Succulents and shallow containers go together beautifully. Many succulent plants stay smaller, especially when growing indoors, and are well suited to growing in low pots. Today I’m going to show you how to plant succulents in a shallow succulent planter and give you some helpful tips along the way.
Succulents are usually sold in 2″, 3″, and 4″ grow pots. The roots are small and the plants are small at this size, which makes them easy to plant in a shallow container. The hand-made bronze metal dish in the post’s thumbnail and further down is only 3 inches tall.
Watch the video below so you can see how I plant the succulents in a shallow succulent planter:
Plants that you buy in a small grow pot can be moved to a shallow decorative pot and left there for at least 6 to 12 months. If you want to grow succulents for a long time (more than a year), choose ones that stay small and compact. You see some on the list in the thumbnail above.
My favorite succulent plants are ones that stay smaller and don’t spread too much and/or are slow growers. One of them is the very popular Zebra Plant, another is a Living Stone, and the last ones are Sempervivums, which are rosette-shaped succulents like Hens.
There are many shallow planters, dishes, or bowls on the market you can buy. They’re available in an array of materials, shapes, colors, and styles. I find most of mine in Tucson because I like to shop there, but I have bought a few on Etsy.
Which pots are the best or right ones? The ones you like the most, of course! For succulents, I like stoneware or terracotta pots. I got the cat planter from my real estate agent after I moved into this new house. This is the back of it. It was a little hard to plant in because the planter’s back is so low. I consider this different shape to be an awkward one to plant in!.
I consider any shallow planter to be one with a height of 6″ or less. The width is up to you. Wider pot will allow you to use multiple succulents and create succulent gardens.
I don’t like to put small succulents in deep containers. They don’t look right, and because they have more soil, they might stay too wet, which can cause root rot.
I think you should buy planters and bowls that have at least one drain hole (or two or three) on the bottom. This will allow any excess water to flow out.
Deep pots that don’t have any holes won’t have much room for a layer of rock at the bottom to help water drain. The pot doesn’t have any holes, but you can make one or two if you know how to drill.
I wrote a post about how to plant succulents in pots that don’t have drain holes. Next week I’ll be updating it and adding a new video. The few pots I use that don’t have drain holes are all deeper and bigger, so they can hold more drainage materials. Showing off my kitty cat planter a month or so after the planting. This Jade Gollum or Jade Hobbit (it’s hard to tell the difference!) is one of the smaller Jades, which makes it great for shallow vase bases. Jades are suited for bonsai & root in fast & strong.
The best time to do the planting is spring and summer. Early fall is fine too if you’re in a climate with mild winters like me. Usually, I don’t do anything to my houseplants during the winter, like plant, prune, or make more plants.
A certain kind of potting mix is best for succulents in any size pot, whether it’s big or small. You can find all the information you need in the post and video I just made about succulent soil.
To sum up, the mix you use should be airy and light, and most importantly, it should drain well. It should not hold too much water or excess moisture, especially when planting in a shallow succulent planter. It’s easier for me to plant in a low ceramic like this.
Succulents have become increasingly popular houseplants in recent years. With their unique shapes, colors, and textures, it’s easy to see why! However, caring properly for succulents requires an understanding of their growth habits and needs. One key thing to know is that most succulents have shallow root systems.
What are Succulent Roots Like?
The roots of succulent plants are very different from the roots of most other plants Here are some key things to know about succulent roots
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They are shallow – Most succulent roots only grow to be a few inches deep at most. They tend to spread out horizontally more than growing down vertically
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They are fine and threadlike – Succulent roots are generally very thin, fine, and threadlike Thicker, more robust root systems are not needed since succulents store water in their leaves and stems
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They are wide-spreading – While not deep, succulent roots do spread out widely, allowing the plant to maximize water absorption from the surface soil.
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They have few root hairs – Root hairs are the tiny, hair-like projections on roots that absorb water. Succulents generally have fewer root hairs since they don’t need to absorb as much water.
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They prefer dry conditions – Because succulents store water in their leaves, their roots are adapted for dry soils. Wet soils will cause the roots to rot.
Why Do Succulents Have Shallow Roots?
There are a few key reasons why succulents have adapted to have shallow root systems:
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To avoid excess moisture – Succulents are prone to rot if their roots sit in wet soils for too long. Shallow roots help keep the main plant body away from excess moisture.
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To maximize surface absorption – Shallow horizontal roots allow the plant to efficiently absorb any available moisture from brief rains and light waterings. Sitting right at the soil surface allows them to soak up every drop.
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Adaptation for arid climates – In their native desert environments, moisture tends to collect near the soil surface when it does become available. Shallow roots allow succulents to capture that life-giving moisture.
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To anchor in rocky soil – Shallow soils and rock outcroppings are common in arid regions. The shallow, spreading roots of succulents allow them to anchor and stabilize themselves in such loose, rocky soils.
So in essence, the shallow roots of succulents are an adaptation to survive in dry environments where moisture is scarce. They allow the succulent to capture any surface moisture while avoiding saturated soils that could rot their delicate roots.
Caring for Succulents Based on Their Shallow Roots
The shallow, delicate root systems of succulents require some specific care when growing these plants. Here are some tips:
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Use shallow pots – Look for wide, low pots that match the horizontal spread of succulent roots. Deep pots may retain too much moisture at the bottom.
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Ensure drainage holes – Make sure your pot has openings to allow excess moisture to drain out the bottom. Stagnant moisture will rot the roots.
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Use gritty soil mixes – Aim for sandy, gravelly mixes over rich potting soils. The gritty mix will dry out quickly to suit the shallow roots.
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Water infrequently – Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The shallow roots prefer a drier environment. Too frequent water will cause root rot.
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Soak fully when watering – When you do water, soak the soil fully to moisten the shallow root zones. But don’t leave the plant sitting in water.
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Avoid disturbing roots – Take care when repotting. Succulent roots are fragile and don’t like being disturbed. Transplant only when necessary.
With proper soil, pots, and watering technique, you can keep your succulent roots happy and healthy! Avoid overwatering above all else.
Examples of Succulents with Shallow Root Systems
Many popular succulent varieties have adapted for life with shallow root systems. Here are some examples:
Sedum
Sedum or “stonecrop” species are common succulent groundcover plants. Their fine, spreading roots form mats just below the soil surface. They are excellent for green roofs and rock gardens. Examples include Sedum acre, Sedum spurium, and Sedum album.
Echeveria
Rounded, symmetrical rosettes of echeveria have shallow roots mirroring their compact rosette growth habit. They are originally from central Mexico and thrive with shallow watering. Examples include Echeveria elegans, Echeveria agavoides, and Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’.
Hens and Chicks
These adorable succulents, also known as Sempervivum, form clusters of “chicks” or offsets around a mature “hen” plant. Their tight clumps have roots concentrated in the top few inches of soil. Popular varieties include Sempervivum arachnoideum and Sempervivum ‘Pacific Devils Food’.
Lithops
Sometimes called “living stones”, lithops are mimicry succulents that look like pebbles. These odd little plants have almost no stem and a single, shallow root system anchoring them in place. Lithops have very precise water needs.
Haworthia
Haworthias are charming succulents with pointed, spear-shaped leaves. Most varieties form tight rosettes with shallow roots concentrated at the base. Some popular species include Haworthia attenuata (zebra haworthia) and Haworthia limifolia (fairy washboard).
Crassula
Crassula is a large genus including jade plants and similar succulents. Their roots mirror their compact growth, forming dense masses just under the soil. Some Crassula species with shallow roots are Crassula ovata (classic jade plant) and Crassula capitella (campfire crassula).
Special Cases: Succulents with Deeper Roots
Though most succulents have shallow roots, there are a few exceptions. Here are some succulents that develop longer, deeper root systems:
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Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) – This trailing succulent forms hanging ropes up to 3 feet long. Roots grow longer seeking moisture for the full length.
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Snake plant (Sansevieria) – Sturdy, upright sansevieria can grow in deep pots. Thicker roots grow down seeking stability and water storage.
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Aloe vera – Useful aloe plants have thicker, fleshy roots that can grow deeper than many other succulents.
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Agave – Huge agave rosettes rely on deep, extensive roots to support their size and store water. Individual roots can grow several feet long.
So while shallow roots are the norm, a few succulents definitely break the mold! Care for these varieties accordingly with deeper pots and less frequent watering required.
Key Takeaways on Succulent Roots
To recap the key points on succulent root systems:
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Most succulents have shallow, fine, spreading root systems just below the soil surface.
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These shallow roots allow them to absorb moisture from light rains without sitting in wet soils that cause rot.
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When growing succulents, use shallow pots, gritty soil, and sparse watering to match their shallow roots.
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Avoid overwatering and disturbing the fragile succulent roots.
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While shallow roots are typical, a few succulent varieties can grow long, thick roots. Adjust care accordingly.
Understanding the unique adaptations of succulent roots will help you become a better succulent care giver. With the right growing conditions, these hardy plants and their shallow roots will thrive!
How to Plant Succulents in a Shallow Succulent Planter
A video at the start of this is helpful, especially if you learn best by seeing things. The holes for drainage are big. I lay out the succulents in their grow pots to see how the arrangement looks before planting.
Succulent Care in Shallow Planters
The care is basically the same as for succulents in low pots except for a couple of things.
I water succulents in shallow planters a bit more often than those growing in large pots. The soil mass is much less, they’re often crowded in and tend to dry out faster.
I find using a small watering can with a narrow spout works best. I also use this bottle with a long neck for getting into tight spots in between the plants and it’s very easy to control the amount of water going in.
More on watering succulents indoors and 6 important things to know about growing succulents indoors. I filled the pot with succulent mix so it came up slightly below the top of the back. I angled the Jade Plant out because it wouldn’t stand straight up in the planter. This way it’ll fan out a bit too. I put a geode under the Jade Plant because it is heavier than the mix and helped it stay up.
|| WHY DO SUCCULENTS HAVE SHALLOW ROOTS ||
FAQ
Do succulents like shallow pots?
How deep should soil be for succulents?
Do succulents need a lot of root space?
Do succulents have shallow roots?
Yes, succulents typically do have shallow roots that spread out horizontally near the surface of the soil. This helps them absorb water quickly. Now you know the basics of the root systems of succulents. Keep reading as we expand on how the type of root system affects plant care and more. How Deep Do Succulent Roots Grow?
How are succulent roots different from other plants?
Succulent roots are unique and different from other plant roots. They have evolved to store water and nutrients, allowing them to survive in arid environments. The roots of succulents are usually shallow and spread out wide, rather than growing deep into the soil. They are also relatively thin in size, compared to the rest of the plant.
Do succulents have tap roots?
Contrary to many plants, succulents exhibit a unique, predominantly shallow root system. Stem succulents tend to have shallow but long fibrous roots that grow horizontally to quickly absorb water from intermittent rainfall in hot, dry climates. Those with tap roots are usually found in areas with compact soils for stability.
How do succulents grow?
The shallow root system of succulents makes them ideal for planting in containers or in rock gardens where the soil depth is limited. It also means that they can be easily propagated by taking stem cuttings, which will quickly develop roots and grow into new plants.