Succulent Exhibitionists

Indoor plants are considered to be part of the décor, so why not make them shine? Here are three ways to dazzle with a succulent:

String of bananas

Curio radicans, with its long-growing tendrils of mini banana-like leaves dangling down from the shelves and hanging planters, is the perfect succulent for a bright corner in your home. Keep away from pets though: these are toxic to animals.

What you need

• Tall glass vase
• Set of terrarium tools
• Gravel in different colours and sizes

1. Place a layer of the largest pebbles in the bottom of the vase – this will create a well, in case of overwatering.
2. Layer different colours of gravel, stopping approximately 5cm from the top of the vase.
3. Remove plants from their pots and tease off excess soil.
4. Place in the vase, allowing the plants to spill over the edge.
5. Carefully fill gaps with gravel.

Growing Tips

Provide bright shade and avoid overwatering.

Zebra plant succulent

Haworthiopsis fasciata is an exceptionally showy houseplant. It has attractive fat foliage with striking horizontal stripes, hence the common name of zebra plant, zebra haworthia or even zebra cactus. It’s a low-maintenance plant and can be grown outdoors or indoors. Because it has shallow roots, it can be grown in unique planters like tea cups, mini pots or cans.

What you need

• Shallow bowl (drill a drainage hole in the bottom if it does not already have one)
• 200g organic fertiliser, like Atlantic Bio Ocean
• Succulent potting mix
• Hand trowel
• Piece of terracotta pot or stones
• Gravel to decorate

1. Place the stones over the drainage hole.
2. Thoroughly mix one handful of fertiliser with six cups of succulent mix.
3. Cover the bottom of the bowl with this mix.
4. Remove the plants from their pots and tease off excess soil.
5. Place the plants at an angle in the bowl and fill in gaps with soil mix.
6. Decorate with gravel.

Growing Tip

This plant grows slowly so will not need repotting for a long time.

Mistletoe cactus

Rhipsalis cassutha (also known as Rhipsalis baccifera) is a must for any indoor plant enthusiast. It cascades beautifully, is easy to grow and likes to hang in a light spot.

What you need

• Raised planter or pot with stand
• Succulent soil mix
• 200g organic fertiliser, like Atlantic Bio Ocean
• Piece of terracotta pot or stones
• Hand trowel

1. Place the stones over the drainage hole of the pot.
2. Mix one handful of fertiliser with six cups of succulent mix and half fill the pot.
3. Remove the plant from its original container and place it in the pot.
4. Fill in with soil mix, stopping 1cm from the rim of the pot.

Growing Tips

Water moderately once a week on average and allow the soil to dry out between watering. If desired, you can prune your Rhipsalis cassutha when the stems get particularly long. Use a sharp, sterile blade to give the plant a trim at the joint of the stems. Wear gloves when you do this as the white sap that will leak out can be an irritant.