Succulents are popular houseplants known for their cute shapes, bright colors, and low maintenance care. Many succulent varieties naturally stay small, making them perfect for desks, tabletops, windowsills, and other compact spaces.
But even “mini” succulents can outgrow their containers over time. If you want to maintain a compact succulent garden, there are easy ways to control your succulents’ growth and keep them petite.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover 9 simple tips to successfully grow adorable miniature succulents that stay small and manageable for years:
1. Select Slow-Growing Succulent Varieties
Some succulents are genetically predisposed to remain tiny. When choosing succulents for a miniature garden, prioritize slow-growing varieties that max out under 3 inches tall.
Great compact 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 naturally 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 containers 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. Only upsize the pot 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 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.
Final Tips for Keeping Succulents Small
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Repot succulents every 2-3 years in a slightly larger container. This prevents root binding while minimizing size.
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Inspect regularly for pests like mealybugs and scale. These can weaken and distort succulents.
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Remove flowering stalks as they appear to curb plant energy going towards reproduction.
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For outdoor succulents, bring pots inside during winter if you live in a cold climate.
With smart variety selection, attentive care, and strategic pruning, your succulent garden can maintain a cute, compact structure indefinitely. Just be sure to provide excellent drainage, adequate sunlight, infrequent water, and ideal temperatures. Monitor growth and make adjustments as needed.
Miniature succulents are perfect for crafting petite paradises anywhere you have a bit of space. Follow these tips to enjoy the endless variety of miniscule succulents that stay picture-perfect small.
Here are some tips on how to keep succulents small:
- Choose the right type of succulent. Some succulents are naturally smaller than others. For example, Haworthia attenuata and Graptopetalum paraguayense are both relatively small succulents that can be kept in small pots.
- Plant your succulents in small pots. The size of the pot will limit the amount of space the roots have to grow, which will help to keep the plant small.
- Water your succulents less frequently. Succulents are drought-tolerant plants, so they don’t need to be watered 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. Fertilizing succulents too much can cause them to grow too large.
- Prune your succulents regularly. Pruning is a good way to remove dead or damaged leaves, and it can also help to keep the plant small.
- Behead your succulents. Beheading is a process of cutting off the top of a succulent plant. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the base.
By following these tips, you can keep your succulents small and healthy.
- Repot your succulents every few years. This will help to keep the roots healthy and prevent them from becoming pot-bound.
- Check for pests and diseases regularly. Succulents are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, so it is important to check them regularly.
- Move your succulents indoors during the winter if you live in a cold climate. Succulents can be damaged by cold weather, so it is important to protect them 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 I keep succulents small?
if youre set on succulents, i suggest doing long stemmed branchy ones. pluck excess leaves from the bottom and place the stem in the center of a piece of plastic wrap, fill vase with water, and keep them topped off. clean as necessary and transfer when roots are 1-3” long depending on how confident you are.
How to make succulents smaller?
Use pruners or snap off roots and healthy leaves from the bottom half of the succulent. Get as clean of a break as possible to encourage new growth. If your leaf tears, get rid of it. Remove leaves until you’re a little more than half way to the top.
How to trim succulents to keep them small?
To keep succulents small, regular pruning is essential. Focus on removing leggy stems and shaping the plant by cutting just above a node (where a leaf attaches) to encourage branching. Avoid over-pruning, removing no more than one-third of the plant’s size at a time.