Hang tough

Elsie Booysen of Worcester writes

Is it possible to grow succulents successfully in hanging baskets and do they have specific needs?

John Sauer of Ngena Succulents

replies Succulents are excellent subjects for hanging baskets since they are hardier than other plants, need less frequent watering and are easy to care for. If you go away on holiday, they will survive even if the soil dries out for a week or two.

When composing a hanging basket, use one or two stand-out succulents such as Echeveria, Pachyveria or mini aloes as the feature plants, with fillers like trailing Sedums, Crassula and Oscularia that will cascade over the edge of the basket.

Most succulents are slow-growing and can be trimmed. They don’t mind being crowded together but if the basket gets too full, they can be separated, especially if ‘pups’ have grown from the mother plants.

I recommend using a deep wire basket lined with coir, which keeps the roots cool and allows the water to seep through. Use a good quality potting soil that drains well. To make it grittier and improve aeration, add horticultural vermiculite or perlite, which will not increase the weight of the basket.

Don’t add fertiliser as it will make the succulents grow too quickly and their colours may not be as intense.

The best position for a succulent hanging basket is on a patio that receives plenty of bright light or morning sun. Too much direct afternoon sun may scorch the plants.

Water the hanging basket only when the soil is dry. Drench the soil and allow the excess water to drain out. Don’t let the water sit on the leaves as the sun may scorch them, leaving unsightly water marks. The interval between watering depends on their position

(sun or shade) and time of year.

CONTACT Ngena Succulents, email john@ngena.africa