Succulent Arrangements: Get Inspired!

Written by Larissa Smith
Updated: March 12, 2023
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When you’re looking for a way to bring the outside in, succulent arrangements are the perfect way to do it. Succulents are a unique kind of plant that can be arranged in various ways and look beautiful in any setting.

Succulents have been around for thousands of years, but they’ve recently become a trend because of their versatility. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly into almost any space. You can even choose different colors and textures based on what kind of mood you’re trying to set.

The best part about succulents is that they’re easy to grow. So if you don’t have much space at home but still want to make an indoor garden, this is definitely the way to go!

Types of Succulent Arrangements

Succulents come in every shape, size, and color imaginable, from tiny little cacti that look like little spiky flowers to large leaves that can be arranged on their own in a vase or strung together with other types of plants for an entirely new kind of bouquet.

The options are endless with succulents. They’re also extremely resilient. Some species will even survive being left outside during the winter months if given proper care before being brought indoors again at the start of springtime.

One thing to remember when creating a succulent arrangement is not to overcrowd them too much. They need some space to survive.

Let’s delve into the best succulent arrangements to get you inspired!

1. Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a great option because they allow you to show off the unique shape and texture of your succulents in a way that can get seen from all sides. Plus, if you hang them in a place visible from far away (like your front door or above your kitchen sink), they’ll give an elegant touch to any space.

Their dangling stems and thick leaves create texture and color to the inside of your home or porch. Have you ever wondered how to make a hanging basket succulent arrangement? Hanging basket succulent arrangements are creative and can get made with little effort or expense. Examples of beautiful hanging succulents include the burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum), string of hearts (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii), and string of pearls (Curio rowleyanus).

Here’s how to get started.

  • Choose a basket in a size that’s right for your space and the plants you want to use. For example, if you’re using a smaller basket, it’s important to use small plants so they won’t overwhelm the container.
  • Make sure the potting mix is well draining. Water will drain away from the roots of the plants if there isn’t enough aeration in the soil.
  • Choose plants that are all roughly the same size and type. They should have similar water needs and growth habits to thrive together under shared conditions in your home or office space.
  • You don’t need any special tools or supplies. Just some pliers (or tweezers) to help you remove plants from their pots, some potting mix, succulents (of course), decorative stones or mosses (optional), and a little bit of patience while everything settles into its new home.
Donkey tail or burros tail plant in hanging basket.

The thick dangling stems of cascading succulents (pictured) look beautiful in hanging baskets.

©Pravruti/Shutterstock.com

2. Plant Ladder Stand or Shelf

Plant stand succulent arrangements are beautiful and not hard to make. Moreover, they’re a great way to get inspired to create your own unique arrangements. After all, you can use whatever you have on hand!

Plant stands are an easy way to see a variety of succulents at once. This is especially important if you have a lot of different types of succulents. You want to see how they work together in an arrangement.

Here’s how to make a succulent plant stand or shelf arrangement.

  • Find the perfect plant stand. If you don’t have one already, consider thrift shopping or looking online for an interesting piece of furniture with a nice shape that will work well as a stand for your plants. You can also use a wooden crate or other sturdy bases.
  • Choose your succulents carefully. Use ones that are similar in color and size so that your arrangement looks balanced and intentional. It’s also important to ensure the plants will thrive in the conditions you’re providing them with, such as sunlight, water, etc.
  • Arrange your plants on the stand according to their natural growth patterns until everything looks balanced.
A collection of succulents on a plant rack.

A succulent ladder stand (pictured) can showcase your favorite succulents as a design piece in your home or office.

©GRACIELLADEMONNE/Shutterstock.com

3. Succulent Bowl

Whether you’re looking for a unique centerpiece for your dining table or just want to spruce up a corner of your living room, succulent bowls are the perfect way to do it. And they don’t have to be complicated. With just a few materials, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance arrangement that will brighten up any space. They are also fun projects for kids and adults alike.

Here are some tips for creating succulent bowl arrangements.

  • Choose the right container. You can use ceramic, wood, or terracotta bowls. However, ensure that there are holes on the bottom for proper drainage.
  • Succulents come in many different shapes and sizes, so choose the ones that will fit nicely in your bowl or container.
  • The best time of year to make a succulent arrangement is springtime. This is when the weather is warming up, and you can see the plants’ vibrant colors begin to pop.
  • To make your arrangement look more attractive, try using multiple layers of succulents rather than just one layer. You can also use different heights of containers if needed so that everything looks even more unique together.

Think about what kind of shape or look you want for your arrangement. Do you want it on a table? What size should it be? Do you want to add other elements like moss or small stones? Once you have an idea in mind, start building. First, lay out your succulents in the soil in whatever pattern or layout feels right. Then add other materials like moss or small stones and adjust until everything looks perfect.

Fresh mix succulent plants arrangement in a low round cement pot with soil covered by decorative pebbles displayed on wooden table.

Use succulent bowls (pictured) to display miniature succulents as centerpieces for coffee tables.

©Christina Siow/Shutterstock.com

4. Succulent Terrarium

Succulent terrariums are also an excellent way to combine your love of plants with your love of design, and they look absolutely gorgeous when done right. You can get creative with them by using different succulents and arranging them in a pattern on top of each other so that it looks like more than one plant is growing together in one container. Start by choosing the right container. Succulent terrariums come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and this is where you can let your creativity shine through. Remember to use a container that allows air exchange, so avoid containers with a lid or small openings at the top.

Here are some succulent terrarium container ideas:

  • Soup bowl
  • Glass planters, such as orbs
  • Teacups
  • Fruit bowl

One of the most important things to remember when making a succulent arrangement in a terrarium is to pour a drainage layer. This layer will catch excess water and protect the succulents from overwatering. A good drainage layer can be bark, soil, rock, or pebbles. To prevent the potting mix from mixing with this layer, use a filter, such as a coffee filter, that will still allow water to pass through while preventing the potting mix from seeping to the bottom of the container.

Before planting your favorite succulents in the terrarium, add a layer of charcoal. This is a great way to prevent root rot and fungus from growing. Then, add your potting mix and get creative.

Close-up of a succulent arrangement in a glass vase (terrarium).

The options for succulent terrarium containers (pictured) are endless, such as a glass orb, teacup, or soup bowl.

©Konstantins Pobilojs/Shutterstock.com

Designing Succulent Arrangements

Separate the warm-colored succulents from the cold colors. To give a space a rustic feel, add succulents with brown, dark green, and orange colors, and if you want a bright spring arrangement, add succulents that are purple, yellow, and pink.

Next, consider the shape of the succulent. Of course, that all depends on the look you’re going for. Blend tall and shorter succulents for variety. Keep them spaced enough to grow without them being overcrowded and spilling over the edge of the container unless that’s the desired outcome.

Consider the following species if you’re looking for small, petite succulents that will look great in a terrarium or bowl.

  • Zebra cactus (Haworthia fasciata): These miniature beauties are slow growing and stay small, between 3 and 6 inches tall.
  • Hen and chicks (Sempervivum): These rose-shaped succulents will make the perfect addition to a rock garden or bowl arrangement. Hen and chicks will stand out in any arrangement despite their small size.
  • Living stones (Lithops): This genus of succulents will provide a range of textures and colors for your arrangement. From their stone-like appearance to their white and yellow flowers – living stones will match any décor in your home.
Succulents in pastel teacups with reflection.

You can create a beautiful arrangement (pictured) using succulents by choosing different textures and colors to create an eye-catching display.

©ReginaPivetta/Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Making a succulent arrangement is a fun way to add some greenery to your home. It’s also an awesome way to take advantage of all the beautiful succulents you have in your garden. You don’t need any experience with gardening or floral arranging. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful arrangements.

The best part about succulent arrangements is that they’re super easy. All you need is creativity and a few items to start. When it comes to succulents, there are no rules. You can plant them in the ground or use them in flower arrangements. You can plant a few different varieties or combine them with other flowers. The only limit is your imagination!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © panattar/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedum_morganianum
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curio_rowleyanus
  3. WikiHow, Available here: https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Horticultural-Charcoal
  4. HGTV, Available here: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/hen-and-chicks-succulents
  5. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithops
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About the Author

Larissa Smith is a writer for A-Z Animals with years of experience in plant care and wildlife. After years spent in the South African bush while studying Nature Conservation, she found her way to writing about animals and plants in her work. She hopes to inspire others to appreciate and care for the precious world around them. Larissa lives in Florida with her two sons, a miniature golden retriever named Pupples, and a colorful succulent garden. In her spare time, she is tending to her garden, adventuring with her kids, and hosting “Real Housewives” watch parties with her friends.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How long do succulent arrangements last?

If you provide well-draining soil, water, and sunlight, your succulents should last for their expected lifespan. For example, some succulents live three years while others 70 years, depending on the species.

How do you make a succulent arrangement?

Start by choosing the container. Ensure there is enough room for it to grow and space between plants. It should have drainage holes to prevent overwatering and plant succulents in well-draining soil. You can make your arrangement however you want – by color, shape, or size. It’s up to you. Give your succulents 4-6 hours of sunlight daily and water them every other week.

Do succulents need deep or shallow pots?

That depends on the succulent you’re growing. Succulents with taproots will require deeper pots with nutrient-rich soil to thrive.

Do succulents like to be crowded?

Succulents don’t mind being crowded in containers. However, the ideal spacing is ½ – 1 inch apart. They still require space to grow.

Why do succulents grow so fast?

When you provide all the necessary components for succulents to thrive, such as sunlight, water, nutrient-rich soil, and space, they will grow healthy and fast.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.