Growing different types of plants together is one way to level up your gardening game and create a visually pleasing look that elevates the beauty of your décor. The important thing is that those plants need to be compatible and have similar care requirements. While were all familiar with the captivating charm of succulent arrangements, theres a whole world of plant combinations waiting to be explored. Have you considered pairing cacti and succulents together?
Cacti belong to the Cactaceae family and are technically succulents, but they are very different from other types of succulent plants. They have distinct differences that make for an intriguing mix. With their unique structure and robust spines, cacti add a touch of fascination to any collection, particularly when paired with certain types of succulents. Growing cacti and succulents together can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, its a task anyone can tackle. Let’s dive into this fascinating world of plant combinations and see what kind of stunning arrangements you can create.
Hey plant lovers! I’ve been experimenting with combining cacti and succulents in the same pot for years now, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned. The short answer is – yes, you absolutely can plant them together! But there’s a cool trick to making it work that most people don’t know about.
The Big Challenge: Different Watering Needs
Here’s the thing – cacti and other succulents have different watering requirements
- Cacti need way less water than regular succulents
- Most succulents like a good drink when their soil dries out
- Overwatering is the #1 killer of cacti
So how do we make this work? I’ve got a neat little secret for ya!
The Secret Planting Technique That Changes Everything
Here’s my tried-and-true method for planting cacti and succulents together
- Plant your regular succulents normally, with roots fully covered
- For cacti, here’s the magic trick:
- Only bury the bottom 1/3 of the roots in soil
- Leave the top 2/3 of roots above the soil line
- Cover exposed roots with a thin layer of soil later
- Use other plants to hide the covered roots
This way, the cactus takes in less water than its succulent friends, and everybody’s happy!
What You’ll Need
Before we start, grab these supplies:
- Container with good drainage holes
- Fast-draining succulent soil
- Mesh tape for drainage holes
- Newspaper (trust me, your fingers will thank me!)
- Basic tools:
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Soft brush
- Water bottle with thin spout
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Prep Your Container
- Cover drainage holes with mesh tape
- Fill about 2/3 with succulent soil
- Pack soil lightly
2. Plant Your Succulents First
- Remove excess soil from roots
- Space them out, leaving room for cacti
- Plant fully in soil
3. Add Your Cacti (The Safe Way!)
- Wrap newspaper around cactus to protect your hands
- Remember the 1/3 root rule!
- Position at slight angles for visual interest
4. Fill and Finish
- Add soil between plants
- Cover exposed cactus roots
- Add decorative top dressing if desired
Best Plant Combinations I’ve Tried
Here are some combos that’ve worked great for me:
- Echeveria + Mammillaria (Pincushion cactus)
- Kalanchoe + Thimble cactus
- Sedum + Ball cactus
- Haworthia + Star cactus
Care Tips for Your Mixed Arrangement
-
Watering:
- Use a squeeze bottle with thin spout
- Water around cacti, not directly on them
- Wait until soil is completely dry
-
Light:
- Bright, indirect light works best
- Morning sun is perfect
- Protect from harsh afternoon rays
-
Maintenance:
- Remove dead leaves promptly
- Watch for signs of overwatering
- Rotate pot occasionally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Look, we all mess up sometimes. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
- Don’t pack plants too tightly
- Never water on a fixed schedule
- Don’t use regular potting soil
- Avoid placing in dark corners
Signs Your Arrangement is Happy
You’ll know you’ve nailed it when:
- Succulents maintain bright colors
- Cacti stand firm and don’t shrivel
- New growth appears
- No signs of rot or stretching
Final Thoughts
Y’know what’s crazy? I used to think combining cacti and succulents was impossible. But with this special planting technique, it’s totally doable! Just remember – 1/3 roots in soil for cacti, and you’re golden.
Got questions about your own arrangement? Drop ’em in the comments! I love helping fellow plant parents figure this stuff out. Happy planting, everyone!
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more succulent tips and tricks!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
[Step by step] How to plant Cacti and Succulents together – Step by step
You should water your cacti and succulents a couple of days before repotting them. After repotting, your plants need time to adjust to the new soil, so you shouldn’t water them during the first 2 weeks. Watering before that helps your plants to soak up all the water they need. Moistened soil also makes it easier to remove the roots.
To remove each plant, you can turn the plant sideways and pull it up gently. Handle them with care so you do not break off their roots, stems, or leaves.
[Preparation] How to plant Cacti and Succulents together – Preparation
Do some research before picking up your cacti and succulents. Not all cacti and succulents can be grown together. For example, almost all cacti can stand direct sunlight and need a lot of bright light. Some succulents like Snake plants or String of Hearts can get sunburned easily. Cacti also need less water than succulents, so pairing them with succulents that have a more frequent watering need will yield bad results.
When choosing the plants, you should also make sure they have a similar growing season, as some cacti/succulents grow the fastest during spring-summer and go dormant during the winter, and vice versa.
Another thing you should consider is the design of your arrangement. Choose those that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and shape. For example, combining a tall and spiky cactus with a low-growing succulent can create an interesting contrast.
BEST TIPS | HOW TO PLANT CACTI AND SUCCULENTS TOGETHER | SUCCULENT ARRANGEMENT
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