---
title: "I understand that they shouldn’t decrease in size as they grow; I…"
description: "I understand that they shouldn’t decrease in size as they grow; I just don't know what to do differently. Any helpful tip would be appreciated."
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/hLLxyRGfK7nNrsmR8ANo7b"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Brooke"
published: "2025-03-01T14:26:54.236703Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Hg8R0Vwp5YjkktMCKZPIiaMEbhS-jz42JGTNKFkx_GY/UGerquV7SpeZDZ0Gy1Q18A.webp?size=large"
---

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# I understand that they shouldn’t decrease in size as they grow; I…

_Posted by Brooke on 2025-03-01_

I understand that they shouldn’t decrease in size as they grow; I just don't know what to do differently. Any helpful tip would be appreciated.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Hg8R0Vwp5YjkktMCKZPIiaMEbhS-jz42JGTNKFkx_GY/UGerquV7SpeZDZ0Gy1Q18A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Hg8R0Vwp5YjkktMCKZPIiaMEbhS-jz42JGTNKFkx_GY/tenwrYLST5auVmsG2UrW4A.webp?size=large)

## 18 comments

### KJM commented on 2025-03-01

Do those containers all have drain holes? If not they should be switched into containers with drain holes and the soil should be quite chunky like a cactus / succulent mix.

### KJM commented on 2025-03-01

I love the effect of Rock on the top of cactus / succulent pots.

### Brooke commented on 2025-03-01

The first photo doesn't have drainage holes. It has a layer of pebbles-moss-soil-pebbles. The second photo have drainage holes with the same mixture.

### Liv commented on 2025-03-01

I would steer clear of using moss and regular soil (without additives at least) for succulents as they retain too much moisture. It seems like you’re using a grow light, I do as well. I found mine stretched if the light wasn’t on long enough and/or wasn’t full spectrum and/or wasn’t bright enough. You could look at other lights, adding another one and/or just leaving it on for longer. I hope that helps!

### KJM commented on 2025-03-01

Pebbles on the bottom of a container without drain holes does not create drainage. It actually causes more problems regarding the water table in the pot. Eventually everything will die from root rot. Sorry to say that I think that pot should be changed.

### KJM commented on 2025-03-01

A couple years ago I read a lengthy article about the science of why rocks on the bottom of the pot are not useful. It made sense so I never use rocks in the bottom of any pot. Sometimes I put a piece of chipped terracotta over the hole just to keep it from clogging up but never a layer of gravel.

### Brooke commented on 2025-03-01

I am going to be honest I followed instructions on how to build this bc I don't know enough about succulents. I have been thinking about repotting bc I know they are not/look the healthiest.

### Qixer commented on 2025-03-01

Etiolation.

### Brooke commented on 2025-03-01

I'll look into better grow lights too. These are the smaller ones I have bc they started a lot smaller at the end of summer last year. Idk if this picture helps. I can't find a better one.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Hg8R0Vwp5YjkktMCKZPIiaMEbhS-jz42JGTNKFkx_GY/2LJX0UJLQ_uYFESAI5N1Iw.webp?size=large)

### KJM commented on 2025-03-01

When you build a terrarium you do put rocks on the bottom along with a layer of charcoal and sand but I don't know how to reconcile this with the information I read regarding gravel at the bottom of a pot. Obviously terrariums don't have drain holes so this is a conundrum.

#### Brooke replied on 2025-03-01

This was my thinking to build a terrarium and I'm hoping they are reaching for the light and not going to just die. It is growing little babies or whatever they are at the base. I'm just clueless and here for every suggestion on what is the best option.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Hg8R0Vwp5YjkktMCKZPIiaMEbhS-jz42JGTNKFkx_GY/ecnkLNDLQ3KdwDv0Wf_Osg.webp?size=large)

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