---
title: "I’ve noticed that some of yous put stones on the top of the soil, is…"
description: "I’ve noticed that some of yous put stones on the top of the soil, is there a purpose to this or is it purely for decoration. Just wondering as personally I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/VcmipD44DCzYH6txPyGHDR"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Bee"
published: "2026-07-27T17:00:20.690815Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/theCactusAndSucculentCircle.jpg"
---

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# I’ve noticed that some of yous put stones on the top of the soil, is…

_Posted by Bee on 2026-07-27_

I’ve noticed that some of yous put stones on the top of the soil, is there a purpose to this or is it purely for decoration. Just wondering as personally I think it looks better, but thought I’d ask before doing myself.

## 8 comments

### Beth commented on 2026-07-27

I do it for my outdoor potted plants to discourage weeds. I also think it helps with water retention. As hot as it’s been this summer my plants need all the help they can get! 🥵💧

### Casey and Maria commented on 2026-07-27

I sometimes do it to get rid of fungus gnats

### Katomarose commented on 2026-07-27

It's mostly for aesthetics. Just make sure its a topping stone. I've used pea gravel in the past and I've noticed it traps more moisture than using pumice, Maifan stone, or lava rock. There are other topping stones too, but I reccomend ones specifically for cacti and succulents rather than something like aquarium gravel or river rock. You want to moisture to evaporate.

### SuccySuccy commented on 2026-07-27

Yeah succulents hate getting their leaves wet so I’ll use succ/cacti specific rocks to create a nice attractive barrier that protects them.

#### JuicyCactussy replied on 2026-07-27

I am pretty sure that is a myth. They do get rain in the wild sometimes

#### SuccySuccy replied on 2026-07-27

Well indoor conditions ain’t the outside, are they?

#### SuccySuccy replied on 2026-07-27

While succulents don’t mind rain in nature, indoors water can sit on leaves and in rosettes much longer because there’s less sun and airflow. I mainly use a mineral top dressing to keep leaves off damp soil, reduce splashing, discourage fungus gnats, and because I like the look

### B - Ohio commented on 2026-08-10

To be decorative or under for a humidity tray sometimes, not sure it works to well since those plants are in the bathroom anyway where it's already more humid.

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