Succulents are beloved for their petite sizes unique shapes, and low maintenance care. But even “mini” succulents can outgrow their containers and available space over time. If you want to maintain a compact succulent garden there are easy ways to control your succulents’ growth and keep them small.
Follow these 9 tips to successfully grow adorable miniature succulents that stay petite and manageable:
1. Select Slow-Growing Succulent Varieties
Some succulents are genetically predisposed to remain tiny. Prioritize slow-growing varieties that max out under 3 inches tall. Great options include:
- Lithops (Living Stones)
- Conophytum (Dwarf Chincherinchee)
- Pleiospilos (Split Rocks)
- Haworthia (Zebra Plants)
- Bonsai forms of larger succulents like crassula and echeveria
Stick with miniature succulents for the easiest path to a permanently small garden, Their compact genetics work in your favor,
2. Use Small Pots
Perhaps the simplest way to restrain succulent growth is choosing petite pots. Shallow pots with diameters under 3 inches constrain root expansion, limiting the size your succulents can reach.
Terra cotta, glazed ceramic, glass, and decorative metal pots all work well. Just ensure your pot has drainage holes. A restricted container keeps succulents small longer. Upsize the pot only when absolutely necessary.
3. Apply Growth-Slowing Fertilizer Sparingly
While succulents don’t require much fertilizer, getting regular doses can accelerate growth. Limit fertilizing to maintain a stunted size longer.
If you do fertilize, choose a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-heavy formula specifically for cacti and succulents. Apply at 1/4 strength a few times per year. This nourishes without rapid expansion.
4. Water Infrequently
Overwatering plumps up succulent leaves and stems, enlarging the plant. Let soil dry out completely between waterings. Wait until leaves look slightly shriveled before watering again.
Succulents store water in their leaves for long periods Infrequent watering tricks them into utilizing their reserves, thereby slowing growth.
5. Give Strong Light in Small Doses
Bright light energizes plant growth. But you can leverage light to keep succulents compact with short, intense exposures.
Place mini succulent gardens in bright indoor light or dappled outdoor shade. A couple hours of direct sun daily satisfies needs without overdriving expansion. Rotate pots frequently for even light distribution.
6. Keep Temperatures Cool
Warm temperatures rev up succulent metabolism and growth. Keep your mini garden around 60-75°F. Avoid hot window sills, heat vents, or blazing patios.
For outdoor succulents, plant in partial shade. Bring pots inside if temperatures exceed 80°F. A cool environment puts the brakes on fast growth.
7. Prune Strategically
As a last resort, prune oversized rosettes and leaves to reduce overall size. Always use clean, sharp scissors or shears. Make cuts at leaf joints rather than breaking or tearing.
Limit pruning to 1/3 of the plant at a time. This maintains the succulent’s appearance while keeping expansion in check. Prune as needed to prevent unruly growth.
8. Propagate Crowded Plants
Once miniature succulents begin crowding their pot, break apart overgrown clumps and replant pups separately. This prevents bound roots and stops expansive growth.
Carefully detach pups at the stem base with a sharp knife. Let cuts callous then plant in a fresh potting mix. Continue nurturing the mother plant and offshoots as separate specimens.
9. Control Light and Water for New Plantings
When regrowing mature succulents from cuttings or leaves, you can guide them to stay compact from the start. Allow fresh cuttings to callous in shade before planting. Then increase light gradually.
Also let the initial watering fully dry out before drenching again. This shrinks new leaf and stem growth for a petite appearance. Practice controlled conditions until plants establish.
Enjoy Your Pint-Sized Succulents!
With smart planting choices and attentive care, your succulent garden can keep a cute, miniature structure for years on end. Just be sure to provide excellent drainage, bright indirect light, infrequent water, and ideal temperatures for your climate. Monitor growth and make adjustments as needed.
Take advantage of succulents’ natural tendency towards small sizes. Your creative container designs will stay tidy and manageable with these simple tips. Enjoy the endless variety of minuscule succulents perfect for crafting a petite paradise.
Here are some tips on how to keep succulents small:
- Choose the right type of succulent. Some succulents are naturally smaller than others. Succulents like Haworthia attenuata and Graptopetalum paraguayense are both pretty small and can be kept in small pots.
- Plant your succulents in small pots. The roots won’t have much room to grow because of the pot’s size, which will help the plant stay small.
- Water your succulents less frequently. Succulents can survive without water, so you don’t have to water them as often as other plants. Overwatering can cause succulents to grow too large.
- Place your succulents in a sunny spot. Succulents need plenty of sunlight to stay healthy and compact. A south-facing window is ideal.
- Fertilize your succulents sparingly. Plants can get too big if you fertilize them too much.
- Prune your succulents regularly. Cutting back the plant can help keep it small and get rid of any dead or damaged leaves.
- Behead your succulents. Cutting off the top of a succulent plant is called “beheading.” This will make the plant more likely to grow new leaves from the base.
By following these tips, you can keep your succulents small and healthy.
- Repot your succulents every few years. This will keep the roots healthy and keep them from getting stuck in the pot.
- Check for pests and diseases regularly. Some bugs and diseases can hurt succulents, so it’s important to check on them often.
- If you live in a cold area, bring your succulents inside for the winter. Cold weather can hurt succulents, so it’s important to keep them safe during the winter.
How Long Does A Succulent Live?
The lifespan of a succulent varies depending on the species and how well it is cared for. Some succulents can live for many years, while others may only live for a few years.
How To Make Succulents Grow Big/ Keep Them Small
FAQ
How do you keep succulents from growing too big?
Can succulents stay small?
How do I keep my succulent from falling over?
How do you keep succulents small?
Small new leaves will come up from the center of the plant. Also cut away any flower stalks as they develop. Another way to keep succulents small is to snip or carefully break off the small pups that sprout around their bases. These baby plants will eventually grow to be the size of the parent, and can crowd out a pot after a few generations.
Are succulents easy to care?
Succulents are generally considered very easy care, low-maintenance plants. However, there are a few basic guidelines for growing them that are important to follow to keep them looking and growing their best. Some of these guidelines apply to all succulents.
Should succulents be watered from the bottom?
It’s considered best to water from the bottom, because this leaves less chance that bacteria or fungus might spread on the succulent’s leaves. Succulents are easy houseplants to grow when given the right conditions. Learn how to care for succulents with tips for watering, soil, sunlight, and more.
How do I choose the Best Mini succulents?
It’s important to choose your variety carefully, so let’s look at the best mini succulents out there. It’s worth noting that most mini succulents will only stay mini if you keep them in the right conditions, so choose a small pot and water them infrequently.
How do you care for a succulent in a pot?
Your succulent’s pot is important. Natural materials such as terracotta clay or ceramic, with well-placed drainage holes in the bottom, make very good containers for succulents. Placing a tray or dish beneath the pot helps catch excess water. Water your succulent only when the soil is dry.
What temperature should a succulent grow in a container?
Keeping temperatures generally between 60-80F should keep your succulent thriving, but look into whether your specific variety of plant needs special temperature conditions. Rotating your succulent’s container by a quarter turn every few days will ensure an even exposure to sunlight for the entire plant.