In My Garden: Succulent Box Planters

Succulents in box planters can be a challenge. Many box planters are placed underneath windows which receive full sun all day long in many instances. This may burn the plants to a crisp in the desert southwest.

In my porch and walkway, I've placed box planters made of coco liner on a long plant stand with two shelves. The stand is made of wrought iron, as is the planter shell. The backside of the planter faces the wall.

This container was planted on April 24, 2013 and contains:
1. Senecio vitalis - Narrow-Leaf Chalksticks
2. Kalanchoe longiflora var. coccinea
3. Agave species, possibly Agave filifera
4. Oscularia deltoides - Pink Vygie
5. Echeveria harmsii - Plush Plant

These types of planters dry out more quickly, so they must be watered at least twice a week to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Still, be careful to not over water any succulents, which is the easiest way to kill the plants.

Depending on how quickly they grow, some of these may need transplanting next year into larger containers. Two and a half months later (below), the plants have begun to fill in nicely. Most surprising of all is the Senecio vitalis, which is considered a summer dormant, winter grower. Despite many days with temperatures above 100°F, most of my succulents continue to grow.

The same planter from above on July 7.

The Agave in the center is the slowest grower, not surprisingly. Both the Senecio and the Echeveria have a shrub-like growth which could overwhelm the planter in the future if unchecked. The Kalanchoe is much greener than before due to the shadiness of the spot. The sun "stresses" many succulents, turning them shades of red and orange.

The container on the lower shelf contains some elements of repetition.

This planter contains:
1. Graptopetalum paraguayense - Ghost Plant
2. Agave species, possible Agave parryi
3. Portulacaria afra - Elephant Food
4. Agave species, possibly Agave parryi
5. Kalanchoe hildebrandtii 'Silver Spoons'

Two blue-green Agaves flank the Portulcaria in the center. Powdery Graptopetalum and Kalanchoe are at each end. Less than three months later (below), the central succulent is cascading and filling in the planter.

This July 7 photograph shows succulents content in semi-shade.

No other plants can compare with the spectrum of geometry, color, and texture offered by succulents. The east facing porch provides succulents with bright morning light and protects them from the searing late afternoon sun. These plants would not survive on the western side of the structure in full sun.