gravel you’ll need and put it in a colander before you start cleaning it. After that, rinse it really carefully to remove all the debris. The gravel should then be allowed to dry after allowing all the water drain out.

I used a yard hose to clean mine, then I set the stone colander outside to dry. Then, to aid in their drying, I ran my hands through the stones, moving them about roughly every ten minutes.

Gather containers for planting

In my situation, I had to paint the potting containers’ exteriors. Depending on the kind of container or containers you’re using, this is optional. My herb and flower combo container plants allowed me to reuse the 1 pint plastic containers that were provided with our herbs.

Add floral foam

Cut the floral foam brick into 1-inch slices, and then round off the foam slice’s edges with a knife so that it will fit into the planting container’s bottom.

Cut stems to size

Use the wire-cutting pliers to shorten the stems of each of the imitation succulents as necessary. Yours might already be brief enough. You can estimate how much to cut off if you hold the plant upright next to the planter. Don’t cut too much off. When you actually plant it into the gravel, you can always trim it a little bit more if necessary.

I just recently learnt about gravel glue and how it can be applied outdoors to gravel roads, rock beds, and stone walkways to keep the stones in place as well as for creative projects. For big outdoor spaces, there are many pre-made pebble binders available. They even offer similar mulch holding items that I would love to try. However, given their cost, I’m trying to fit them into the budget for the following year.

For this project, I created a homemade gravel glue that is both small-batch and incredibly inexpensive to produce. All you need is water and ordinary glue. You can use clear craft glue or regular white glue.

The typical blending percentages are either:

  • 1 part water to 1 part glue
  • 3 parts water to 1 part glue
  • 4 parts water to 1 part adhesive

Apply a single thick coat or a number of smaller ones. You can decide. I applied one thinner coat, then poured glue straight from the bottle over the top of the stone, and it worked fairly well.

Make the gravel glue

This tutorial can be downloaded from my resource collection, as I already indicated. The password is available at the bottom of this post.

  • 6 to 8 cups of pea gravel should be poured into a colander. Wash the gravel well. As stated before, set it aside and let it drain and dry.
  • In a clean bucket or container, combine a 14 oz bottle of glue with around 16 oz of water. Good stirring
  • Once the gravel has been thoroughly coated with the glue mixture, add it and stir.

Place stems into gravel

One or more of the imitation succulents should have the stem portion inserted into the gravel. Until it is fully inserted, firmly pressing it into the floral foam. Reminder: if the stem hasn’t been sufficiently pruned, remove the plant and do so. Reposition into the gravel after that.

Top off with gravel

With one hand holding the plant leaves out of the way, add more of the gravel mixture until you’re satisfied with how full it looks. Allow the glue to almost entirely dry, which takes an hour or so with craft glue in most circumstances.

Regarding glue drips: Even if you use the paper towel, some glue mixture may leak out from the bottom during the drying process if the planting container includes drain holes. While I was putting things together, I used a cookie sheet and aluminum foil to capture some of the drainage. I then set the pots on the concrete so they could finish drying and draining. In order to prevent the containers from sticking to the ground, I also shifted them roughly every 15 minutes. (I used more water than I mention here to thin down my glue mixture when I created these. I also skipped using paper towels to line my plants.)

Add more glue

By immediately squeezing glue from the bottle onto the top of the stone in the planter, you can add more adhesive to the gravel to finish it off. The second bottle of glue is intended for this purpose. The gravel will have more hold after completing this stage. As previously said, let the adhesive drain and dry.

Gravel glue won’t hold the gravel firmly because it is water soluble. However, it will keep it there for a very long period. The adhesive can be removed off the stone by soaking it in hot water if you ever wish to disassemble the planter and reuse the gravel. I believe it should work, however it would take some time and the stones would probably need to be cleansed often.

Additionally, most white glue dries clear; check the label to confirm this. However, if you are worried about that, you might want to try using transparent craft glue, which begins off clear and should also dry clear. Just make sure the label makes that clear.

Create a succulent planter if you can.

It’s simple to plant and care for a succulent container garden. Choosing the proper container, soil, and plants is essential.

  • Selecting a container: Shallow containers are ideal for succulent roots. Make sure the container has openings for drainage. Drill drainage holes if the container is missing them at the bottom. A succulent can be killed by standing water.
  • Choosing the correct soil: You can use any potting soil created specifically for succulents. On the package, look for terms like “cactus mix” or “succulent mix.” You can also produce your own potting soil for succulents. For the optimum mixture, combine ordinary potting soil, gritty sand, and perlite or pumice in equal parts.
  • When choosing your plants, keep in mind that their needs for light and care may differ. To gather succulents in your container that have similar needs, look at the plant tags for any unique requirements.

Even if you don’t give them with the ideal growing circumstances, several succulent plants will continue to develop in a somewhat healthy state. Additionally, other species are highly susceptible to those conditions. Before choosing a species for your container, it is crucial to conduct study. Ensure that they will all flourish under the lighting, temperature, and level of care you can offer.

For example, while some succulents are tough, others are delicate. Succumbing to cold weather more quickly is the hardy succulents, which can resist cooler temperatures. If you choose delicate succulents, bring them inside when the weather is too chilly outside. Additionally, they need to be shielded from air conditioners and drafts.

Aloe (Aloe spp.), jade (Crassula ovata), zebra cactus (Haworthia spp.), hens and chicks, and other succulents are well-known for being simple to grow (Sempervivum tectorum). Living stones (Lithops spp.), string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), and donkey’s tail are some succulents that are more difficult to grow (Sedum morganianum).

What can be used as planters for succulents?

We believe that recycled metal colanders make the ideal succulent planters! You won’t need any additional tools to transform colanders into useful planters because they already feature a ton of drainage holes that will prevent your plants from being soggy. They are also quite adorable, perfect for outdoor use, and stylish in the country!

Selecting Succulents

Succulents are a ton of fun to mix and match in your favorite container because they come in such a wide variety of wonderful forms, sizes, and colors. We began with two Desert Escapesix-packs, each of which had a unique combination of plants.

Did you know that the thick, fleshy leaves that succulents utilize to retain moisture in arid regions are what give them their name?

What is Desert Escape?

The professionals at Costa Farms put developed a unique selection of cacti and succulents called Desert Escape. These kinds were all picked for their attractiveness and toughness. Although Desert Escape plants come in a range of sizes, tabletop containers work best with the smaller varieties.

Although succulents can be found all over the world, the majority of cultivated varieties originate in Africa and South America.

Getting Started

A succulent dish is quite simple to make. First, add potting soil to a sizable terra cotta dish. Succulents detest moist soil, so search for a mixture that has perlite or sand to aid with drainage. Make a hole in the middle of the container, then insert your tallest succulent inside. We positioned a Flapjack kalanchoe in the middle of this area because it has a potential height range of 12 to 24 inches.

You don’t need to be concerned about an unplanned invasion or pandemic because succulents have relatively few insect or disease issues.

Tease the Roots

Some of your succulents may have a densely packed root ball when you remove them from their grower’s containers. Before placing the plant into the dirt, carefully separate the roots with your fingers. They will be inspired to sprout new growth as a result.

A succulent leaf that has been broken off can be rooted to grow a new plant. After allowing the leaf to heal for a few days, plant it in soil and watch it grow.

Mix Colors and Textures

There are little differences between working with annuals and perennials and succulents. Plants with contrasting colors and textures look best when together. Here, for instance, we combined the vibrant, spherical leaves of portulacaria with broad, flat-leaved succulents like echeveria.

Although not all succulents are cacti, cacti are succulents. Cacti are only defined as succulents having spines.

Space Properly

Despite the temptation to crowd your succulents together, it’s vital to provide each plant enough space to spread out as it matures. We gave the plants in our bowl a three-inch separation. This gives the container a polished appearance straight away while giving the plants room to grow.

Much like other plants, succulents also produce blooms. They may not bloom until they are fully developed, but they will ultimately bloom.

Water Thoroughly

After planting succulents, make sure to immediately water them. This aids in removing air pockets from around their roots and provides them with a much-needed drink following transplantation. Succulents appreciate watering whenever the soil seems dry to the touch after they’ve adjusted into their new place.

Succulents that are cold hardy can be grown in northern landscapes. Two examples are sedums and hens and chicks.

Wash Away Excess Soil

You could find some potting dirt stuck between the leaves of low-growing succulents like echeveria after planting them. Although the plant won’t be harmed, it won’t look good, so we advise spritzing the plant with water to clear away any extra soil that may be hiding between the leaves.

Succulents can be grown anywhere; you don’t need to live somewhere dry. As long as they receive enough sunlight and have proper drainage, these plants will thrive even in rainy areas.

Find the Sun

Sun worshipers are succulents. Therefore, it’s crucial to put your finished bowl in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Also keep in mind that most succulents cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so bring them inside and place them in a sunny area before the first frost.

Collecting succulents is very popular. Additionally, you have access to a nearly limitless variety of succulent species because they are found in over 60 different plant families. These incredible plants will keep you interested for life.

Watch it Grow

Your succulents will quickly fill in the spaces between one another as they develop. This photo was taken just 7 weeks after planting and you can see how full and magnificent the plants have gotten. To help the plants develop more quickly, we didn’t take any additional measures. We only watered when the soil felt dry to the touch after leaving the container in the sunlight. We’ll bring the pot inside for the winter in the fall.

Because succulents come in such a wide range of forms, textures, and hues, it’s simple to create a distinctive design by combining various varieties to make a living tapestry.

How are succulents planted in a glass bowl?

It’s a really simple method that only needs a few items to plant succulents in a glass vase.

What you will need for this project is:

  • Succulents
  • a glass bottle
  • mixed soil
  • Trowel
  • Sand or stones
  • Moss

Step 1: Remove the succulents from their container

Start by taking the succulents out of their original containers. Remove as much soil as you can because nursery-grown succulents typically don’t have the ideal soil for these plants. To make your plants look better, get rid of any sickly or dead leaves simultaneously. Give your plants extra tender care.

Step 2: Insert soil in to the container, but not too much

Next, add soil to the container of your choice. Fast-draining soil is essential for succulents in order to avoid issues brought on by overwatering. Keep in mind that glass containers lack drainage holes. Succulent-specific soil mixes are available for purchase or you can just make your own. Create your own potting soil by combining two parts organic soil, one part sand, and two parts perlite.

Do keep in mind that different species of succulents have varying needs for soil, so you might need to try a few different things before planting your succulents in glass pots.

Don’t completely fill the glass container. Before placing your succulents, fill it halfway. This will give you plenty of space to work with as you arrange the plants and add finishing touches like rocks and sand.

Step 3: Plant the succulent into the soil

Insert the succulent into the glass container’s soil. Make sure your succulents are planted straight, without being uneven or distorted. Check to see if any leaves have been buried as well. Succulent leaves that have been buried are susceptible to decay.

Step 5: Add sand or pebbles to the glass container

Finally, you can fill the glass container with sand or pebbles. If you use white sand, be aware that you will eventually need to replace it.