Creative Succulent Displays
Here are some unusual planting options for succulents:
Frames: One of the quirky ways to use succulents is to fit them inside a picture frame without glass. A traditional frame offers an interesting spot for your echeverias, or other rosette topped plants. Attach a shallow planting container underneath. Cover with wire to help hold the soil. You can use a color-wheel design when planting your frame or alternate between different colors or shades. Cuttings are ideal for use in this project. Let the plants root in well before hanging this succulent wall planter, indoors or outside.
Birdcage: If there’s an empty cage around that’s not being used, try adding a layer of soil and some succulents to cover the bottom. Trailing succulents can be trained around the upward prongs. Plant taller aloes and agaves near the back, with others descending in height as you move outward.
Terrariums: Plant an enclosed container like a terrarium or glass globe. Limit watering of these, as they hold onto their transpiration inside such containers. You’ll witness this by the water droplets on the inside.
Book: Choose a book with a classic or interesting title, allowing the spine that displays the title to face outward so the title is readable. Hollow out a space within the book’s pages and the outer cover just the right size to fit a shallow container into it. Plant with a few succulent plants. Include a couple with a trailing habit.
Birdbath: If there’s one you’re not using or that doesn’t take a prominent place in the landscape, it might look great planted with succulents. Only plant those with a removeable top part. Without a drainage hole, you’ll have to commit to emptying the water regularly. If you’re expecting a long-lasting rain event, move the planted part somewhere out of the rain.
Tree Stump Plantings: If you have decomposing stumps on your property, take advantage of these as succulent planters. For year-round plantings, even in cold winters, grow sempervivums, along with some trailing sedum varieties like Dragon’s Blood. Add soil in the crevices; it does not have to be deep. The hens and chicks will spread down the sides of the stump, providing more plants for you to use.
You’ll think of more fun ways to plant succulents when you’re concentrating on your projects. Many of us are always looking for new ideas to grow and display our succulent plants. What better way to allow your creative juices to flow and run amok?
