Not all succulent species depend on cultivation in soil. In their habitats, they have learned to perch on alternative supports to extract water and nutrients from the air or to collect them in leaf funnels. You can find out which succulents stand out here.
Which succulents can be grown without soil?
Soilless succulents, such as tillandsias, can be attached to various supports such as tiles, wooden blocks or stones. Undemanding cactus species such as Bishop's Hat, Greisenhaupt or Hedgehog Column Cactus can be cultivated in lime-free sand without soil. A daily water supply and appropriate fertilizer are important.
Epiphytic succulents do not depend on substrate
The succulent plant type includes a variety of exotic families and genera. Among them are various floral survivors that prefer life as epiphytes. A prime example of succulents without soil are bromeliads, such as the unique genus Tillandsia. You can attach these extravagant beauties to various surfaces. This is how it works:
- Attach small tillandsias to the tiles in the bathroom with a suction cup
- Place the plant on a stainless steel rod in a wooden block
- Fix succulent bromeliads to a stone with a special glue
A creative design variant is to tie stem-forming tillandsias on a branch. Nylon stockings cut into strips act as fastening material. With the help of a stemless species of Tillandsia, the Spanish moss (Tillandsia usenoides), the untying area can be decoratively concealed. Since Spanish moss is not classified as a succulent, a regular water supply is essential.
Spray with water daily
To ensure that succulents do not dry out without soil, the most important requirements are a humid location and daily spraying with lime-free water. From April to September, add a liquid succulent fertilizer to the spray water every 3 to 4 weeks.
Tip
Frugal cactus species such as the bishop's cap (Astrophytum myriostigma), the old man's head (Cephalocereus) or the hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus) are ideal for an indoor garden without soil. You can easily plant the desert cacti in lime-free sand, which you pour into a bowl or terrarium.
