I've found some small craft rock at Dollar Tree that I've used as top dressing. it works great for me and it's very inexpensive! I also use some of the small rocks to help lift some stems that are growing low or are getting heavy.
OK, you've convinced me to use top dressings. I used to skip this step, but now I see the uses and advantages of it. Thanks once again, Cassidy. You are the best succulent advisor I know of. You are the MASTER!!
It's crazy because I love how top dressing looks on succulents, that being said I live in florida and everytime I use top dressing or any rocks on top my plants struggle. I can use perlite to top, but it makes a bit of a mess when watering so I just add quite a bit in my gritty mix. They have been thriving thankfully. The weather has been crazy weird this year. I'm using a few orchid bark chips on some just to spruce the top and they seem to be ok. I hardly water anymore and they thrive! Lol. Thanks for sharing a great video!
Looks neat! personally, I always go for no top dressing because (1) I like to see how dry the soil is, and (2) to avoid mess & extra work when repotting. should be great if guided for any solutions to this ^^
Such a joy to have found you!!! I just got my first succulent after a week or so of research. It's a lovely Pachiverya about 4/5 cm in diameter, and came carefully packaged with her roots and not much soil. I ordered succulent mix compost and grit for the lwoer part of the pot but now I realised as much as everywhere they tell me to us grit on the bottom, soil on the top (and I didn't know about top dressing!) no one shows me how exactly and having never handled anything plant-living before might seem silly but... I am not totally sure how to do it? I got a plastic tub at the moment, put 2 small drainage holes at the bottom, put a layer of grit, then a bit of soil, then places the pachiverya and put some more soil around her, patting with a spoon. did the soak method last night and today I realise the soil I put in was definitely less than I imagined as it collapsed quite a bit (a full centimetre at least) and left me wondering... shot I top up with more soil? am I the only completely inept person with plants in general and succulents specifically? I would LOVE a video showing a complete potting to make sure I'm doing alright!
I've got a post that walks you through exactly how to plant your succulent. You can read it here: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-plantsuccs This post will also teach you how to mix your soil correctly. A lot of people say to put rocks on the bottom of your pot for drainage, but for planting succulents, that only makes your pot heavier. Read this post for more: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-mainsoil Good luck! You'll do great! :)
The first succulent ever I bought was an arrangement from Home Depot, and it had the glued-on top dressing that you mention. After each plant in the arrangement almost died - I suspect from a combo of over-watering and limited airflow - I ripped out the inner top-dressing to hopefully improve the airflow. Sure enough, it did the trick (along with limited watering), and also exposed the dense soil underneath. So I'm a little hesitant to use top dressing after that, ha! But your examples of top dressing look really good, and it makes me want to revisit the idea. :) Thanks for sharing!
Many stores have glued-on top dressing because it makes it less messy to transport, so removing it is a great idea. Replacing it with a regular top dressing will still give your succulents air flow, and allow water to drain much easier. Good luck! :)
I always use top dressings on plantings that are actual arrangements. If the plants are just plunked in a container to wait for them to grow roots or grow bigger, I leave the soil bare, though I might add a nice looking, medium sized rock to fill in a bare space. That way I can re-pot them when the time comes and not have to scoop off and/or sift out a top dressing that has soil mixed in. The smaller your top dressing particles are, the longer it takes to take off the top dressing when you want to remove or add in another plant in an established arrangement.
I never thought of using top dressing until I started watching your videos - now I have thriving succulents with a finished look! I use white aquarium gravel and it works great.
My favorite top dressing is Akasha brand Kalari River Rocks from Lowes. It comes in a 4 pound plastic jar and can be found in my local store or online. I buy a jar of two every time I order something from Lowes so I can get free shipping. It is small multicolored rocks about 1/4" big in browns, white, and dark brown. A thin layer holds the bark from Gritty mix in place. It also works great for keeping the bottom of a pot out of any extra water that drips from the pot after watering. I recently bought some Christmas cactus and the instructions said to keep the pot in a bowl with rocks and water in the bottom to increase the humidity so these rocks were perfect for that.
I found succulents last year .Thank god i only payed a dollar per. Because i killed them all went back 3 times .A year later and I'm not killing them there also not in my house . you were the first person sought help from my succulents thank you. Thank you
Hi!! I love the idea of using topdressings, though it does make it harder to tell when the plant needs more water (it's not as easy to see the soil color change for one, and the top dressing makes the pot heavier by definition, so it can be harder to tell if it's noticeably lighter or not) -- any suggestions?
I usually wait until my succulents "tell" me they need water or feel the weight of the pot to determine if it's time to water. Here's more info: succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-succsneedwater
I recently started using a top dressing as a way to address the out of control fruit fly invasion we were having! The little buggers were living off of the decaying organic matter in the soil, and by covering it up, it took away their main living source (sorry little dudes). I LOVE the way it makes my plants look, but my question is, how difficult and messy is it going to be when I want to repot my plants or change up the arrangements? Is it as simple as dumping off the aquarium gravel? Thanks! Love your videos, appreciate the quality and attention to detail :)
I had a bad fruit fly infestation in some of my house plants. I used Mosquito Dunks in my watering can a few times and they are now all gone. I wasn't sure whether it would work but glad it did. I don't use top dressings.
Two things one I had a question on something I wondering if you could mention in your video how to propagate a plant like say aloe Vera the other thing I thought was where you could talk about and dedicate some videos to talk about different species of succlent.Also by the way I love your channel and it has inspired me to grow succlents!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm glad you've become inspired to grow succulents! :) You can learn more about propagating Aloe vera here: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-aloevera I love the idea of videos about different species. In the meantime, you can learn more about individual succulents here: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-typesofsuccs
Another benefit of top dressing is that it can give necessary weighting. Some of the larger succulents (or other container plants) can get top heavy and gravel can serve a counterweight. I just anchored our dwarf papyrus with red lava rocks. Now they stand straight and lose less moisture during the day. Win win.🙂
If using fine particles as top dressing how to remove it easily if u wish u transfer succulents to another bowl or pot? Or if one has accidentally drop the pot containing succulents and fine particles how would u separate soil from stoned
Thank you so much for your channel! I just started with succulents at the beginning of November and your videos have been a huge help. I too recently noticed fruit flies in my apartment and want to use top dressing on my plants. The one thing that I was wondering is how deep should the top dressing be, especially if you are using the smaller options? I did a test run on my 2 spider ferns and I noticed that the small gravel I chose gets displaced whenever I water the plants. Thanks!
You can certainly try! The only potential downside to perlite is that it can easily be crushed so it could wear down overtime. You can see our top soil recommendations here: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-topdressing
Could you do a video on succulent/cacti soil mixing for beginners? I live in Washington state where it’s dry inside from furnace and very moist outside. I’d love a breakdown of indoor VS outdoor soil. Please and Thank You 🌱💜
Everytime I put white stones as a topping, eventually they turn brown and yellowish because of the soil. Is there anything I could do to prevent this? Is bottom watering a good method to prevent this problem?
You could try spraying them with a clear sealant before putting them on top of the soil. Bottom watering works for some people, but it's not the best idea. Succulents have shallow roots, and it's best to water from the top down.
I like the looks of top dressing however I do not do it simply because I prefer to feel the soil of my succulents to determine if they have dried out enough before I water.
It doesn't prevent new growth :) Pups and stems are able to grow up through the top dressing. It's not glued down, so the plant can grow as much as it needs to.
Rocks in the bottom of your pot actually don't increase drainage, since succulents have such shallow roots. If you decide to do that, though, you can definitely still add top dressing to the top of the soil.
I've seen beautiful arrangements with colored sand. Is sand ok for top dressing? I'd think it might hold water, so have to be careful about that... but overall... is sand ok to use?
We get ours from Bonsai Jack, so we don't have to worry about any contaminants on or in it, so we use it straight out of the bag. Learn more here: succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-topdressing
So sand as a top dressing is not a good idea ? I have sand but after watching this video I'm considering changing my top dressing. I have a thin layer on top of my 3 succulents but I'm questioning myself whether I should change it or not.
I might consider changing it to something else. While sand will probably help keep dust from kicking up, it may keep the soil too wet if it's just normal beach sand.
Possible to link where I can get the tools shown in the video? They would make a great addition to the favourites I already have from your current link!
What kind of succulent is that at 2:57? I have one that looks like it and have been trying to figure out what it is. Mine looks a little darker/less pink & red
To Susan from another Susan: If you push aside a few pebbles, rocks or whatever your top dressing is, you can then put your finger into the soil to check for moisture. I hate doing this because the dirt gets under my finger nail, but we're washing our hands more frequently now so no biggie.
I bought one of those water/moist/pH readers you stick the two prongs in the soil and it tells you if your succulents are getting enough light or to much water
I love the way top dressings look but I'm starting to have a problem with my succulents getting stem rot easier in pots that have top dressing. Would it be helpful to leave space between the rocks and the stem so it can breathe easier?
I have seen a jar of painted gravel and glass at my hardware store in the garden section. I though it would act as a beautiful top dressing but I was concerned about the paint that had been used to color the gravel and glass. Can this type of top dressing be harmful to my succulents?
Usually we use top dressing that is cheap and don't save it when repotting. There have been times where tweezers were used to remove the top dressing, or just let it get mixed in with the soil when repotting. Hopefully that helps!
Thanks for sharing! It's so pretty with a top dressing to make the arrangements complete. I'm so sad I'm unable to use it growing here in florida. We just have so much moisture around almost all year and the soil keeps moist for too long with rock. Is there any top dressing you have found works for ridiculously humid climates? I have literally tried everything and the only thing that works is a few orchid bark chips with perlite as my top dressing, but it makes a mess as you probably know..lol. I've been a grower of many plants for years now and this is the only thing I'm stumped on lately..lol you know about succulents a lot more than I do it seems. Lol
Something like pumice should be a good option. Crushed granite, lava rock, or most rock material should be good. I'd recommend something 1/4" in size, smaller and larger can keep the soil wet longer.
@@Succulentsandsunshine thanks I'll have to try it out again. Maybe I'll have some better luck. I've used river rock and crushed granite but that seems to just not do to well living here in florida.
@Stacy I agree; I live in SW Florida and I've tried pebbles and/or pumice rock as top dressing. Because of the humidity, and only watering when dry, my top watering did not go down to their roots, even after soaking and drainage from the bottom! I know this when after a few days and my echeveria wasn't doing well, that I pulled it from the pot and the roots were bunched and dry! The soil around it was wet though, beneath the pebbles, even after giving the pot a good couple of soakings. I know top dressing looks pretty, but I only use minimal to separate the leaves from the soil. Otherwise, my potted succulents stay out on my patio and they're doing fine. Even my pups are doing great!
I just started using them, pebbles with sand underneath on the advice of the garden center. Now I can’t tell when to water, HELP please? Also I was told not to water my cacti and succulents from Nov to April (I’m in WI). Is that true? I’ve never done that before!
@@paulag.panzermd8239 What a great idea! I push some stones aside and put my finger into the soil. Cassidy recommends feeling the weight of the plant and pot and all when it is wet. Then heft it a day or two later to feel if it is lighter. Then again and again until it doesn't feel any lighter from day to day. That means it is a dry as it's going to get, and it's time for a soak.
I have a problem with the heft and see method because the rocks I use for top dressing makes the pot always seem heavy. Ps. I tried Perlite as a top dressing, but got the discoloration another commenter mentioned. It seems too light also, and it moves when one waters.
Plants in general, wait for the surface to dry and then wait another 5 days before watering again. For succulents, wait few more days than general plants after the surface is dry.
I love succulents so much. They are the only plant I can manage to keep alive. But my tuxedo cat loves to sit in my previous plants, and I’ve given up. I have cacti and others outside, away from my cat. He won’t let me have any plants.
We don't, you probably misunderstood. We never glue top dressings to the arrangement. If you listen to the first part Cassidy talks about how some pre made arrangements that you buy at a store, will have rocks glued on top to keep everything in place. She then says while she Doesn't recommend gluing your top soil onto your arrangement, It (meaning the top dressing without glue) is a good way to keep the soil from making a mess while you water. Hope that helps clarify 🙂
I've found some small craft rock at Dollar Tree that I've used as top dressing. it works great for me and it's very inexpensive! I also use some of the small rocks to help lift some stems that are growing low or are getting heavy.
OK, you've convinced me to use top dressings. I used to skip this step, but now I see the uses and advantages of it. Thanks once again, Cassidy. You are the best succulent advisor I know of. You are the MASTER!!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful
I love using top dressings which I never even thought about before I took your course and started growing succulents! Thanks!!!
It's crazy because I love how top dressing looks on succulents, that being said I live in florida and everytime I use top dressing or any rocks on top my plants struggle. I can use perlite to top, but it makes a bit of a mess when watering so I just add quite a bit in my gritty mix. They have been thriving thankfully. The weather has been crazy weird this year. I'm using a few orchid bark chips on some just to spruce the top and they seem to be ok. I hardly water anymore and they thrive! Lol. Thanks for sharing a great video!
Looks neat! personally, I always go for no top dressing because (1) I like to see how dry the soil is, and (2) to avoid mess & extra work when repotting. should be great if guided for any solutions to this ^^
I appreciate your succinct, clear instructions. Thank you.
Such a joy to have found you!!! I just got my first succulent after a week or so of research. It's a lovely Pachiverya about 4/5 cm in diameter, and came carefully packaged with her roots and not much soil. I ordered succulent mix compost and grit for the lwoer part of the pot but now I realised as much as everywhere they tell me to us grit on the bottom, soil on the top (and I didn't know about top dressing!) no one shows me how exactly and having never handled anything plant-living before might seem silly but... I am not totally sure how to do it? I got a plastic tub at the moment, put 2 small drainage holes at the bottom, put a layer of grit, then a bit of soil, then places the pachiverya and put some more soil around her, patting with a spoon. did the soak method last night and today I realise the soil I put in was definitely less than I imagined as it collapsed quite a bit (a full centimetre at least) and left me wondering... shot I top up with more soil? am I the only completely inept person with plants in general and succulents specifically? I would LOVE a video showing a complete potting to make sure I'm doing alright!
I've got a post that walks you through exactly how to plant your succulent. You can read it here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-plantsuccs
This post will also teach you how to mix your soil correctly. A lot of people say to put rocks on the bottom of your pot for drainage, but for planting succulents, that only makes your pot heavier. Read this post for more:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-mainsoil
Good luck! You'll do great! :)
I've used sea glass which has given an amazing look, be sure to wash thoroughly before using to get rid of any salt.
The first succulent ever I bought was an arrangement from Home Depot, and it had the glued-on top dressing that you mention. After each plant in the arrangement almost died - I suspect from a combo of over-watering and limited airflow - I ripped out the inner top-dressing to hopefully improve the airflow. Sure enough, it did the trick (along with limited watering), and also exposed the dense soil underneath. So I'm a little hesitant to use top dressing after that, ha! But your examples of top dressing look really good, and it makes me want to revisit the idea. :) Thanks for sharing!
Many stores have glued-on top dressing because it makes it less messy to transport, so removing it is a great idea. Replacing it with a regular top dressing will still give your succulents air flow, and allow water to drain much easier. Good luck! :)
Beautiful ideas
I always use top dressings on plantings that are actual arrangements. If the plants are just plunked in a container to wait for them to grow roots or grow bigger, I leave the soil bare, though I might add a nice looking, medium sized rock to fill in a bare space. That way I can re-pot them when the time comes and not have to scoop off and/or sift out a top dressing that has soil mixed in. The smaller your top dressing particles are, the longer it takes to take off the top dressing when you want to remove or add in another plant in an established arrangement.
Yes,you r right. Smaller dressings get inside the soil and later it becomes a problem..
I never thought of using top dressing until I started watching your videos - now I have thriving succulents with a finished look! I use white aquarium gravel and it works great.
Great idea! Glad it is working for you
Marbles are a fun top dressing.
Thank you for your ideas for using top dressing. I'm off to the patio to add some top dressing to my succulents.
Wonderful! Glad you liked the video!
I used crushed glass in a couple. It was beautiful!
My favorite top dressing is Akasha brand Kalari River Rocks from Lowes. It comes in a 4 pound plastic jar and can be found in my local store or online. I buy a jar of two every time I order something from Lowes so I can get free shipping. It is small multicolored rocks about 1/4" big in browns, white, and dark brown. A thin layer holds the bark from Gritty mix in place. It also works great for keeping the bottom of a pot out of any extra water that drips from the pot after watering. I recently bought some Christmas cactus and the instructions said to keep the pot in a bowl with rocks and water in the bottom to increase the humidity so these rocks were perfect for that.
I found succulents last year .Thank god i only payed a dollar per. Because i killed them all went back 3 times .A year later and I'm not killing them there also not in my house . you were the first person sought help from my succulents thank you. Thank you
Also! Do you usually palce the top dressing and THEN the succulents, or the other way around!? THanks so much!
Succulents first and top dressing at the end.
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-plantsuccs
Nicely done. Thank you.
I use pea gravel most of the time for top dressing.
Would love to know where you got the green rock combination shown toward the end
You can get it from Bonsai Jack using this affiliate link:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/jacktopdressing
Nice.. I'll try it
Great. V informative. Thanks.
Hi!! I love the idea of using topdressings, though it does make it harder to tell when the plant needs more water (it's not as easy to see the soil color change for one, and the top dressing makes the pot heavier by definition, so it can be harder to tell if it's noticeably lighter or not) -- any suggestions?
I usually wait until my succulents "tell" me they need water or feel the weight of the pot to determine if it's time to water. Here's more info:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-succsneedwater
I recently started using a top dressing as a way to address the out of control fruit fly invasion we were having! The little buggers were living off of the decaying organic matter in the soil, and by covering it up, it took away their main living source (sorry little dudes).
I LOVE the way it makes my plants look, but my question is, how difficult and messy is it going to be when I want to repot my plants or change up the arrangements? Is it as simple as dumping off the aquarium gravel?
Thanks! Love your videos, appreciate the quality and attention to detail :)
It can be a little messy, but you're right - just dump off the top as much as you can :)
It's amazing the difference it makes, isn't it?
I had a bad fruit fly infestation in some of my house plants. I used Mosquito Dunks in my watering can a few times and they are now all gone. I wasn't sure whether it would work but glad it did. I don't use top dressings.
@@mreverybody1150 theyre not fruit flies, they're fungus gnats!
@@cplova333
How do you get rid of them. I just applied top dressing yet I still have the fungus gnats
I love your videos!!!
Hi! Many a times the pebbles get deep inside the soil after a few days. How to prevent that?
You may need a bit larger top dressing, but it shouldn't harm your plants when that happens.
Two things one I had a question on something I wondering if you could mention in your video how to propagate a plant like say aloe Vera the other thing I thought was where you could talk about and dedicate some videos to talk about different species of succlent.Also by the way I love your channel and it has inspired me to grow succlents!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm glad you've become inspired to grow succulents! :)
You can learn more about propagating Aloe vera here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-aloevera
I love the idea of videos about different species. In the meantime, you can learn more about individual succulents here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-typesofsuccs
Another benefit of top dressing is that it can give necessary weighting. Some of the larger succulents (or other container plants) can get top heavy and gravel can serve a counterweight. I just anchored our dwarf papyrus with red lava rocks. Now they stand straight and lose less moisture during the day. Win win.🙂
Awesome!
If using fine particles as top dressing how to remove it easily if u wish u transfer succulents to another bowl or pot? Or if one has accidentally drop the pot containing succulents and fine particles how would u separate soil from stoned
Thank you so much for your channel! I just started with succulents at the beginning of November and your videos have been a huge help. I too recently noticed fruit flies in my apartment and want to use top dressing on my plants. The one thing that I was wondering is how deep should the top dressing be, especially if you are using the smaller options? I did a test run on my 2 spider ferns and I noticed that the small gravel I chose gets displaced whenever I water the plants. Thanks!
It depends a bit on what you're using and the size of the pot. Anywhere from a half inch to an inch is usually good.
Thank you.
HELP CAN I USE PERLITE FOR TOP DRESSING plz respond🙏🙏🙏
You can certainly try! The only potential downside to perlite is that it can easily be crushed so it could wear down overtime. You can see our top soil recommendations here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-topdressing
Can u top dress any plants like orchids, tropical plants, monstera?
Yes you can with orchids, not sure about other plants
Can I use pebbles I found in the seashore?
Absolutely!
Can I add rocks / pebbles UNDER the soil also to add height ?
Definitely! Just keep in mind it won't increase drainage.
Would it be okay to use fire glass?
What a fun idea! We haven't personally tried it, but in theory it should work. Let us know if you try it!
What's the best way to top dress string of pearls?
Could you do a video on succulent/cacti soil mixing for beginners? I live in Washington state where it’s dry inside from furnace and very moist outside. I’d love a breakdown of indoor VS outdoor soil. Please and Thank You 🌱💜
Great idea! :) In the meantime, this post can help:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-mainsoil
Maybe I should start using a top dressing! Ya think? I live in a small town so I like the idea of tank rock!
Aquarium gravel is perfect!
Everytime I put white stones as a topping, eventually they turn brown and yellowish because of the soil. Is there anything I could do to prevent this? Is bottom watering a good method to prevent this problem?
You could try spraying them with a clear sealant before putting them on top of the soil. Bottom watering works for some people, but it's not the best idea. Succulents have shallow roots, and it's best to water from the top down.
I like the looks of top dressing however I do not do it simply because I prefer to feel the soil of my succulents to determine if they have dried out enough before I water.
Can I use crushed egg shell as top dressing for succulents?
Absolutely! It will also deter any snails from nibbling on them. Egg shell tea makes a great fertilizer, too.
can i use scoria or pumice for top dressing for cacti and succulents?
You can :)
Does top dressing work for cactus orchids or not a good idea?
Yes they do :)
Great information about top dressing.However won’t it prevent new growth.?
It doesn't prevent new growth :) Pups and stems are able to grow up through the top dressing. It's not glued down, so the plant can grow as much as it needs to.
Succulents and Sunshine Thanks for enlightening me.
If I add rocks in the bottom before the soil, can I still add the rocks on top too?
Rocks in the bottom of your pot actually don't increase drainage, since succulents have such shallow roots. If you decide to do that, though, you can definitely still add top dressing to the top of the soil.
I've seen beautiful arrangements with colored sand. Is sand ok for top dressing? I'd think it might hold water, so have to be careful about that... but overall... is sand ok to use?
It's best to use a grittier top dressing.
I love using too dressings...so much more to be creative with
It adds so much to your arrangements! 😊
Do you clean/ wash your top dressing before using? Or do you use straight out out the bag??
We get ours from Bonsai Jack, so we don't have to worry about any contaminants on or in it, so we use it straight out of the bag.
Learn more here:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-topdressing
So sand as a top dressing is not a good idea ? I have sand but after watching this video I'm considering changing my top dressing. I have a thin layer on top of my 3 succulents but I'm questioning myself whether I should change it or not.
I might consider changing it to something else. While sand will probably help keep dust from kicking up, it may keep the soil too wet if it's just normal beach sand.
Possible to link where I can get the tools shown in the video? They would make a great addition to the favourites I already have from your current link!
Sure! You can get them here:
www.amazon.com/shop/SucculentsandSunshine
Hi! Can you use pumice as top dressing?
Definitely!
I have bought a few and I don't know if I over water them. Because they don't last.
Take a look at this post for tips on how to help your succulents when they're not doing well:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-dying
What kind of succulent is that at 2:57? I have one that looks like it and have been trying to figure out what it is. Mine looks a little darker/less pink & red
Some kind of Echeveria
How do you check if the soil is completely dry before watering if you have a top dressing ?
You can insert a wooden skewer into the soil. If it comes out clean, the soil is dry :)
Great video Cassidy, never used top dressing only reason is how do you tell if the compost needs water. Sue UK
To Susan from another Susan: If you push aside a few pebbles, rocks or whatever your top dressing is, you can then put your finger into the soil to check for moisture. I hate doing this because the dirt gets under my finger nail, but we're washing our hands more frequently now so no biggie.
I bought one of those water/moist/pH readers you stick the two prongs in the soil and it tells you if your succulents are getting enough light or to much water
Great
I love the way top dressings look but I'm starting to have a problem with my succulents getting stem rot easier in pots that have top dressing. Would it be helpful to leave space between the rocks and the stem so it can breathe easier?
It's definitely worth a shot! Let us know how it works for you.
You could do that. It's possible the top dressing you're using is causing more water to stay trapped in the soil too.
I have seen a jar of painted gravel and glass at my hardware store in the garden section. I though it would act as a beautiful top dressing but I was concerned about the paint that had been used to color the gravel and glass. Can this type of top dressing be harmful to my succulents?
Yes that should be fine to use as a top dressing 🙂
When it's time to repot the arrangement how do you successfully take off the top dressing so most of it gets saved?
Usually we use top dressing that is cheap and don't save it when repotting. There have been times where tweezers were used to remove the top dressing, or just let it get mixed in with the soil when repotting. Hopefully that helps!
@@Succulentsandsunshine yes thank you
You are welcome!
Thanks for sharing! It's so pretty with a top dressing to make the arrangements complete. I'm so sad I'm unable to use it growing here in florida. We just have so much moisture around almost all year and the soil keeps moist for too long with rock. Is there any top dressing you have found works for ridiculously humid climates? I have literally tried everything and the only thing that works is a few orchid bark chips with perlite as my top dressing, but it makes a mess as you probably know..lol. I've been a grower of many plants for years now and this is the only thing I'm stumped on lately..lol you know about succulents a lot more than I do it seems. Lol
Something like pumice should be a good option. Crushed granite, lava rock, or most rock material should be good. I'd recommend something 1/4" in size, smaller and larger can keep the soil wet longer.
@@Succulentsandsunshine thanks I'll have to try it out again. Maybe I'll have some better luck. I've used river rock and crushed granite but that seems to just not do to well living here in florida.
@@Succulentsandsunshine thanks for your help!
@Stacy I agree; I live in SW Florida and I've tried pebbles and/or pumice rock as top dressing. Because of the humidity, and only watering when dry, my top watering did not go down to their roots, even after soaking and drainage from the bottom! I know this when after a few days and my echeveria wasn't doing well, that I pulled it from the pot and the roots were bunched and dry! The soil around it was wet though, beneath the pebbles, even after giving the pot a good couple of soakings. I know top dressing looks pretty, but I only use minimal to separate the leaves from the soil. Otherwise, my potted succulents stay out on my patio and they're doing fine. Even my pups are doing great!
I just started using them, pebbles with sand underneath on the advice of the garden center. Now I can’t tell when to water, HELP please? Also I was told not to water my cacti and succulents from Nov to April (I’m in WI). Is that true? I’ve never done that before!
Sarah Kalnajs - I use a piece of linguine, which I stick deeply in to test for moisture.
@@paulag.panzermd8239 What a great idea! I push some stones aside and put my finger into the soil. Cassidy recommends feeling the weight of the plant and pot and all when it is wet. Then heft it a day or two later to feel if it is lighter. Then again and again until it doesn't feel any lighter from day to day. That means it is a dry as it's going to get, and it's time for a soak.
I have a problem with the heft and see method because the rocks I use for top dressing makes the pot always seem heavy. Ps. I tried Perlite as a top dressing, but got the discoloration another commenter mentioned. It seems too light also, and it moves when one waters.
What would be the top dressing material
Please name a few of these organic material. I am from India.
You can use aquarium gravel, or anything similar as a top dressing. Here's some more information on that:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-topdressing
What's the easiest way to tell when your soil is completely dried out and ready for water? In the meantime, keep doing the great work you do!
This post can help answer that question 🙂
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-drysoilfaq
Plants in general, wait for the surface to dry and then wait another 5 days before watering again. For succulents, wait few more days than general plants after the surface is dry.
please share about propagating. i failed propagating my succulent many times :"""
Great suggestion! In the meantime, here is a post that can help you with your propagating:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-prop1
I love succulents so much. They are the only plant I can manage to keep alive. But my tuxedo cat loves to sit in my previous plants, and I’ve given up. I have cacti and others outside, away from my cat. He won’t let me have any plants.
Thank you , but does it helps preventing plants infected by any fungas and insects ...
No it doesn't help with fungus or insects. For help with insects this post can help:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-mealybugs
@@Succulentsandsunshine Thank you so much
If you ever through away succulents please give it to me like cuttings leaves or anything please give it to me thank you they are so expensive to me
This is more of a mulch layer than a top dress. A top dressing is when you top with compost or something for nutrients.
no you did not just recommend gluing rocks to plants... Geez louise
We don't, you probably misunderstood. We never glue top dressings to the arrangement.
If you listen to the first part Cassidy talks about how some pre made arrangements that you buy at a store, will have rocks glued on top to keep everything in place. She then says while she Doesn't recommend gluing your top soil onto your arrangement, It (meaning the top dressing without glue) is a good way to keep the soil from making a mess while you water.
Hope that helps clarify 🙂