Rocks On Top of the Soil: Pros and Cons of Topdressing

Decorative rocks on top of succulent soil

Is it necessary to put rocks on top of the soil in a succulent planter. While rocks can be a decorative addition to a succulent garden, they aren’t necessary for the health of the plants.

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In general, succulents do not require rocks on top of the soil in order to thrive. Succulents are adapted to grow in a variety of environments, and in their natural habitats, they do not typically have decorative rocks on the soil. In fact, rocks can actually cause problems for succulents by preventing water from draining properly and leading to root rot.

Choosing to Use Rocks on Top of the Soil

Some gardeners choose to use stones on top of the soil in their succulent planters for the look. Rocks can add aesthetics to a succulent garden. They can also help to keep the soil in place. If you decide to use rocks in your succulent planter, be sure to choose small rocks that will not damage the plants. Avoid using rough-edged rocks, as these can harm the succulents.

It’s also important to remember that succulents don’t require a lot of water. Overwatering can be a common problem for these plants. When using rocks on top of the soil, be sure to water the plants carefully and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This will help to prevent root rot and other problems caused by excess moisture.

In conclusion, succulents don’t need rocks on top of the soil in order to thrive. While rocks can be a decorative addition to a succulent garden, they aren’t necessary for their health If you choose to use rocks in your succulent planter, be sure to use porous rocks and water the plants carefully to prevent problems.

Recommended Top Dressing

The linked product below is an ideal top dressing for succulents because the size of the rocks is very small and they are porous which allows oxygen to reach the soil and roots.

Small rounded smooth pebbles commonly used for topdressing succulent pots
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