We know the rule: Don’t plant anything outside in Colorado until after Mother’s Day unless you want it frozen by snow. Still, every April we get the urge to dig our hands in the dirt. This year we’re starting slow with an easy indoor succulent coffee table arrangement. We asked Diane Stahl—owner of Urban Roots, the funky-cool Denver garden shop dedicated to urban dwellers with limited space—how to do it.

1) Pot

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Succulents thrive in a shallower vessel, Stahl says. Try this 15-inch scalloped pie pan ($30 at Urban Roots) for a substantial size arrangement with a transitional aesthetic.

2) Plants

“The great thing about indoor succulents is that there are so many textures and colors,” Stahl says. In this arrangement: String of Pearls, Fish Hook, Pink Blush, Painted Beauty, Blue Chalky Fingers, and Dragon’s Blood ($5.50–$27 at Urban Roots).

3) Dirt

Succulents prefer a more porous soil. Mix potting soil and cactus soil for a happy plant.

4) Water and Sunlight

Succulents thrive in arid climates, which means they’re perfect for novices. Water twice a month and keep them in direct sunlight. “We use succulents for our clients who travel a lot because they don’t require a lot of attention,” says Stahl.

Urban Roots, 1000 Acoma St., 303-893-4064, urbanrootsdenver.com

This article was originally published in 5280 Home Spring 2013.
Cheryl Meyers
Cheryl Meyers
Cheryl Meyers is a contributing writer to 5280 Home, which means she gets to spend her days writing about Colorado’s most beautiful indoor spaces.