Girl, you have no idea how much I enjoy your videos and how much you have helped me in this newfound hobby of mine. Growing succulents and taking care of them helps me find so much peace in an otherwise stressful life and I love teaching my little boy about all the stuff I have learned. And I enjoy it most when he tries to teach his little friends the same. Keep on making your awesome videos
In regards to putting pop/water bottles in the bottom of a pot it's not necessarily because someone is cheap but it does make the pot lighter if it needs to be moved.
I'm really grateful for stumbling upon this video and all your helpful info! I know very little; however, I've learned from my dad and others that the reason to put rocks in the bottom of container is for poorly designed pots. Example, one heavy clay pot with only one whole. Taking a few small river rocks (not gravel) and layering them at the bottom (or pieces of broken ceramic pots) can help force the water down if the hole is more concave. I just use it as a diverter. Sometimes the big hole or holes get clogged and especially outdoor plants. It seems to really help to keep plants from getting moldy if you accidentally overwater them (which I tend to do a lot). Thanks again!
It is so refreshing to watch your information-packed videos. Other videos can be so tedious just because there are unnecessary comments that take up too much time. Your videos are concise, direct and fun. Kudos to you! And yes, I am now a subscriber. Thank you so much!
the syringe idea is gonna be super handy, Ive always been looking for a new way to water the plants and so far I would dip the pot in a container filled with water and let water go in from the bottom. I also add some volcanic rocks at the bottom to improve drainage when I first started growing cacti and succulents but after some time I felt its not really necessary but not like it affects anything anyway so... oh well, no point to remove them.
Laura you're channel is my haven! I am a total newbie to anything garden based (and I don't have the greenest thumb!) and your videos have kept most of my succulents alive! Thankyou!!
thank you for your wonderful videos. I work in the garden center at our local Lowe's and I am always getting questions that I feel the need to research the answers! You are now my go-to for answers.
I made the mistake of adding gravel to a palm as one of my first plants. I was so upset Bc I had listened to someone’s “advice” it died so quickly. never again. I’m so glad you talked about that!
Wow...I'm blown away by what you said about not adding gravel to the bottom of your pot. That's all I ever learned including from diagrams in houseplant books. The gravel is supposed to help keep the roots out of any pooling water in the bottom and stops the soil from washing out through the drainage hole. I've been doing it this way for years quite successfully. Huh!
leslie nikulka -your water shouldn't be pooling in he bottom period. Because you're not suppose to give succulent plants much water. I actually spray my plants with a spray bottle. Succulent plants hold the water in their leaves for a long time. Maybe you're over watering.
I just received a BOX with 20 tiny containers and a beautiful variety of small succulent plants. All is new to me, but I’m excited to learn! Thank you for your information!
Laura~The succulent container in the dough bowl turned out really nice. I gasped when I saw you hold the cacti with your bare hands. I steer clear from most cacti because of the shark needles BUT do have a few. Most of mine are the many, many varieties of soft succulents. Anyhow, useful information.
hi I am from the UK and I also make and sell succulent planters on the side of a full time job at a plant nursery. I am not an expert but love succulents so I keep learning more and more and your video is very interesting. Its great to see someone else doing something similar. Keep up the videos - they're really cool.
Hai Aaron,found yr channel n thot I'd let u know tt yr knowledge, enthusiasm N honesty is quite infectious n I find myself getting more n more interested to grow more plants.Your ideas n suggestions r really helpful😁
I'm sharing this with my whole family. We have been taught to add gravel the day we start helping in the garden as toddlers. I have always hated losing pot space. Especially when I pay money for a large decorative ceramic pot.
Hey Laura, thank you SO much for this video! I have been procrastenating to plant my succulents into a glass bowl because I thought it is so much work, I need to buy 5 different stones and sands. Thank you so much for lifting this myth and lots of love all the way from Germany!
I really appreciate how informative and clear your videos are. Im like taking notes while I watch LOL. And finally, someone who answered me if I should put charcoal in the pot. Thank you for the reminder on gravel!!
Hi! Great video!!! Four burning questions I hope you can help me with 🙏 (1) why does water pool in gravel more than it does soil? This is in the context of not putting gravel or plastic bottles in the bottom of the pot. (2) Doesn't it hurt the plants if you're constantly sticking in a water meter (or chop-stick) to check for dryness? (3) If you put sand on top (around the edges) how do you keep the soil from percolating up when you water it, and ruining the lool? I know we've supposed to just water around the roots but in some arrangements the bottom of the plants is visible) (4) if you can't provide adequate (or any) light for an arrangement (say if you want to put it on an entry-way table), would it work to rotate it inside and outside a week or more at a time? E.g, maybe you have two arrangements so you rotate 1, 2, or 3 weeks inside/out. Oh my gosh if you could help me with these questions it will be so wonderful! And thank you for all you do! Your videos are addictive!
Those of us that put stones on the bottom of our pots are not being cheap. That is how we were taught to do it. It is to help keep the roots from sitting in any water that may have collected at the bottom of the pot, not to help with drainage, or skimp on soil.
I'm 75 and I've always put rocks or shards of terracotta pots in my pots, and so did my Mom. I add it to prevent soil from escaping from the pot and not for drainage. I've never had a problem with plants dying or roots rotting. I think the idea that it causes water to pool in the bottom of the pot is nonsense.
I have hens and chicken succulents. They are in full sun. I put them in the garage in winter and leave them alone. Bring them out in spring and they thrive. Rain is the only water they get unless we have a drought. I give them miracle grow once. I do repot them every third year. I've had them about twenty years. Love them.
Thanks SO MUCH for this. I am a succulent newbie and have been looking for answers on basic care, and you answered my two prominent questions here (how to water without getting the leaves wet and can they all survive in the packed pot they came in. Now I've off to look for one of those watering syringes. Again, THANKS! You've made a big pot of hen and chicks happy.
Thank you so much on the info about drainage. I was always taught to add rocks or gravel to the base of my planters. What you explained made so much sense. No more gravel pits for my containers from now on! And i too had also wondered about containers without drain holes. Love your videos!
Thanks for sharing this video. This video was very helpful for me when I started collecting succulents 2 years ago and I still come back to this video every now and then. 2 years after I became one crazy succulent plant lady and started my own greenhouse as well as my own youtube video channel. You are an inspiration :)
thank you for this video. :D I put my succulents on my roof top and in a day they got sun burn lol now i have to bring them all in due to the rooftop being fully exposed to sunlight. thanks again :D
Ok I am currently repotting all my succulents. I'm removing all the rocks. It's a new year trying new things..... Better work!! Lol! thanks for the tip.
Hi Laura! Thank you for this video. It is exactly what I needed. I love my succulents but I'm definitely still a newby when it comes to succulent care, this helped a lot. Always love watching your videos.
recommendation for future video::: I suggest that you find a gardener from different states such as one from Florida yes I'm prejudiced one from the making it short northeast southeast northwest Southwest and you have the different zones covered. and then ask them to give you a tutorial on how to grow succulents for real. your opinion is well valued but succulents is really Regional and I see people asking you questions that's so depends on where they're going to keep their succulents and where they live is Extreme. I would enjoy seeing the interaction between you and someone else like you not expert per se but someone who's knowledgeable of their area as you are so knowledgeable in yours. much love from an old lady in Tampa Florida.
Nice show, you would like it here in Florida, there's a lot of plants such as what you describe here that grow wild, this time of year I keep mine in an easy facing window and water once a month, I love plants and shows like this, please keep up the good work !!
I love your videos and everything you do! I thought your temps and a lot of what you say about your area is so much like where I live and you do live by me! I'm right outside of the Boise, Idaho area! You inspire me to start gardening again! It's my true love!i have bad health the past several years and can't do it as I've been mostly bedridden. I'm excited!
Thank You soo much for these youtube videos about the succulents and other plants & caring for them. Just bought my first few succs and appreciate your information. You have a very pleasant personality and are well spoken. That makes it easy for me to follow along and learn. I am about a mile from the beach not far from Bandon, Oregon on the coast. If you are ever visiting our area, it would be nice to meet you or attend a presentation should you do one over here. Bandon Dunes Golf might be interested in your gardening/succulent gardens. Tax deductable work/vacation? Thanks again.. love your beautiful projects presented on youtube!
First video of yours I have watched. Good advice. You nailed it on the gravel raising the moisture level higher in the pot. Must have read the same article I did. Thanks.
Thankyou kindly, very educational indeed as I was just about to put a couple of handfuls of gravel, believing it was necessary for drainage. Thanks again.🪴
Thanks for your video. Your arrangements are beautiful. :) Where I live (France) we don't use gravel but pozzolana or expanded clay beads at the bottom of the pot in order to drain the water, you can use also a special felt between the pozzolan and the cactus mix in order to increase drainage. So far it's been working great for my little babies.
I was taught that you have to use gravel at the base of your pot, so it prevents root tip rot and all the other things that excess water does, thank you for your tip / advice - I will definitely remove all the gravel in my pots! :)
I have finally graduated to a rock looking, South African, super cool succulent... my “rock plant”. It took about 20 years to get here, but succulents are worth it and fun, so many different kinds. Why even have a cactus that can make you bleed when you can grow succulents? FYI. Just like she was saying, They do like to be crowded in a shallow pot, crowding each other out or being crowded by rocks (on top). Mine all seem very happy like this. Best way to kill them is to overwater that’s for sure. Good info! Thanks for vid! 😀
Thanks for a great video. I owned a professional landscape company for years,and I gotta tell you that your attitude is awesome. I always said the same thing,do what you like and keep in tune with your plants. I am from Colo and am new to indoor succulents so this is helpful. New subscriber here!
Greetings from the Philippines! Your arrangements are so beautiful. I get new ideas watching them. My faves are the ones with the antique dough bowl and the triple urn challenges. I'm excited to see and learn from your next videos.
We live in the north of Germany... And we have a south facing window where they get mid-day sun but no morning or afternoon light and it works out really well.
Well, actually the gravel or "expanded clay balls" (I don't know how it's called in English) at the bottom of the pot is pretty effective and important, at least when it's combined with a "synthetic drainage tissue" (I'm not sure either if it's called so), because it avoids the roots to be in contact with the water that's accumulated on the soil at the bottom (water doesn't run out of the pot instantly) and avoid them to rot.
First, got to say your videos are wonderful teaching sessions but not less important - so pleasant to watch! Thanks for that :-) Wondering about the no gravel 'rule'. I'm planting in very deep whiskey barrels. They are super deep and my secure to are mostly small. I was planning to fill half with lava rocks and than put a garden fabric and fill up half with soil. Than plant. Not a good idea?... I've drilled holes for drainage but they are so so so deep I thought I needed to shorten them up. Not good?......
+Noa Beharav It depends on exactly how deep your planter is and what type of plants you are planting. If they are succulents, you may be able to get away with it because succulents are shallow-rooted plants. I like the idea of using landscape fabric between the rock and soil, because that should take care of the problem of root tip rot, since your roots wouldn't be growing down into the rocks. Also, the fact the the container has drainage makes it okay as well. It's more of a problem when you plant in a non-draining pot. I've seen it become more of a problem when people are planting annuals/perennials/shrubs in containers. Those types of plants need all the nutrients they can get, and in my area, it gets so hot that having extra soil helps with moisture retention. That's why I don't particularly like the rocks in the bottom idea, for the most part. :) ~Laura
I initially got into succulents mainly because I enjoyed the look of layering rocks and gravel. I used layers of white rocks, black rocks, etc mainly because I just liked the look of the layers. I put 2-3 mini succulents into tall mason jars.. Of course back then I knew nothing about succulents. I didn't have a drain hole and the bottom of the jar would pool up and then it turned green and nasty... I want to get back into succulents because I live in an apartment and they are relatively easy to maintain and don't take up too much space. I might attempt drilling holes to allow more drainage.. I know you said no to gravel, but it looks so much nicer (Since I use clear containers)! I might try my 2nd go at succulents, maybe I will make the gravel layers smaller and leave a lot more space for soil, since I do use the taller mason jars... compromise? haha One question: So my succulents started growing, and one of them even grew almost an entire foot tall... Is there a way to trim this? I want them to stay small and controlled like when you purchase them originally.
learning so much about how to maintain my succulents! being in so Cal where we experience a lot of hot sun, it's good to know where to place them when it gets colder here and how to measure my watering
+Cheryl Bassett Thanks so much for watching, Cheryl! I would love to live in a place where succulents would survive the winter! They don't get quite as glorious, when they are confined to pots and indoor climates. :)
@@gardenanswer I have a overgrown aloe vera plant about 6years old. Mother plant is still.growing with new growth but her pups are maturing and have grown about 1 or 2feet from mother plant there are black areas on the leaves of the original pups. What do I do with this overgrown plant
I have a fish tank and whenever I clean it or do a water change I save and use it to water my plants including all my succulents and air plants. They love it! Also I find that I have to soak my succulent pots in water sometimes because I find over time the earth in the pots becomes very compact and solid and if I top water them the water just runs down the sides and out the bottom.
I read that indoor succulents don’t necessarily go dormant. Since they are in more consistent conditions usually they will just grow and grow. Of course there are some exceptions with different species
awesome Q&A very informative 👍👍can you please do an update on your succulent containers, I would love to see their progress, thank you. ❤❤❤🌵🌱🌵🌿🍀🌵🌵🌵🌵🌱🌵🌵🌵
+Mizz martina Thanks so much for watching! :) I'm trying to think if I even have any of my recent succulent arrangements... Most have been gifts or have been projects for customers! I should do a few that we can video their progress through a few seasons. Thanks for the idea! ~Laura
A little confused re: overwintering. Do we treat our succulents the same as the cactus with regards to temperature. In Canada, so have to do things a little differently here at times. Some of my indoor plants need to be re-potted in Jan/Feb just so that I can keep them alive (give them a good boost). When transplanting at times I wait to water because the new moist soil is enough to keep them going without overwatering. Really easy to overwater because of cold (even inside the house sometimes). I have an Aloe Vera, Dragon-fruit plants, Horn Tree, Burro's Tail, Chinese Money plant to name a few. They are on a table inside my front door where it is a little cooler. Still worried it might be too cool. Also, planted the Burro's tail and the Horn Tree together. The Horn Tree was wrinkling so underwatered. The Burro's tail seems to have gotten more water than I wanted.. The Horn tree is not as bad now but still a little wrinkly. Did try to water solely on Horn Tree side of pot near edge but not sure it worked as intended. I might have to separate them.
Thank you so much! I have a succulent that I’ve been afraid to repot…. It has grown taller? Kinda top heavy , I now also see root hairs? On the rather tall stem…. It is still in the plastic pot insert with holes, and that is in a clay planter….. all still as I bought it two years ago…. I have no clue, but looks like an Echeveria? Lol all I know is it has become tall, and is alive, but top heavy….. it is on my West facing kitchen window, and I was being sire to rotate it each week too… haha this was a silly plant I liked and bought at my local Aldi
good to know about the gravel. was planning to put lots in mine. Although I'm thinking of only putting little bit like 1 cm tall for aesthetic/decoration purposes and then charcoal and lots of soil. my container is a no drainage type that is transparent so I'll know (I hope) that I'm not over watering.
Uggghhhh! I just re potted all my succulents with a bit of gravel because I didn't want the soil to some out. Ran out of coffee filters. If I see any sign of stress I will repot ASAP!!
I want to start off by saying thank you for making such helpful videos. I just spend the past three hours watching your channel lol. You made a very good point about putting gravel in the bottom of your pot. I haven’t used gravel but I have large river rocks in the bottom of my pots. I live in Florida and it is very humid down here. Should I just stop doing that?
this video was really informative and helpful for me because I really had problem in what amount of sunlight do they need during different seasons and in areas that are not the natural environment for succulents like Mountain cities which I live in ... thank you so much
Love this! I bought two little cactus plants last summer and I have been watering them about every 1 1/2- 2 weeks and they are still here and happy! haha I bought the ones with the bright flowers on top- and they are doing so well!! But I wanted to know more about how they grow (to add more to my home) and make some tarrariums to have in my home!! I live in Utah so they aren't naturally here! Anyway great tips! I was about to make a terrarium with gravel at the bottom because everywhere I looked- they were there! haha thank you so much for the tip- you just saved a lot of future cactus and succulents in my home! hahaha I have a hanging put I wanted to add some succulents to, should I just maybe add charcoal at the bottom and then the succulent cactus soil or just the soil without the charcoal? the hanging pot doesn't have draining :/
+Monica Perez (ohhappyus) Hi Monica! It won't hurt a thing to put charcoal in- that just helps with any odor that can happen due to excessive moisture. I find that a moisture meter is extremely helpful in terrarium sort of situations, that way you know exactly where your moisture level is at. I hardly ever water my terrariums and they do really well! I would love to see pics of yours! (You can share them on our FB page!) Have fun!!! :) ~Laura
I liked the points you made on gravel. I was actually in the midst of repotting all of my succulents into new containers with a layer of gravel on the bottom, as I was told it would help with drainage... Guess that's yet another unfinished project for me =P
Great video - thank you! Succulents are the ONLY kinds of plants that I have the time to comfortably and successfully keep - great job - very helpful! :)
You mentioned that you'd link to the gravel layer myth ... I'd love to know. I don't use it in pots with drainage (if they have a large hole I use something to stop the dirt from falling out) but I do use gravel in terrariums.
+kit brown It's on the list! :) There is always one more project I want to get done before we document my garden on video..haha! I should just forget about the projects because it seems like as soon as I finish one up, another one surfaces! ~Laura
first of all I want to say all your videos have been very helpful. I do have a question for you? What do you recommend for drainage when using a chandelier in the garden?
It's such a joy to watch your videos. You claim to not be an expert but anyone who views you, you come across as an excellent instructor.
+Jesse Betsill Thank you for such a nice compliment. :) That really made my night! ~Laura
You might not be a succulent grower but you give more basic information than the experts! Thank you!
Girl, you have no idea how much I enjoy your videos and how much you have helped me in this newfound hobby of mine. Growing succulents and taking care of them helps me find so much peace in an otherwise stressful life and I love teaching my little boy about all the stuff I have learned. And I enjoy it most when he tries to teach his little friends the same. Keep on making your awesome videos
Omg!! I've started gardening last spring and I'm kinda obsessed with succulents now!
In regards to putting pop/water bottles in the bottom of a pot it's not necessarily because someone is cheap but it does make the pot lighter if it needs to be moved.
I'm really grateful for stumbling upon this video and all your helpful info! I know very little; however, I've learned from my dad and others that the reason to put rocks in the bottom of container is for poorly designed pots. Example, one heavy clay pot with only one whole. Taking a few small river rocks (not gravel) and layering them at the bottom (or pieces of broken ceramic pots) can help force the water down if the hole is more concave. I just use it as a diverter. Sometimes the big hole or holes get clogged and especially outdoor plants. It seems to really help to keep plants from getting moldy if you accidentally overwater them (which I tend to do a lot). Thanks again!
It is so refreshing to watch your information-packed videos. Other videos can be so tedious just because there are unnecessary comments that take up too much time. Your videos are concise, direct and fun. Kudos to you! And yes, I am now a subscriber. Thank you so much!
the syringe idea is gonna be super handy, Ive always been looking for a new way to water the plants and so far I would dip the pot in a container filled with water and let water go in from the bottom. I also add some volcanic rocks at the bottom to improve drainage when I first started growing cacti and succulents but after some time I felt its not really necessary but not like it affects anything anyway so... oh well, no point to remove them.
Watching all your videos as soon as they are out for years.
Its fun to see you at your old house garden 🙆🏼♀️
I watched you for the first time today and I am a super newbie!!! But based on your video I and what you taught me, I made my first succulent garden!!
Laura you're channel is my haven! I am a total newbie to anything garden based (and I don't have the greenest thumb!) and your videos have kept most of my succulents alive! Thankyou!!
+Sam Davison Yay! I'm so happy to hear you are having success with your succulents! Hearing that makes making videos worth it! :)
thank you for your wonderful videos. I work in the garden center at our local Lowe's and I am always getting questions that I feel the need to research the answers! You are now my go-to for answers.
Your small containers with different varieties are splendid...You have a great eye for balance, color, and texture...Very well done...
I made the mistake of adding gravel to a palm as one of my first plants. I was so upset Bc I had listened to someone’s “advice” it died so quickly. never again. I’m so glad you talked about that!
Wow...I'm blown away by what you said about not adding gravel to the bottom of your pot. That's all I ever learned including from diagrams in houseplant books. The gravel is supposed to help keep the roots out of any pooling water in the bottom and stops the soil from washing out through the drainage hole. I've been doing it this way for years quite successfully. Huh!
leslie nikulka -your water shouldn't be pooling in he bottom period. Because you're not suppose to give succulent plants much water. I actually spray my plants with a spray bottle. Succulent plants hold the water in their leaves for a long time. Maybe you're over watering.
So have I. Never had a problem either.
I just received a BOX with 20 tiny containers and a beautiful variety of small succulent plants. All is new to me, but I’m excited to learn! Thank you for your information!
Laura~The succulent container in the dough bowl turned out really nice. I gasped when I saw you hold the cacti with your bare hands. I steer clear from most cacti because of the shark needles BUT do have a few. Most of mine are the many, many varieties of soft succulents. Anyhow, useful information.
You're a honest and beautiful person.... No shit and drama just honest opinion... love it
hi I am from the UK and I also make and sell succulent planters on the side of a full time job at a plant nursery. I am not an expert but love succulents so I keep learning more and more and your video is very interesting. Its great to see someone else doing something similar. Keep up the videos - they're really cool.
Hai Aaron,found yr channel n thot I'd let u know tt yr knowledge, enthusiasm N honesty is quite infectious n I find myself getting more n more interested to grow more plants.Your ideas n suggestions r really helpful😁
I'm sharing this with my whole family. We have been taught to add gravel the day we start helping in the garden as toddlers. I have always hated losing pot space. Especially when I pay money for a large decorative ceramic pot.
+Gail Fawcett Thank you for watching and sharing! ~Laura
Hey Laura, thank you SO much for this video! I have been procrastenating to plant my succulents into a glass bowl because I thought it is so much work, I need to buy 5 different stones and sands. Thank you so much for lifting this myth and lots of love all the way from Germany!
I put a broken pot shard over the hole in the bottom to keep the dirt from running out. Thanks for all the information.
I really appreciate how informative and clear your videos are. Im like taking notes while I watch LOL. And finally, someone who answered me if I should put charcoal in the pot. Thank you for the reminder on gravel!!
Hi! Great video!!! Four burning questions I hope you can help me with 🙏
(1) why does water pool in gravel more than it does soil? This is in the context of not putting gravel or plastic bottles in the bottom of the pot.
(2) Doesn't it hurt the plants if you're constantly sticking in a water meter (or chop-stick) to check for dryness?
(3) If you put sand on top (around the edges) how do you keep the soil from percolating up when you water it, and ruining the lool? I know we've supposed to just water around the roots but in some arrangements the bottom of the plants is visible)
(4) if you can't provide adequate (or any) light for an arrangement (say if you want to put it on an entry-way table), would it work to rotate it inside and outside a week or more at a time? E.g, maybe you have two arrangements so you rotate 1, 2, or 3 weeks inside/out.
Oh my gosh if you could help me with these questions it will be so wonderful! And thank you for all you do! Your videos are addictive!
just bought 3 baby succulents I'm praying I can keep them alive 😭
Not anymore haha
how?
VEE MATA
Its been 10 months, are they still alive? I literally bought like 6 lol
GeraldJoseph Donttrip they're long gone lol
lol how can you kill succulents? did you over water them?
I just chanced upon your video and I find it very educational and inspiring. I never thought succulents are so beautiful when arranged.
Please continue to make fresh videos like this I’ll watch it over and over . 🤗🤗
Thank you from Vegas. Don't want to kill them.They were a B-day give. Your'e a natural at this :)
Those of us that put stones on the bottom of our pots are not being cheap. That is how we were taught to do it. It is to help keep the roots from sitting in any water that may have collected at the bottom of the pot, not to help with drainage, or skimp on soil.
I'm 75 and I've always put rocks or shards of terracotta pots in my pots, and so did my Mom. I add it to prevent soil from escaping from the pot and not for drainage. I've never had a problem with plants dying or roots rotting. I think the idea that it causes water to pool in the bottom of the pot is nonsense.
I have hens and chicken succulents. They are in full sun. I put them in the garage in winter and leave them alone. Bring them out in spring and they thrive. Rain is the only water they get unless we have a drought. I give them miracle grow once. I do repot them every third year. I've had them about twenty years. Love them.
Thanks SO MUCH for this. I am a succulent newbie and have been looking for answers on basic care, and you answered my two prominent questions here (how to water without getting the leaves wet and can they all survive in the packed pot they came in. Now I've off to look for one of those watering syringes. Again, THANKS! You've made a big pot of hen and chicks happy.
Thank you so much on the info about drainage. I was always taught to add rocks or gravel to the base of my planters. What you explained made so much sense. No more gravel pits for my containers from now on! And i too had also wondered about containers without drain holes. Love your videos!
Thanks for sharing this video. This video was very helpful for me when I started collecting succulents 2 years ago and I still come back to this video every now and then. 2 years after I became one crazy succulent plant lady and started my own greenhouse as well as my own youtube video channel. You are an inspiration :)
I’m not really into succulents I received some at an outing and I am going to give them a try! So Thank you for the information!🙂 so much🌹
I just started a succulent garden and this helped SOO much! Thank you!
How are your plants now?!
You are very educated with plants. Would love to see a brand new tour of all your potted indoor plants.
4 years later ;)
thank you for this video. :D I put my succulents on my roof top and in a day they got sun burn lol now i have to bring them all in due to the rooftop being fully exposed to sunlight. thanks again :D
Been learning a lot for caring and regrow them. Like your channel keep schooling me on succulents
Ok I am currently repotting all my succulents. I'm removing all the rocks. It's a new year trying new things..... Better work!! Lol! thanks for the tip.
Great video! I too love succulents around the house. Way to go, new subscriber here! :)
Thank you so much!!! I enjoy your videos and Instagram updates as well! -Laura
Garden Answer :) I had no clue you were a viewer. Your show is beautiful!
Hi Laura! Thank you for this video. It is exactly what I needed. I love my succulents but I'm definitely still a newby when it comes to succulent care, this helped a lot. Always love watching your videos.
+Mariam Khan Thanks so much for the comment and for watching our videos! :) ~Laura
Your videos are so high quality thank you for these, its almost like syndicated
recommendation for future video::: I suggest that you find a gardener from different states such as one from Florida yes I'm prejudiced one from the making it short northeast southeast northwest Southwest and you have the different zones covered. and then ask them to give you a tutorial on how to grow succulents for real. your opinion is well valued but succulents is really Regional and I see people asking you questions that's so depends on where they're going to keep their succulents and where they live is Extreme. I would enjoy seeing the interaction between you and someone else like you not expert per se but someone who's knowledgeable of their area as you are so knowledgeable in yours. much love from an old lady in Tampa Florida.
I got my very first little baby and I'm so exited about taking care of it!! :)
Nice show, you would like it here in Florida, there's a lot of plants such as what you describe here that grow wild, this time of year I keep mine in an easy facing window and water once a month, I love plants and shows like this, please keep up the good work !!
I live in Boise, ID and I just found your channel last month! I love your videos!
I love your videos and everything you do! I thought your temps and a lot of what you say about your area is so much like where I live and you do live by me! I'm right outside of the Boise, Idaho area! You inspire me to start gardening again! It's my true love!i have bad health the past several years and can't do it as I've been mostly bedridden. I'm excited!
Glad to hear you are going to be able to get back out in the garden! Yay! Thank you so much for watching our videos! :)
Thank You soo much for these youtube videos about the succulents and other plants & caring for them. Just bought my first few succs and appreciate your information. You have a very pleasant personality and are well spoken. That makes it easy for me to follow along and learn. I am about a mile from the beach not far from Bandon, Oregon on the coast. If you are ever visiting our area, it would be nice to meet you or attend a presentation should you do one over here. Bandon Dunes Golf might be interested in your gardening/succulent gardens. Tax deductable work/vacation? Thanks again.. love your beautiful projects presented on youtube!
First video of yours I have watched. Good advice. You nailed it on the gravel raising the moisture level higher in the pot. Must have read the same article I did. Thanks.
Thankyou kindly, very educational indeed as I was just about to put a couple of handfuls of gravel, believing it was necessary for drainage.
Thanks again.🪴
Thanks for your video. Your arrangements are beautiful. :)
Where I live (France) we don't use gravel but pozzolana or expanded clay beads at the bottom of the pot in order to drain the water, you can use also a special felt between the pozzolan and the cactus mix in order to increase drainage. So far it's been working great for my little babies.
I was taught that you have to use gravel at the base of your pot, so it prevents root tip rot and all the other things that excess water does, thank you for your tip / advice - I will definitely remove all the gravel in my pots! :)
+Andres L I used to use gravel, too. I have so much more success without it! Thanks for watching! :)
I love your videos! You always give me great ideas how to put plants, so it looks nice / where to put plants.
Oh hey, just over here binge watching lol, so glad I found you!!!
Great - Very good video for beginners - thank you for taking to time to talk non techy to a beginner. I am a fan..
I have finally graduated to a rock looking, South African, super cool succulent... my “rock plant”. It took about 20 years to get here, but succulents are worth it and fun, so many different kinds. Why even have a cactus that can make you bleed when you can grow succulents? FYI. Just like she was saying, They do like to be crowded in a shallow pot, crowding each other out or being crowded by rocks (on top). Mine all seem very happy like this. Best way to kill them is to overwater that’s for sure. Good info! Thanks for vid!
😀
Thanks new plant dad...But love how you break it down
I m growing succulent in india and they are doing well in all season . I m using a soilless mixture for them its working pretty good
Thanks for a great video. I owned a professional landscape company for years,and I gotta tell you that your attitude is awesome. I always said the same thing,do what you like and keep in tune with your plants. I am from Colo and am new to indoor succulents so this is helpful. New subscriber here!
Greetings from the Philippines! Your arrangements are so beautiful. I get new ideas watching them. My faves are the ones with the antique dough bowl and the triple urn challenges. I'm excited to see and learn from your next videos.
+Miel Miguel Timtiman Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like our videos! :) ~Laura
Well said Laura. Most people over water succulents and give them to much hot sun.
We live in the north of Germany... And we have a south facing window where they get mid-day sun but no morning or afternoon light and it works out really well.
Wow, didn't know about the gravel in the bottom but makes sense. My white stones are nice and green now
Well, actually the gravel or "expanded clay balls" (I don't know how it's called in English) at the bottom of the pot is pretty effective and important, at least when it's combined with a "synthetic drainage tissue" (I'm not sure either if it's called so), because it avoids the roots to be in contact with the water that's accumulated on the soil at the bottom (water doesn't run out of the pot instantly) and avoid them to rot.
Puvlee I always put a little bit of pebbles or glass rocks in the bottom. I have always had pretty good luck with my plants.
First, got to say your videos are wonderful teaching sessions but not less important - so pleasant to watch! Thanks for that :-)
Wondering about the no gravel 'rule'. I'm planting in very deep whiskey barrels. They are super deep and my secure to are mostly small. I was planning to fill half with lava rocks and than put a garden fabric and fill up half with soil. Than plant. Not a good idea?... I've drilled holes for drainage but they are so so so deep I thought I needed to shorten them up. Not good?......
+Noa Beharav It depends on exactly how deep your planter is and what type of plants you are planting. If they are succulents, you may be able to get away with it because succulents are shallow-rooted plants. I like the idea of using landscape fabric between the rock and soil, because that should take care of the problem of root tip rot, since your roots wouldn't be growing down into the rocks. Also, the fact the the container has drainage makes it okay as well. It's more of a problem when you plant in a non-draining pot. I've seen it become more of a problem when people are planting annuals/perennials/shrubs in containers. Those types of plants need all the nutrients they can get, and in my area, it gets so hot that having extra soil helps with moisture retention. That's why I don't particularly like the rocks in the bottom idea, for the most part. :) ~Laura
I initially got into succulents mainly because I enjoyed the look of layering rocks and gravel. I used layers of white rocks, black rocks, etc mainly because I just liked the look of the layers. I put 2-3 mini succulents into tall mason jars.. Of course back then I knew nothing about succulents. I didn't have a drain hole and the bottom of the jar would pool up and then it turned green and nasty... I want to get back into succulents because I live in an apartment and they are relatively easy to maintain and don't take up too much space. I might attempt drilling holes to allow more drainage.. I know you said no to gravel, but it looks so much nicer (Since I use clear containers)! I might try my 2nd go at succulents, maybe I will make the gravel layers smaller and leave a lot more space for soil, since I do use the taller mason jars... compromise? haha
One question: So my succulents started growing, and one of them even grew almost an entire foot tall... Is there a way to trim this? I want them to stay small and controlled like when you purchase them originally.
I love your attitude in this Video.
learning so much about how to maintain my succulents! being in so Cal where we experience a lot of hot sun, it's good to know where to place them when it gets colder here and how to measure my watering
+Cheryl Bassett Thanks so much for watching, Cheryl! I would love to live in a place where succulents would survive the winter! They don't get quite as glorious, when they are confined to pots and indoor climates. :)
i looove this video! I always have problems with succulents.Thx for your help!
+Bangxing Hong I'm glad it helped! :) ~Laura
@@gardenanswer I have a overgrown aloe vera plant about 6years old. Mother plant is still.growing with new growth but her pups are maturing and have grown about 1 or 2feet from mother plant there are black areas on the leaves of the original pups. What do I do with this overgrown plant
I love watching your videos Laura, so cheerful and enjoying life. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
you are my inspiration for starting a small succulent pot.....
I have a fish tank and whenever I clean it or do a water change I save and use it to water my plants including all my succulents and air plants. They love it!
Also I find that I have to soak my succulent pots in water sometimes because I find over time the earth in the pots becomes very compact and solid and if I top water them the water just runs down the sides and out the bottom.
I read that indoor succulents don’t necessarily go dormant. Since they are in more consistent conditions usually they will just grow and grow. Of course there are some exceptions with different species
awesome Q&A very informative 👍👍can you please do an update on your succulent containers, I would love to see their progress, thank you. ❤❤❤🌵🌱🌵🌿🍀🌵🌵🌵🌵🌱🌵🌵🌵
+Mizz martina Thanks so much for watching! :) I'm trying to think if I even have any of my recent succulent arrangements... Most have been gifts or have been projects for customers! I should do a few that we can video their progress through a few seasons. Thanks for the idea! ~Laura
A little confused re: overwintering. Do we treat our succulents the same as the cactus with regards to temperature. In Canada, so have to do things a little differently here at times. Some of my indoor plants need to be re-potted in Jan/Feb just so that I can keep them alive (give them a good boost). When transplanting at times I wait to water because the new moist soil is enough to keep them going without overwatering. Really easy to overwater because of cold (even inside the house sometimes). I have an Aloe Vera, Dragon-fruit plants, Horn Tree, Burro's Tail, Chinese Money plant to name a few. They are on a table inside my front door where it is a little cooler. Still worried it might be too cool. Also, planted the Burro's tail and the Horn Tree together. The Horn Tree was wrinkling so underwatered. The Burro's tail seems to have gotten more water than I wanted.. The Horn tree is not as bad now but still a little wrinkly. Did try to water solely on Horn Tree side of pot near edge but not sure it worked as intended. I might have to separate them.
Thank you so much! I have a succulent that I’ve been afraid to repot…. It has grown taller? Kinda top heavy , I now also see root hairs? On the rather tall stem…. It is still in the plastic pot insert with holes, and that is in a clay planter….. all still as I bought it two years ago…. I have no clue, but looks like an Echeveria? Lol all I know is it has become tall, and is alive, but top heavy….. it is on my West facing kitchen window, and I was being sire to rotate it each week too… haha this was a silly plant I liked and bought at my local Aldi
I just did my first succulent planter box yesterday and it didn't have drainage holes so I added gravel. And now I'm watching this. ahhhhh!
Great tips thank you so much...now I know why cactus have been dying on me :( , Love all your video keep them coming... much Love from KL.
Laura thank you for you videos and tips on plant care. I have learned so much from you.
I like how you express yourself! Very honestly... Thank you!! I think my succulent is going through being overwater :/
I’m flower gardens were beautiful this year a lot of work but the rewards were awesome
good to know about the gravel. was planning to put lots in mine. Although I'm thinking of only putting little bit like 1 cm tall for aesthetic/decoration purposes and then charcoal and lots of soil. my container is a no drainage type that is transparent so I'll know (I hope) that I'm not over watering.
Good luck!!! :)
Uggghhhh! I just re potted all my succulents with a bit of gravel because I didn't want the soil to some out. Ran out of coffee filters. If I see any sign of stress I will repot ASAP!!
I want to start off by saying thank you for making such helpful videos. I just spend the past three hours watching your channel lol.
You made a very good point about putting gravel in the bottom of your pot. I haven’t used gravel but I have large river rocks in the bottom of my pots. I live in Florida and it is very humid down here. Should I just stop doing that?
this video was really informative and helpful for me because I really had problem in what amount of sunlight do they need during different seasons and in areas that are not the natural environment for succulents like Mountain cities which I live in ... thank you so much
Love this! I bought two little cactus plants last summer and I have been watering them about every 1 1/2- 2 weeks and they are still here and happy! haha I bought the ones with the bright flowers on top- and they are doing so well!! But I wanted to know more about how they grow (to add more to my home) and make some tarrariums to have in my home!! I live in Utah so they aren't naturally here! Anyway great tips! I was about to make a terrarium with gravel at the bottom because everywhere I looked- they were there! haha thank you so much for the tip- you just saved a lot of future cactus and succulents in my home! hahaha I have a hanging put I wanted to add some succulents to, should I just maybe add charcoal at the bottom and then the succulent cactus soil or just the soil without the charcoal? the hanging pot doesn't have draining :/
+Monica Perez (ohhappyus) Hi Monica! It won't hurt a thing to put charcoal in- that just helps with any odor that can happen due to excessive moisture. I find that a moisture meter is extremely helpful in terrarium sort of situations, that way you know exactly where your moisture level is at. I hardly ever water my terrariums and they do really well! I would love to see pics of yours! (You can share them on our FB page!) Have fun!!! :) ~Laura
I liked the points you made on gravel. I was actually in the midst of repotting all of my succulents into new containers with a layer of gravel on the bottom, as I was told it would help with drainage... Guess that's yet another unfinished project for me =P
I learned SO much during this video. Thanks Laura!
Wow love this video ... thanks for sharing. Information is something everyone needs and its always good to hear what works for others. wow. love it.
+Sunita Maraj Thanks so much Sunita! I've learned a ton working with succulents a lot more in the past few years, and still learn every day! :)
Great video again ! Yes we think u sure might be an expert by now, Love your work
Great video - thank you! Succulents are the ONLY kinds of plants that I have the time to comfortably and successfully keep - great job - very helpful! :)
Just started my succulent journey a little over a month.
aside from the fact that I love this video so much, I just want you to know that you are sooo beautiful!
I Love you Chanel, thanks for teaching us how to create a nice garden.I also like your hair.
You mentioned that you'd link to the gravel layer myth ... I'd love to know. I don't use it in pots with drainage (if they have a large hole I use something to stop the dirt from falling out) but I do use gravel in terrariums.
Hi Laura, would you consider a vlog style garden tour? I have always admired your background :)
+kit brown It's on the list! :) There is always one more project I want to get done before we document my garden on video..haha! I should just forget about the projects because it seems like as soon as I finish one up, another one surfaces! ~Laura
your knowledge of these beautiful plants is very helpful ,lm very greatful thank u
GREAT information and video! Thank you for that. New subscriber 👍🏼
Thanks so much!.. Hopefully now my mini garden can stay a live a bit longer.
first of all I want to say all your videos have been very helpful. I do have a question for you? What do you recommend for drainage when using a chandelier in the garden?