The Ultimate Guide to Arranging Succulents for Every Space
Discover the ultimate guide to arranging succulents for every space! Learn practical, step-by-step tips to create stunning succulent displays that will make your home cozy, stylish, and Instagram-worthy. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and plant lovers.

Hey there, succulent lovers! I'm so excited to share some fantastic tips and tricks to help you create stunning succulent arrangements that will make your home cozy, inviting, and absolutely Instagram-worthy. Whether you're always busy or just someone who loves a good DIY project, this guide is for you!
Here's what we'll look at:
Why succulents?
First things first, why succulents? These amazing plants are not just easy to care for but also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that can add a touch of elegance to any space. Plus, they’re perfect for those of us who might not have the greenest thumbs: succulents are hardy and can withstand some neglect. Win-win!
Getting started: what you’ll need
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of arranging succulents, let’s gather our materials:
- Succulent plants: A mix of types, colors, and sizes.
- Potting soil: Specifically designed for succulents, well-draining.
- Containers: Terracotta pots, ceramic bowls, mason jars—get creative!
- Small tools: A small trowel, tweezers, a paintbrush (to gently clean off soil from leaves).
- Decorative elements: Stones, pebbles, and moss for that extra flair.
If you've picked up a few succulents already, you can skip the next 2 sections, but I highly recommend you read those before you continue. The next 2 sections will help you to create the cleanest, most organized (and fun) arrangement.
Choose your aesthetic
After you've gathered your tools, pots, soil, and other decorative elements, it's time to choose your aesthetic! There are so many different ways to arrange your succulents, so where do you even start? Too many options make your life too complicated, so I've narrowed it down to 3 different aesthetics I think you'll love!
Monochromatic
Stick to one color but play with different shades. Think purple arrangements with Purple Heart and Graptopetalum. This is one of my personal favorite ways to arrange succulents, because you can mix and match different textures without creating a chaotic mess.
Harmonious
Use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Try mixing yellow, orange, and green succulents for a warm and inviting look. This is perfect if you want to create seasonal arrangements: think yellows, oranges, or reds for fall.
Complementary colors
Go bold with contrasting colors like blue and orange or red and green. These arrangements are eye-catching and vibrant. These colors are always used together in design, because it makes each of the different complementary colors pop, but also create an aesthetically pleasing look.
Once you've picked the aesthetic you're going for, it's time to pick up some succulents!
Choosing your succulents
You've picked your aesthetic, so you'll know which colors you're going to need. But, now you'll want to think about how it's all going to look. Besides color, there are 3 more options you should look at for your succulent:
Thrillers

These are your statement plants, the tall, striking succulents like Aloe Vera or Echeveria. They add a dramatic focal point to your arrangement. This is what everyone will see first.
Fillers
Smaller plants that fill up space and complement the thriller, like Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum) or Jade Plant. These plants cover up the soil and help to draw your eye from anywhere in the pot towards the thriller plant.
Spillers
Spillers are trailing plants that "spill" over the edges of the container, such as String of Pearls or Sedum Burrito. These are completely optional, but really help to add another layer to your arrangement. These spiller plants are perfect for blending your arrangement in your existing decor.
A note on these types
Depending on the look you're going for, you can pick one of each of these groups, or skip out on one of them. If you're not going to include one of the groups, I recommend you skip the spillers or the fillers. The thrillers are the focalpoint of your arrangement, so you should always have one (and only one).
If you pick more than one thriller succulent, you risk making the arrangement too chaotic in a smaller pot. If you have a larger container, with plenty of space to use fillers or spillers between the thriller plants, you can add multiple thrillers.
Step-by-step guide to arranging your succulents
You've collected your tools, you've picked up your plants, it's time to create your arrangement!
Here's how:
- Prep your container: Fill your container about three-quarters full with succulent soil.
- Planting your thriller: Dig a small hole in the center of the soil and plant your tallest succulent.
- Add the fillers: Arrange smaller succulents around your centerpiece, ensuring they complement each other in color and texture.
- (optional) Spill it over: Add trailing succulents around the edges, letting them spill over the sides for a lush look.
- Finishing touches: Fill in any gaps with extra soil, and add decorative stones or moss for that polished finish. Use a small paintbrush to clean off any soil on the leaves.
You've now created your arrangement and I'm sure it looks fantastic! Now all there's left to do is to make sure your succulents stay happy and healthy. Let's see how!
Care tips to keep your succulents happy
Succulents are low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for houseplants, so your arrangement will be a breeze to take care of!
Here are the most important things about taking care of your arrangement:
- Light: Most succulents love bright, direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill is perfect!
- Watering: Less is more. Water only when the soil dries out completely. Succulents don't do well in moist soil for too long, they need that dry soil to stay healthy.
- Temperature: They thrive in warm conditions but keep them away from direct heat sources, especially in summer. In the summer, move your arrangement away from sunny windows, but keep it in a bright spot.
These are the most important parts of taking care of your succulent arrangement, but there is always more to learn (if you're interested). Have a look at my guide on taking care of succulent indoors for more information!
Creative projects for every space
Your windowsill is only once space where you can arrange your succulents. You can do so many different types of arrangements with them, so let's look at 3 more to help you get some inspiration:
- DIY gift ideas: Personalized succulent arrangements in cute ceramic bowls or mason jars. They're perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, or just because!
- Indoor tabletop gardens: Use shallow terracotta bowls to create mini succulent landscapes for your living room or kitchen. I can guarantee you, you'll have the best arrangement out of anyone you know!
- Outdoor oasis: For those with gardens and live in warm and dry climates, try large, repurposed containers like an old metal urn. Start with your largest succulent in the center and build around it.
Bringing in companion plants
Want to take your arrangement to the next level? Combine succulents with other plants like cacti, blue fescue grass, or lavender for added texture and interest. Ornamental grasses can provide shade, and flowering herbs add a pop of color.
If you're going this route, pay very close attention to how much sunlight and water the companion plants need. Make sure they're as close to the watering needs of your succulents.
Final thoughts
Arranging succulents is an art that combines your love for design, nature, and creativity. Whether you're sprucing up your living space or looking for a fulfilling weekend project, succulent arrangements offer endless possibilities. Don't forget to share your beautiful creations on Instagram and tag me @plantcareforbeginners! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
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