Troughs and other planters make suitable containers for cacti and succulents.


Garden Troughs

Garden troughs have long been a favorite choice for permanent cacti and succulent gardens. These come in different shapes and sizes.

Sometimes, you can buy matching planter feet to fit under the trough you have selected.

Troughs are good for growing cacti and succulents because they are porous and airy, which helps to prevent root rot.


Concrete and Related Materials for Planters

If you’re looking for unusual containers, consider converting a concrete bird bath into a planter. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the basin.

Fill with a quick draining potting mix, and you’re ready to plant. Be aware that all concrete bird baths are not weatherproof. Ones without a protective finish could crack during typical hard winters.

There are other types of bird baths that would be suitable provided they are made weatherproof.

For use from spring until winter arrives, there are a number of aggregate planters that would be suitable for succulents that you are growing as annuals. Examples would include portulaca or moss rose. Aggregate planters are composed of a special concrete mix with crushed pebbles and stones added for a decorative touch. Available in earth tones as well as gray and black, these have a pebbly coarse texture that adds interest to the cacti and succulent garden. Aggregate planters are available in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Since these planters can be damaged by winter freezes, you’ll want to empty them, rinse, and store them away out of the cold.

Concrete has come a long way as a material for planters. There are many decorative ones now. I’ve seen some little square ones with decorative colors and finishes that were just delightful. These could be used for permanent plantings of cacti and succulents provided the concrete is weatherproof.

Bloom Master Planters

Bloom Master planters are great for seasonal plantings of cacti and succulents. Constructed of durable plastic, these have a series of holes up and down the sides for inserting plants. With the Bloom Master line of planters, all you do is fill the planter with potting soil. Unlike most hanging baskets, there is no need to use a coco basket liner or moss. For cacti and succulents, the Bloom Master pots provide good aeration so that there is less chance of root rot. These are especially suitable for cascading plants as the stems will eventually conceal the pot from view.