Tips for growing your succulents in pots

Petra van Enselen of Krugersdorp writes: I have a wraparound stoep and would like to add to the rustic feel with potted succulents. Would they work? 

John Sauer of Ngena Succulents replies: They certainly would if placed in a position that receives lots of bright light and, of course, some sun, although that is not essential. You may need to rearrange the pots according to the changing winter and summer light. To match the look, consider using terracotta or earthenware pots.

I like arrangements of three pots containing the same succulent variety, such as spekboom, aloes, especially hybrids like ‘Pink Blush’ and agaves like the ornamental artichoke agave (Agave parryi) or the dwarf butterfly agave (Agave potatorum ‘Kichiokan’). The extra-large Echeverias such as ‘Afterglow’ or ‘Giant Blue Curls’ also work well.