Saguaro Feliz: DIY Succulent Windowsill Pots Amazing tips

In my DIY Succulent Windowsill Pots (here and in the video), I show you how to make a quick, colorful succulent windowsill garden. Sunbathing helps succulents maintain their symmetry and color, and whenever you look out your window or work at a countertop or sink nearby, you’ll see and enjoy them.

My windowsill succulents

These six pots, each 3-inches in diameter, come as a set on Amazon (about $16). Their rainbow of colors makes them fun and easy to combine with succulents. I included crushed glass topdressings in several colors because glass and sunlight are made for each other…just like sun and succulents.

This set of six 3-inch ceramic pots are suited to any windowsill, but any similarly sized containers will do.

Materials:

Six 3-inch pots
Six succulents in 2-inch nursery pots. I chose Adromischus cristatus, Sedeveria ‘Lilac Mist’, Sedeveria ‘Letizia’, Senecio haworthii, Sedum nussbaumerianum, and Sedum adolphi.

Pumice or potting soil (“cactus mix”) to finish filling the pots
White or neutral-colored sand (but not beach sand—too salty), available at craft stores and online.
Window screen or paper towels cut in six 2-inch squares (optional)
Crushed glass topdressing (optional), available from craft stores, floral suppliers and online.

Method:

Cover drain hole with a bit of window screen or paper towel so soil doesn’t fall out.
Gently slide the plant out of its nursery pot and place in new pot.
Remove 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil from top or bottom so root ball stays below the rim
Spoon pumice or potting soil between rootball and pot.
Tap the pot with your hand and gently press down on the soil with your fingertips.
Add a layer of sand to cover pumice and soil. The sand also will fill gaps and keep the glass topdressing’s color true.
Add topdressing. I chose colors that echo the glaze on the pots, but fewer or just one color also look good.

Succulent windowsill pots

Care:

Water lightly and infrequently—1/4 to 1/2 cup weekly in summer, less in winter. Aim to keep soil barely moist, never soggy.
If your windowsill might be damaged by moisture, move the pots to the sink when watering.
If succulents stretch or flatten, they probably need more light. However, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, when magnified by untreated window glass, can burn plant leaves. If this is a concern, add a sheer curtain or move the plants farther from the glass.
Keep in mind that south-facing windows typically get the most sun and north-facing the least.
It’s normal for succulents to get leggy over time. After six to eight months or when you tire of looking at stems with growth only on the tips, take cuttings and replant.

Be sure to see my DIY video ~