Plant a Succulent Grid in a Shallow Circular Pot Amazing tips

When I saw succulents planted in grid patterns in shallow, circular pots, I just had to show them to you. Here and in my new video, you'll discover how to make similar planters for your own garden.

I spotted them at The Well, a high-end boutique specializing in outdoor furniture and accessories. It's in Summerland, CA near Montecito where Oprah and the royals have large estates.

Willy Guhl pot with echeverias at The Well

I envisioned lavish poolside patios graced with The Well's understated, sophisticated and functional outdoor art...especially these large shallow cement pots planted criss-cross with succulents.

Echeverias in a Willy Guhl cement pot

Eek! They cost $2,500!

It seems that such hefty Midcentury pots by Swiss designer and artist, the late Willy Guhl, are prized collector’s items. Those two feet or more in diameter can go for upwards of $2,500---and that's unplanted! I didn't love the price, but I did love the look.

After I got home, I realized I had a similar-sized pot from a garage sale. It was free because they were happy to get rid of it. It’s lightweight, probably fiberglas. I did some checking, and comparable ones average around $100 online.

I dabbed my resin pot with gray paint to make it look like concrete

Well then! We simply have to make a similar succulent planter, don't we? My goal was to create one that resembled those at The Well yet cost less than ten percent.

Here's how...

Materials

• Large (2-foot diameter) shallow synthetic pot. Give it a drain hole if it doesn't have one. On Ebay, search "large outdoor resin bowl planter." At Amazon (affiliate links):  https://amzn.to/3C31xLA

  Also: https://amzn.to/3ohNDk7

• Succulents: Echeverias or sempervivums are good choices because they're symmetrical and keep their circular shape as they grow. Go with echeverias if you live in a mild climate; semps if you get below-freezing temps in winter.

I chose blue Echeveria 'Alegra' from Oasis Water Efficient Gardens nursery near me in Escondido, CA. Pot size: 3.5 inches. Plant diameter: 4 to 5 inches. I estimated I'd need 21 but got 24 just in case. Order online.

I used Echeveria 'Allegra' in 3.5-inch pots for my 21-in diameter pot

• Gray paint (optional). After cleaning my weathered white pot, I dabbed the outside with gray acrylic paint to make it look like cement.
• Potting soil: Any will do. I used Bonsai Jack, a coarse mix that doubles as a topdressing.
• Lazy susan (optional). I like being able to rotate a large pot while planting it.

Method (in video)

• Fill the pot with soil to one inch below the rim.
• At the midpoint, plant a rosette so its crown is about even with the rim of the pot. (A plant's crown is just above the soil, where stem and roots meet.)
• Create a plus sign with plants that extends to the rim of the pot. Mine consists of two echeverias on four sides, for a total of 9.

Here's my finished faux-concrete succulent grid planter. I love that I can slide it (concrete would be way too heavy).

• Fill in the corners, adjusting plants as needed to make a grid.
• Add topdressing: more Bonsai Jack potting mix, pebbles or crushed rock to conceal bare dirt and give the composition a finished look.

Little red holiday balls make mine look like a big dessert

How many plants do you need?

Cut a paper circle the size of your pot’s inside top diameter. Fold the circle in quarters to pinpoint its center. At the nursery, put the paper on the ground and place small potted succulents on top, as you'll plant them: from the center outward.

20" diameter pot = 37 plants in 2" pots

What if you’re ordering plants online? Cut paper circles or squares the size of the nursery pots, and set those on the paper circle.

12” diameter pot = 21 plants in 2” pots

Find a similar terra-cotta pot on Amazon.

Tell me what you think!

Do you love these designs? Aren't sure? Have I inspired you to make something similar? I welcome your questions and comments below!

 

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