The best pots for succulents and cacti
Succulents and cacti ask for very little, and that is exactly where people go wrong. Too much pot, too much compost and too much water is the usual story.
What pots are best for succulents and cacti?
Succulents and cacti want small terracotta pots with drainage holes. The clay breathes and dries the compost quickly, which is precisely what these plants need. Avoid oversized pots and anything without drainage, because sitting water rots the roots faster than any other mistake.
- Small pots, 6 to 12cm, suit most succulents and cacti
- Unglazed terracotta dries fastest and suits them best
- Drainage holes are non-negotiable for these plants
- Use gritty cactus compost, not standard potting mix
What we would use
Pots and kit for succulents & cacti
How to choose
- Choose a pot barely wider than the plant itself
- Shallow beats deep - these roots stay near the surface
- Skip self-watering pots entirely for this group
- Group several tiny pots for display rather than one big one
Questions
Succulents & cacti pots - FAQs
Can succulents live in pots without drainage holes?
Not reliably. Without drainage the compost stays wet at the base and the roots rot from below, often while the plant still looks fine on top. Use a drainage pot inside a decorative cover pot instead.
Why is a big pot bad for a succulent?
A large volume of compost holds water the small root system cannot use. That compost stays damp for weeks, and damp is what kills succulents.
What compost do succulents need?
A gritty, free-draining cactus mix. Standard potting compost holds far too much water around the roots.
How often should I water a succulent?
Only once the compost has dried out completely, then water thoroughly and let it drain. In winter that can be as little as once a month.