Succulents are very attractive, and most gardeners love them for that nature. So, you can propagate them in various growth mediums with the easiest succulents to propagate. And, planting succulents in rocks is one of them because they adapt pretty much easily.
They are easy to care for and require low maintenance; that’s the reason why you can plant them in rocks and still thrive. You can succeed in doing this under the growth conditions and follow some important steps highlighted later in this article.
To avoid wasting your time, let take a look at this summary table for the best succulent rocks:
Image | Features | Further information |
|---|---|---|
Kenzoplants Succulent and Cactus Bonsai Gritty Mix Rocks | - Brand: Kenzoplants - Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10 x 6.77 x 2.4 inches - Item Weight: 1.53 pounds - Top Dressing to stable plants - Top Dressing to keep the soil form shifting around - Mixed with soil mix to help plants breath - Mixed with soil mix to improve drainge - Add as buttom pad in pots to help extra water flow out - Widely used in Aquariums to help absorb impurity and keep water clean | Check Latest Price |
TerraGreen Creations | - Brand: TerraGreen Creations - Item Dimensions LxWxH: 6.3 x 4.02 x 1.22 inches - Item Weight: 1.12 pounds - Terrarium Rocks and Succulent Gravel. One pound bag of pebbles. - Used for Fairy Garden Rocks. add drainage. Decorative rocks for plants - Small pebbles make a great soil cover for Bonsai, Succulents, and Cactus - Small Pebbles Largest stones will not exceed ½ inch | Check Latest Price |
5.7 lb Coarse Sand Stone | - Brand: OUPENG - Package Dimensions: 11.61 x 7.76 x 3.07 inches - Item Weight: 5.68 pounds - Each bag contains multiple shapes and natural colors - The color is different between dry and wet. Stone Size: 2-4 mm - These natural gravels are widely used in aquariums to help absorb impurities and keep the water clean - These gravel also provide good drainage and other nutrients in the soil - 100% Made of natural raw stones - No additional fillers, dyes, or oils - Due to transportation bump, it'll be some powder on surface | Check Latest Price |
5.7lb Succulent and Cactus Bonsai DIY Rocks | - Brand: OUPENG - Package Dimensions: 11.97 x 6.85 x 3.07 inches - Item Weight: 5.7 pounds - Jade Bean Pebbles 1/5" average size is 4mm to 6mm - Pebbles feature a unique matte finish for a great low-gloss look - Each bag contains a wide variety of natural shapes and beautiful jade colors - Only natural stones, no additional fillers, dyes, or oils | Check Latest Price |
Table of Contents
Reasons Why You Plant Succulents in Rocks
Most gardeners propagate succulents using rock compost or other organic farm materials. In addition, succulents are used to decorate different homes. However, most gardeners don’t know that rocks have several benefits for these plants and the surrounding environment.
If you put them at the ground level, they create a strong barrier against the harsh winds, which hit them first before hitting your succulents. In addition, they protect the plants against the hot sun, thus minimal absorption of water.
They provide a sense of permanent stability in various harsh environmental conditions. Thus they allow proper flow of air through your succulents, which prevents the accumulation of water. Moreover, rocks provide necessary protection against heavy rains, which makes them require a small amount of water.
Planting succulents in rocks is beneficial because it has sufficient drainage holes. You can support them with stones until they firmly get rooted on the ground, thus providing a unique environment for growing. Then, you can add some dirt to enable it to thrive well, thus resulting in beautiful succulents in your rock garden.
Planting Succulents in Rocks and Soil: Step-by-Step
You have several types of rocks to select from because they come in different textures, shapes, and sizes. And these plants also require nutrients available in the soil, which the rocks cannot provide. Therefore, they find it easy to thrive if you provide all the necessary conditions.
You can grow succulents in rocks that contain a mixture of mulch and other inorganic components. So you should add soil if you want your plants to be strong and healthy. The steps below can help you if you want to go through this route;
Step #1: Fill the Container with Soil and Rocks
Fill the 3.5 to 6-inches of the succulent pot with a layer of rocks. Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent overwatering. If you are using a pot without holes, ensure that you leave gaps in between the rocks. This is to retain enough water instead of draining it away.
Step #2: Add Soil
Add peat-mossed soil mixture because it will provide your plant the necessary support. Apart from the soil, you can also distribute powdered charcoal over them evenly. Charcoal eliminates any odor that might arise from the layer of stones.
You can also make your soil mixture by combining the required ratio of peat and soil. It is an excellent soil mix for your succulents.
Step #3: Sprinkle Water on the Soil mix
Sprinkle your soil with enough water to hold them closely. Don’t sprinkle excess water if you are propagating them in a container with no drainage holes. If you do that, your plants might rot and will ultimately die.
Use your finger to poke through the soil to enable you to determine the moisture level. You will know if the water is sufficient if the soil mix sticks on it. This allows you to add the amount of water required during the next watering session.
Step #4: Planting Succulents in Rocks
Now it’s time to put your plants in your pot. It is advisable to acquire small succulents because you have the opportunity to establish some unique arrangements. Remember to leave some 1.5 to 3-inches of spacing to enable them to breathe, thus flourishing healthily.
Ensure the plant stick firmly into the soil. Leave some space between them, about 1.5cm, to absorb enough water and allow proper circulation of air. This is a very important step because it will enable you to start caring for your succulents.
Step #5: Watering
You should set a proper watering routine for your plants. Succulents have a unique capability of storing enough water in their root system, foliage, and stems. That’s why they dislike overwatering because excess water cause root rot and death.
The best mechanism of watering them is soaking them and allow them to dry. This means that you only water your plants after the soil is completely dry. Many factors determine the amount of water and the frequency of application.
For instance, during summer, succulents require a lot of water because the surrounding environment is extremely hot the air is relatively dry. Therefore, you need to increase the frequency of watering them. This is a different case in winter, where they need a small amount of water.
Regardless of the season, you should avoid overwatering, especially in the winter season, because they are vulnerable to rot and other water-related problems. Luckily, the soak and dry technique prevent both under-watering and overwatering.
4 Best Rocks for Succulent Garden
There are different types of rocks that you can use to propagate your succulent plants. They have various properties that make them suitable for your succulents’ rock garden. Here is the list of some of the best natural rock products.
1. Kenzoplants Gritty Mix Rocks
Kenzoplants Gritty mix rocks are a suitable kind due to their porous nature. This allows proper air circulation around the roots, thus enabling your succulents to grow strong and healthy. In addition, they are ideal because they have adequate drainage beneath the container.
When your plants start to germinate or become a mini garden, add some rocks because they can make your plant hold firmly. They have quite small pebbles that feature fine textures measuring about 4 to 6mm in size. Most gardeners greatly adore these rocks with succulent rock gardens.
They not only to provide beauty, but also you can add them on top of your potted plant to provide the necessary stability. Moreover, they are useful in locking the water and other important soil nutrients to help your plants grow strong and better. It is also a good conditioner for your potting soil mix.
It creates enough space for the succulent roots to expand accurately and grow strong. Thus, it promotes healthy roots so that your plants can flourish. They are also used widely in Aquariums to absorb any impurities and keep the water safe and clean besides being an additive for your plant.
They have multi colors and fine white texture; thus, they are suitable for succulent gardening and other gardening projects that you can do yourself. In addition, it has several different uses, such as vase fillers, arrangement of your indoor flowers.
They are the best substrate and are highly durable. They help to keep plant water clean and sustainable. It comes in a variety of natural shapes and colors, thus promote healthy growth for your plants.
2. Washed Pea Succulent Pebbles and Rocks
This is the best rock for your garden because it comes in different colors, shapes, and textures. In addition, they are quality succulent and terrarium rocks. This product is produced in the United States, where succulent rock gardening is prevalent.
These polished garden rocks add proper drainage, and they are used as decorative rocks for your plants. They are great for covering the soil that holds your houseplant firmly. They are also good for indoor landscaping during rock gardening.
Washed Pea Succulent Rocks have small pebbles that cannot exceed 0.5-inches. These are premium quality rocks because they are 100 percent natural in shape, size, color, and texture. They feature natural rough stones with irregular shapes and perfect colors for your garden.
They are greatly used to fill planters indoors. You can also scatter the outside to other plants, such as in flowerbeds and pots. You can also use these rocks for decorating your succulents rock garden; thus, they are a great pick for these purposes.
They are good for drainage when used for propagation purposes. They don’t cause root rot; instead, they act as a mulch to maintain your succulents. In addition, they are porous, which enables them to be ideal for drainage and retaining soil moisture.
Besides, they supply your plant with the necessary nutrient to enhance growth. They have no artificial fillers, and they good additive for your potting soil and top dressing. Therefore, they neutralize your soil’s pH and enhance water drainage, thus helping your plants grow pretty much better.
They are bagged professionally following industrial precision. They are very great rocks for your houseplants. Their natural shapes and colors make them suitable for your rock garden and succulent healthy growth.
3. Coarse Sand Stones
Coarse Sand Stones are a superior quality product for your gardening purposes. They come in different bags which has multiple natural colors and shape. They are quite beautiful and very special rocks.
They have different colors while wet and dry. The size of the stone ranges between 2 to 4.5mm. So, they are a perfect match for your plants. And, they offer the plants proper drainage, thus enabling them to grow healthy and strong.
Add them to your succulent rock garden so that they can help to lock water and other useful nutrients in the soil. Moreover, they are good for top dressing, and they are perfect for small rock gardening projects. Thus they can also beautify your surrounding environment.
They are friendly to the environment because they are made of natural rocks and raw stones. They are also non-toxic, unlike other artificial garden rocks. Moreover, its natural color cannot fade away quite easily.
They have no additional oil, fillers, or dyes on their surface. Therefore, it is advisable to wash them about 3 to 4 times with enough water till their surface becomes clean and extremely smooth. If you place them around your plants, they prevent the evaporation of water from the soil.
Therefore, you should not worry much about frequent watering because they help retain water. In addition, they make your garden look appealing and attractive. Finally, they are a great addition to your rock farm and potting container, and several other areas.
Their natural shape, color, and texture are good for strengthening your succulents. In addition, they help to aerate the soil, prevent soil erosion, maintain moisture, and enhance drainage. Store them in a cool, dry place after use.
4. Jade Bean Pebbles and Rocks
Jade bean rocks are suitable for your rock and pebble gardening purposes because they of high quality. They have small sizes of about 3.5mm to 7mm, thus ideal for small farm applications. In addition, they feature a highly unique and amazing finish that is attractive to look at.
They are very special and beautiful after washing them about 3 times without any soap additives. They have beautiful colors, with each bag containing a wide range of naturally beautiful colors and shapes. The rocks weigh about 6 pounds.
They are also used to decorate succulents. Therefore, make your plants look attractive by scattering some pebbles around them. They are a great pick for your garden and propagating your succulents.
Their natural property enables them to last longer, unlike mulch and other organic materials that deteriorate with time. In addition, they are good at retaining water around succulent plants, thus providing an appealing look to you. Therefore, no need to water your plants frequently.
You can use them for multiple purposes apart from being the best choice for planting. First, they are a good choice for your succulent containers; thus, their beautiful colors give your plants a natural and attractive look. Moreover, you can use them in a glass vase filler, adding them to the potted plants and other relevant DIY projects.
They are environmentally friendly because they are made of natural stones. They are also non-toxic, and their color can fade away very easily. They do not have any additional fillers, and they are also not contaminated with oil or dyes. They are very smooth, which makes them suitable for your succulent garden.
Conclusion – Planting Succulents in Rocks
You should remember that when planting succulents in rocks, you should use a high-quality and well-drained potting mix. By now, you understand that these plants can grow in rocks, but only if you add organic materials and mulch. These substances provide them with enough nutrients responsible for strong and healthy growth.
You should also provide these plants something that they can hold on to. And these include nutritious rocks specifically designed for them, such as jade beans rocks, coarse sandstone, or Kenzoplants gritty rocks. Don’t forget to add fertilizer too onto your succulents.
