Considering the diverse range of appearances, succulents are perfect for creating stunning plant arrangements. With their various sizes, colors, textures, and shapes, there are so many amazing succulents to choose from. But which succulents can be planted together? Read on to learn how to combine different succulents and make beautiful succulent arrangements.
How to Combine Succulents
Almost any type of succulent can be paired together, but there are several things to consider when making succulent arrangements. Care requirements and growth periods are the most important factors when planting succulents together. If all succulents in an arrangement have the same care requirements and grow during the same season, they will work well together.
Other considerations, such as color, shape, and texture, are crucial in creating visually stunning succulent arrangements. These requirements are equally important and dictate which types of succulents can be paired together.
Care Requirements
Succulents are generally easy-care plants. They have the ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them extremely drought-tolerant. However, some succulents need more water than others, while some prefer full sun and others thrive in part-shade. Some succulents are summer-dormant, while others are winter-dormant. Hardy succulents withstand freezing temperatures and frost, while tender ones are less tolerant of harsh conditions.
When planting succulents together, you should consider their:
- Water requirements
- Light requirements
- Temperature
- Growth season (or dormancy period)
For example, succulents with thinner leaves usually need more water than thick-leaved succulents. If you plant them together and supply them with the same amount of water, you risk losing one of those succulents. If you still want to plant them together, try to give water-loving succulents a “direct dose” of water while leaving other succulents somewhat dry.
An important aspect of creating succulent arrangements is planting types that are dormant during the same period.
Graptopetalum, Aeonium, Aloe, Crassula, Gasteria, Graptoveria, Pachyphytum, and Haworthia are some of the summer-dormant succulents.
Echeveria, Sempervivum, Agave, Adenium, Euphorbia, and Lithops are winter-dormant succulents. Different succulents go dormant at different times of the year, so for best results, plant succulents that belong to the same category together.
Color
One of the best features of succulents is their color. They come in almost any color except deep blue. Many succulents even have the ability to change their color in response to the environment, such as hot temperature or sunlight exposure. This characteristic makes them even more stunning!
Although each succulent is beautiful on its own, planting them together with color in mind allows you to create gorgeous arrangements. The best recipe for a successful succulent arrangement is using basic color principles.
You can use succulents of complementary colors (opposite colors on the color wheel, such as green and red, blue and orange, and purple and yellow). Reds and greens are naturally found in many succulents, so this kind of arrangement is quite simple to create.
If you use a monochromatic color scheme, you will need succulents of the same color but different shades and tones. For example, green succulents come in various shades, so you can create more textured arrangements using different types of succulents. A great option is a monochromatic arrangement accented with a single different color.
An analogous color scheme (three colors next to each other on the color wheel) is often used in succulent arrangements. For example, yellow, yellow-green, and green is an analogous color scheme that gives you various options for picking succulents.
An interesting way to combine succulents is by the warmth of their color. Pair blue-green succulents with purple ones to get a cold-toned arrangement, or pair yellow, orange, red, and yellow-green for a warm-toned arrangement.
Variegated types of succulents or succulents with unique markings add extra interest and are highly welcomed in succulent arrangements.
Shape and Texture
An interesting variation in succulent arrangements is achieved by using a variety of plants with different heights, shapes, textures, and special features. You can choose tall, upward-growing plants like Sansevieria or Aeonium, rosette-forming plants like Sempervivum or Echeveria, or cascading (trailing) plants like certain types of Sedum and Senecio. The options are truly endless.
You can play with succulents of various heights to achieve a more interesting design. Alternatively, you can create a uniform design by using succulents of the same height but playing with colors and textures instead.
Some succulents offer great texture. For example, Gasteria, Aloe, and Haworthia have amazing textures with their white markings. Any type of Cacti adds a wonderful texture with its spines and characteristic stems. The Euphorbia genus offers a wide range of growth forms and textures.
Although succulents are popular for their chubby leaves and interesting stems, some of them produce equally stunning flowers. If you include a flowering succulent in the arrangement, you can count on a beautiful display during its blooming time.
Pots and Containers – An Important Part in Succulent Arrangements
And last but not least – pots and containers! Choosing the right container and playing with its size, shape, color, and texture can be as fun as arranging succulents.
When choosing a pot for a succulent arrangement, look for one with colors, texture, and shape that either mimic the succulents in the arrangement or provide an interesting contrast. Choosing a container wisely can make a lot of difference, just like various types of top dressings such as pebbles or crushed stones.
CTTO: Succulents and Sunshine
As you can see, the diversity of succulents allows for an infinite number of combinations. Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Are you interested in growing your very own Cacti and Succulents? We have our very own Cactus and Succulent grow kit available on our website or via Amazon.
