Planting Bare Root Succulents: Step-by-Step GuideUpdated 10 months ago

Bare root plants are an easy and cheap way to expand your collection. However, for someone new to mail order succulents, they can appear riskier than they are. To plant your bare root plant, you'll need a container (optional), some gritty soil, and your plant.

How to Plant Bare Root Plants

1. Fill your pot or garden bed with gritty soil (For soil help, click here)

   

2. Inspect your plant thoroughly for pests and ensure the roots are a healthy, pale color
3. Dig a hole in your pot or garden bed, deep enough to totally bury the roots
4. Place your bare root plant, root side down, in the hole
5. Pour soil loosely over the roots until the hole is filled, and the soil is slightly mounded above the soil line

   
   

   

6. Gently press the mounded soil down around the roots

It’s that easy! If you’re having trouble, keep reading for a short troubleshooting guide.

1. My plant keeps falling over and uprooting itself!

To solve this, simply dig up your plant and repeat the steps above. However, dig a deeper hole than you did last time. Remember, it’s okay if part of the stem is buried too.

2. My potted plant keeps falling over, pot and all!

It sounds like you may need a larger pot. Most succulents prefer a pot that's wide and shallow, but some plants like deeper pots to accommodate a tap root. Be sure to research your plant before buying a pot, to ensure potting success.

3. My bare root plants keep rotting!

This may be more of an issue with your soil and watering habits, than with your planting technique. Be sure to water only when your plant looks thirsty (wrinkly leaves are a dead giveaway) and be sure to use gritty soil. It may be worth mixing some perlite or pumice into the soil if you struggle with rot