Growing succulents in containers allows you to enjoy them outdoors in the summer and bring them indoors for the winter.
Before you get started planting, be sure to pick plants that have no evidence of disease or insect damage. Also make sure you choose soil that drains well; equal parts of soil, coarse sand and peat moss will do the job.
When transplanting succulents, such as a Bishop's cap cactus, choose a clay pot. Porous materials like terra cotta dry out quickly, which is good for succulents' roots. As with any plant, if your succulent transplant is a bit root-bound, tease out the roots to loosen them before planting.
An interesting way to bring the feel of a rock garden inside is to use a lava rock as a container. Lava rock has natural holes and pockets that hold soil and small succulents. Just press the soil in and place the plants. Hens and chicks work well; they have shallow root systems, are low maintenance, and require only a water misting once each week.
To keep your succulents healthy and happy, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water until you see it drain out of the bottom of the pot, but don't allow the pots to become waterlogged. If the potting medium starts to cake up, it's time to repot. When bringing containers inside during cold weather, be sure to place them in a sunny spot. With proper care, succulents will give you years of enjoyment.
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