Succulent Wreath - Living Art

Simple and Easy Creative Green Living Art

Looking for some ideas to increase green space? Then try this easy and simple succulent wreath project. Here I will share and explain how you can make a wreath making ideas for your own home or office, and what type of plants will grow well in it.

Living wreath or living art, can be hung inside to brighten a room or outside courtyard, atrium, patio, front entry or in the garden. They can be made with all sorts of plants and flowers. These one of kind living art are wonderful conversational pieces, and also easy to make for your friends and family.

Finding plants that fits your style shouldn’t be difficult. Look for plants that sprout roots quickly, such as ivies or low water, low maintenance succulents. Succulents are really easy plants to grow.

The important thing to keep in mind when choosing plants is that they should all have similar soil types, watering and sunlight requirements. Also, be sure to pick up potting soil that is appropriate for the type of plants you will be using. We used succulent cuttings for our project. Succulents come in many shapes and textures and make great living wreaths because they are so easy to care for and easy to grow. They don't take much water and you pretty much can't kill them even if you don’t have a green thumb!

For this project you will need the following materials:

• 1 wreath form or chicken wire
• Sphagnum Sheet Moss or Sphagnum Moss Cloth Roll
• Bucket for soaking moss
• Non-porous gloves (Tip: Be sure to wear non-porous gloves when working with the sphagnum moss, as its natural bacteria can irritate your skin.)
• Cactus and succulent potting mix
• Fine Gage Floral Wire
• Floral Pins
• Long Tweezers or Chopsticks
• Spray Bottle (optional)
• Plants (we used succulents because of low maintenance & low water use)

Step 1:

Wet your sphagnum moss. You can do this by soaking it in a bucket of water. Then wring it out so it's not dripping.

Step 2:

Cover the wreath frame/chicken wire with the sphagnum moss. The brown side of the moss should face up and the sides should overlap by at least 2 inches on both sides of the frame.

Step 3:

Pack lightly moistened potting soil (a spray bottle works well for moistening) into your moss covered wreath form. Dip the cut end of a succulent cutting into a rooting hormone. (Optional)

Step 4:

Use your long tweezers or chopsticks to poke holes in the soil. Place plants or cuttings into the holes and pack soil around them. Use the moss and floral pins or a length of floral wire to secure the small plants. Remember to space them out, and leave some room for your plants to grow.

Step5

Soak the finished wreath in a bucket or water with a hose to settle plants in place. The moss will soak most of the water and thereby keeping your succulents moist.

Tips:

• Prepare succulent cuttings by taking pieces of established plants a few days prior to building your wreath. The cuttings should be at least 3 inches long. Allow them to dry for a few days so that they can form a scab on the cut end.
• It's better to work with soil that's dry - the plants will insert more easily
• Place your succulent wreath in a sunny location. Fertilize every few weeks with 1/4-strength liquid fertilizer.
• Don't over water your wreath - especially in the beginning when roots are starting to form.
• Keep your wreath flat for at least 3 or 4 months so the roots will have a chance to take hold. Avoid placing the wreath in direct sun as the succulents may burn and it is best to hang on a partly shaded area.
• Your planted wreath should be allowed to dry completely between watering. When your wreath feels dry, soak it in some water for a few minutes and it will perk right back up.

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