Pebbles, sand, and rocks are all common "top dressings"--that is, materials spread on top of the exposed soil in a potted plant. In addition to making an arrangement more colorful and decorative, top dressings have the practical effect of making plants easier to water, keeping moisture in, and preventing leaves from touching wet soil, which can lead to rot.
But conventional top dressings can go for as much as $5-$15 for a tiny bag! So in this post I thought I'd share some of the top dressing "hacks" I've discovered through other succ-ers' recommendations, as well as my own experimentation.
The first place to look is in your very own kitchen! Small objects with interesting textures make the best soil covers. As you can see in the picture to the left, I've combined raw peanuts with an aloe seedling. Be sure to use unsalted peanuts, since salt will change the ph level in the soil and can actually kill a plant.
But conventional top dressings can go for as much as $5-$15 for a tiny bag! So in this post I thought I'd share some of the top dressing "hacks" I've discovered through other succ-ers' recommendations, as well as my own experimentation.
The first place to look is in your very own kitchen! Small objects with interesting textures make the best soil covers. As you can see in the picture to the left, I've combined raw peanuts with an aloe seedling. Be sure to use unsalted peanuts, since salt will change the ph level in the soil and can actually kill a plant.
In addition to peanuts, I've experimented with wasabi peas (successful, and makes for some fabulous color combinations--just be sure to get the msg-free kind, which you can find at Trader Joe's), water chestnuts (which look cool but tend to decompose within a few weeks), M&Ms (yellow ones look especially nice, and the candy shell keeps the M&Ms in tact, so no worries about melting), and chia seeds (which were fabulous until the second watering, when the seeds began to sprout).
As you can see in the picture to the right, larger items can work as well--the key is to make them bold and bright. For this composition, I've chosen kumquats. I made this back in October because I thought the bright orange gave the aeoniums an autumnal feel. The kumquats don't decompose because being placed directly on soil causes them to "chlorophate," meaning that they retain their shape, smell, and color.
As you can see in the picture to the right, larger items can work as well--the key is to make them bold and bright. For this composition, I've chosen kumquats. I made this back in October because I thought the bright orange gave the aeoniums an autumnal feel. The kumquats don't decompose because being placed directly on soil causes them to "chlorophate," meaning that they retain their shape, smell, and color.
You might recognize this next plant from my last post, where I mentioned that it was labeled as "Euphorbia sp." I've come to suspect that this was a mislabeling, since it does not seem to contain the trademark milky white "sap" for which euphorbias are known.
In any case, though, it's a lovely plant, and I think it's made even lovelier by the addition of discarded pharmaceutical pills. Because I didn't know if the chemicals would harm the plants, I didn't place the pills directly on the soil. Instead, I first sprinkled a layer of conventional jade pebbles. Then I scattered random expired pills on top of the pebbles. The result may not be for everyone, but I think it's both colorful and whimsical!
In any case, though, it's a lovely plant, and I think it's made even lovelier by the addition of discarded pharmaceutical pills. Because I didn't know if the chemicals would harm the plants, I didn't place the pills directly on the soil. Instead, I first sprinkled a layer of conventional jade pebbles. Then I scattered random expired pills on top of the pebbles. The result may not be for everyone, but I think it's both colorful and whimsical!
I know this next suggestion is going to be a little environmentally controversial, but I'm going to put it out there anyway: plastic wrap. Not saran wrap--I'm not suggesting you go out and buy plastic specifically for top dressing; that would be wasteful. Instead, whenever you order anything from Amazon, just save the plastic insulation that comes with it.
And I know what you're thinking: but I'm supposed to recycle! Yes, sure, I know. But you can think of this as a form of recycling. The only caveat I should mention is that water runs off of the plastic, so to water plants with plastic top dressing, just lift up the plastic, water, and put the plastic back on.
And I know what you're thinking: but I'm supposed to recycle! Yes, sure, I know. But you can think of this as a form of recycling. The only caveat I should mention is that water runs off of the plastic, so to water plants with plastic top dressing, just lift up the plastic, water, and put the plastic back on.
This last one is going to strike you as a little weird, and perhaps even a little gross, but hear me out, succ-ers--not only does this work, but it's good for your plants. If you have a dog or a cat and feed them hard kibble, take just a small handful and spread it atop the soil of any potted plant. It has kind of a cool texture, and an effect similar to lava rock--but I haven't gotten to the best part yet.
Most high-quality dry pet food is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to keep our furry friends healthy. Water helps these vitamins and minerals act as fertilizer.
Most high-quality dry pet food is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to keep our furry friends healthy. Water helps these vitamins and minerals act as fertilizer.
After multiple waterings, the kibble will begin to soften and decompose. It may look a little gross at first, but over time and multiple waterings, it will turn lighter in color and form an attractive "crust" over the top.
The picture to the left is the same plant and the same kibble top dressing from the picture above, taken after six weeks of once-weekly waterings. To achieve the clay-brown hue you see in this composition, I prefer to use Iams. If available, choose a low-sodium variety with mineral supplements. (It's healthier for your pets, too!)
The picture to the left is the same plant and the same kibble top dressing from the picture above, taken after six weeks of once-weekly waterings. To achieve the clay-brown hue you see in this composition, I prefer to use Iams. If available, choose a low-sodium variety with mineral supplements. (It's healthier for your pets, too!)
So what do you think, succ-ers? Have you ever tried any of these creative top dressings? Maybe you have some suggestions of your own? Did you read this all the way through without remembering that it's April Fool's Day? Haha!! Gotcha!
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