Green thumb or black thumb…succulents are very forgiving!  During a workshop at Armstrong Garden Centers, I soaked up a ton of great information on how to arrange and care for succulents.

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Here’s what I adore about succulents: they are super hard to kill.  Because they’re desert dwellers, they do not require frequent watering.  Could there be a more perfect plant for busy mamas?  They’re easy, but there’s still some learning that will help your plants to be their very best.  The helpful people at Armstrong Garden Centers can give you all kinds of tips during their free classes like they did for me when I went to a “Sips and Succulents” brunch with some of my blogging buddies.  Check out the upcoming offerings here.

I have a collection of plants around the house growing.  Well, the ones that the puppy will leave alone are doing well.

Tips for Arranging Succulents

Start with the Right Soil 

To begin with our morning, the troop of bloggers were given adorable planters from Trendspot Inc. and gloves.  We filled our planter half way with cactus mix like this.   It’s gritty, arid, and perfect for succulents.

Feed Them Right

Although they’re forgiving, succulents do need nutrients like Vitamin C.   You can grab supplies at your local Armstrong Garden Center like Cactus Juice.

Our plant pro Bobbi also suggested egg shells to bring a little extra goodness to your plants.  Collect your used shells and wash them.  You’ll want to bake them at 450 degrees for 15 minutes to get rid of salmonella.  Take the shells and break them down into powdered teaspoons.  The shells are also great for roses!

Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers

Are you ready for mind-blowing arranging tips? Say “Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers” out loud to yourself a few times.

To make the most compelling arrangements, succulents or flowers, you’ll want to keep Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers in mind.

Thrillers: Tall centerpiece to your arrangements, typically in the middle

Fillers: Smaller plants that will “fill” your arrangement

Spillers: Placed along the side of your container, they will “spill” over the side of the planter

One interesting thing I picked up from the lesson is there isn’t a set rule as to which plants fit in each category.  A plant could easily be a thriller or a spiller.  I also learned that I had been under-arranging.  Not sure if that’s a word yet, but it’s the best way to describe what I was doing.

Arrange your display for the size and look of your plants today.  As they grow, you can trim and make even more arrangements.

The Best Containers for Arranging Succulents

We start our morning with identical pots, but no two gardeners-in-training ended up with identical arrangements.  There’s so much room for creativity and individualization!  Another way to personalize your display is through your container choice.

A post shared by Melanie Walsh (@clementinecounty) on May 30, 2018 at 7:58pm PDT

I shared my arrangement on Instagram after our workshop.  If you aren’t already following along the fun there, head to Instagram.

Armstrong Garden Centers had options for every style and every price point.  Yet, one tip I picked up on our tour through the store was to keep your eyes open for hot deals and things that would make for interesting arrangements.  Previously, I used a Disneyland map and Mod Podge to transform a can into a cute arrangement. You can see more of that here.

With short roots, succulents really don’t need a whole lot of depth.  Consider pieces of wood with u-shaped grooves for a natural look.  Check out thrift stores for vintage milk glass or interesting glassware. The possibilities are endless!

As you trim your growing plants, fill spare containers for a ready-to-go gift whenever an invite arrives.  Using the Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers method, I’m positive you’ll be able to arrange gorgeous gifts for your loved ones.  If you’re ever short on time or plants, your Armstrong Garden Center friends can help.  Grab a container (one of yours or one from the store) and an employee can arrange it for you.  Share your budget and any special requests for a custom succulent arrangement made just for you.

Looking for more adorable planters? Check out these options!

While that’s being put together, there are tons of other gift ideas in the store.  I’m loving these air terrariums but there were also adorable choices for a fairy garden, too!

I’m loving how my plants are growing.  Now, if I could just get the puppy to leave them alone.

Are you a plant pro? Share your tips in the comments!