How to Create and Plant a Beautiful Dish Garden with Succulents

Have you ever wanted to create a little green sanctuary right on your windowsill or patio table? A succulent dish garden is the perfect way to bring a bit of nature into your home without requiring a ton of effort.

These charming mini gardens are ideal for small spaces, add a touch of life and color, and are super easy to maintain.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from picking the right succulents to caring for your finished garden. Let’s get our hands dirty (in the fun way) and create something beautiful together!

What is a Dish Garden?

A dish garden is a mini garden planted in a shallow container or dish, perfect for showcasing a collection of plants in a small, curated space.

Think of it as a living arrangement that brings both calm and creativity into your home.

Unlike enclosed terrariums, dish gardens are open and versatile. Whether you’re decorating a sunny kitchen window or your favorite reading nook, these little gardens make a big statement.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s your simple checklist:

• A shallow container or decorative dish (anything from a vintage bowl to a sleek ceramic plate)
• Succulent or cactus soil mix
• A variety of succulents (go for a mix of colors, shapes, and heights)
• Small pebbles or gravel for drainage
• Gardening gloves (optional, but handy!)
• Decorative extras like moss, stones, or mini figurines (optional but so fun!)

Choosing the Right Succulents

This is where you can get creative! Mix and match textures and colors to suit your style. Here are some easy-care favorites:

• Echeveria: Pretty rosettes that come in lots of colors and sizes (small is best for dish gardens)
• Haworthia: Unique with its speckled or striped leaves (best for indoor arrangements)
• Jade Plant: Great for adding height
• Sedum or String of Pearls: Great for trailing over the edge of your dish
• Aloe: Adds a bold, modern vibe

Have fun selecting succulents that spark joy for you. Remember—it’s your personal garden so should suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Dish Garden Planting Guide

Don’t be intimidated by planting succulents in dish gardens or succulent bowls. THis is the fun part! Take your time. You can always move things around if you don’t love the way it’s turning out.

Step 1: Prep Your Container
If your dish doesn’t have a drainage hole, no worries! Just add a generous layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom.

Step 2: Add Your Soil
Scoop in your succulent or cactus soil, leaving an inch of space at the top.

Step 3: Arrange Your Succulents
Start with your largest or boldest succulent as the focal point, then tuck smaller ones around it. Play with heights and textures for a balanced look.

Step 4: Fill & Secure
Fill gaps with soil, gently press the plants in, and make sure they feel snug but not overcrowded.

Step 5: Add Your Personal Touch
Now for the fun part—top your dish with pebbles, moss, or any little decorative treasures you love, like these gnomes and garden signs, below!

Caring for Your Succulent Dish Garden

The beauty of succulents is how low-maintenance they are! Here’s how to keep your dish garden thriving:

• Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings (about every 2-3 weeks).
• Light: Bright, indirect light works best, but they can handle some direct sun too.
• Feeding: A light feed of diluted succulent fertilizer every couple of months will do.
• Pro tip: Resist the urge to overwater—your succulents will thank you!

Styling & Display Ideas

• Indoors: For a little touch of green, try your dish garden on a coffee table, a sunny windowsill, or even your bedside table.
• Outdoors: They make lovely patio table centerpieces or charming accents on a garden bench.
• Seasonal tip: Switch out decorative accents with the seasons—tiny pumpkins for fall, holiday ornaments, or summer shells.

I hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to create your own succulent dish garden! It’s such a rewarding project, and the best part is—there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Have fun, experiment with different looks, and let your creativity bloom.

I’d love to see your creations! Share your dish garden photos in the comments or tag me on social media so I can cheer you on.

Dish Garden Checklist

[ ] Shallow dish or container
[ ] Succulent or cactus soil mix
[ ] Variety of succulents
[ ] Pebbles or gravel
[ ] Decorative elements (optional)

Happy planting, friend! 🌿