Creating an Indoor Kitchen Succulent Garden
Creating an indoor kitchen succulent garden is an easy way to decorate the kitchen space. Succulents, like aloes and miniature cacti, make great potted plants that require little attention. The steps below give tips from choosing the right container to fertilizing the finished project.
Container
Any shallow and wide container is perfect for an indoor succulent garden. Think miniature garden when planning out the pot and the types of plants that will be included. Since the container needs to be so shallow, plastic or terracotta pots will work just fine. However, the low container must also be well draining, as succulents do not require a lot of water. Place a dish beneath the pot, so that the water that drains does not stain or ruin furniture. Also, be sure to empty the bottom dish after watering the plants, so that they do not stand in water. Too much water will lead to rotting roots and dying succulents.
Soil
Normal potting soil or cacti mix works well for the indoor kitchen succulent garden. Cacti mix soil can usually be found at any garden center or nursery that sells succulents. In fact, a 50-50 mix of crushed dolomite/rocks/pebbles and potting soil is ideal for the health of the plants. Dolomite is used to keep the soil pH neutral. The rocks and pebbles give the soil texture and a place for the roots to climb and cling. Together, these elements ensure that the plants will grow and thrive in their soil mixture.
Light
When considering an indoor succulent garden, look around the room to determine the amount of light available. Succulents need a lot of bright sunlight, as they are desert dwellers. Some garden centers carry special lights just for succulents. If the kitchen window faces north or is blocked by trees or shrubs, consider investing in a small light to keep the succulent garden healthy and thriving. Lights are also a good option in the winter when the sunlight is not as strong.
Fertilizing
As with all plants, fertilizing succulents is an important part of maintaining their health. However, succulents should only be fertilized during their growing or flowering season. If the plant produces summer buds, fertilize in the summer. Fertilizing out of season can damage the plant and stunt its growth. Magnesium sulfate is the most popular choice for succulent fertilizers. It is quickly absorbed and only a very small amount is required. Garden centers and nursery typically carry magnesium sulfate fertilizer year round.
When considering creating an indoor kitchen succulent garden, take into account the available kitchen space to put the low, wide container, as well as, the light availability and strength from kitchen windows. Creating a succulent garden is not difficult, but will take a little bit of planning and preparation. Most large garden centers will have employees on staff who can help with the selection of succulents and the materials needed to create an indoor garden, so do not be afraid to ask. Once the garden has been created, sit back and enjoy a little piece of the outdoors on the kitchen windowsill.
Targeting “do it yourselfers,” Jessica Ackerman writes regularly for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, offering simple illustrations of wine and grape decor and tropical wall art.
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