applying adhesive to the pumpkin
Step 1: Coat with Adhesive
Start by covering the top of your pumpkin with a spray adhesive ($10, The Home Depot). Pick a pumpkin with a flat top; Cinderella pumpkins are a perfect shape for this project. This will help the moss stick.
Step 3: Attach Succulents
Group the three tallest succulents slightly to one side of the center, working your way out from the center. To attach succulent cuttings to the moss, use a hot glue gun ($16, Target) or a clear crafts gel kind of adhesive. Continue around the initial set of succulents with extra plants, packing them closely together. Start with hens-and-chicks and sedums if you’re unsure of what kind of succulents to use; both come in variants that stay small and give fascinating colors and textures.
Step 4: Finish Arrangement
With taller succulents placed closer to the pumpkin’s core and shorter ones oriented outward, try to create a mounded succulent pumpkin centerpiece. Because its trailing tendrils look finest draped over the edge of a container, burro’s tail succulents would make a perfect choice for the outer margins (or in this case, a pumpkin).
How long do pumpkins with succulents last?
Start with your largest succulent in the center of a huge pumpkin, attach the stem with a small amount of hot glue, and insert it into the moss.
Then, keep gluing your larger succulents into the moss as you work your way outward from the center.
Prioritize using your larger succulents before using the smaller hanging and filler succulents.
For a tiny pumpkin, I typically use a larger succulent as the focal point that is somewhat offset from the center, and then I add 2-3 smaller succulents to the sides.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Look for any areas where the hot glue is visible. If there is, cover the adhesive with little pieces of stretched moss to conceal it.
Succulent Pumpkin Care
However, they will thrive in a partially sunny, covered area with shade. Or indoors where they will be protected from the elements and enjoy some filtered light.
Then, spray the succulents with water at the base of the stem once a week to every other week.
The succulents will gradually begin to sprout roots into the moss; this is ideal because it will allow you to plant them later.
How Long Do Succulent Pumpkins Last?
Starting with a healthy pumpkin will ensure that the entire arrangement lasts at least two to three months. But I have seen pumpkins with succulent tops that lasted for almost a year!
You may see all of my favorite succulents to use on pumpkins on the free list below.
Can succulents be hot glued?
Your closest buddy while dealing with succulents in unconventional pots will also be floral glue. This glue from the Oasis brand cures rapidly and keeps succulents firmly in place. The support needed to keep a succulent in place is minimal. This is something you should have on hand whether you’re making a wreath or a planter out of driftwood.
Hot glue is another option that is equally as effective and affordable. Although I used to use this a lot for my crafts, I’ve found that the floral glue holds its shape better. However, if you already have it, go for it!
What about hot glue?
Actually, using hot glue on succulents is acceptable. On the location where the glue is, it does burn a tiny bit, but the rest of the plant is unaffected.
There are still spaces at the leaf nodes (where the leaves join to the stem) at the stem’s base where new roots can grow despite the bottom of the stem being completely covered in hot glue.
Even though it is now more challenging, your succulents may still send out roots at the end of the stem that, as they grow, may either push the hot glue off or just push up around it.
Crazy! But it’s possible. Your succulents will still grow successfully in either scenario.
Since floral adhesive tends to stick to succulents better, I prefer to use it.
Can succulents be grown in just rocks?
It should be obvious that succulents will thrive when planted in rocks given these circumstances. They drain very well and do not retain water, which eliminates the possibility of root rot. This does not include another component of soil, though, since all plants need nutrients.
Although succulents are not particularly hungry plants, they do need certain nutrients to grow. Other micronutrients like zinc or iron are needed in smaller levels, whereas macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are essential. The plant won’t grow at all or last very long without these nutrients.
By their very nature, rocks don’t release nutrients quickly enough to keep the plants alive. They are composed of minerals, but since they decompose so slowly over time, they are not appropriate for growing on their own. Additionally, they often don’t retain enough moisture, allowing the roots to quickly dry out after draining practically instantly.
Sadly, this means that succulents cannot thrive permanently without soil in rocks. If not given regular care, they may survive for several weeks or even months on the nutrients found in the stems and leaves.
Can wood chips be used to cultivate succulents?
Mulching succulents is a topic of some debate among fans of the plant. Some people advise against mulching in areas where succulents are cultivated because they claim it makes the soil far too damp for them. Others claim that sparingly applying fertilizer is acceptable as long as the succulents are grown in raised beds or on a slope.
Mulching succulent plants in the garden is harmless. Mulching has advantages for manes. However, there is no one solution that works for everyone, and whether or not to mulch succulents might vary depending on your temperature, the position in which they are planted, and the variety of succulents.
Is it possible to remove a piece of a succulent and replant it?
Because succulents are such hardy plants, you can actually plant a piece of one and it will develop into a new plant. It may sound like a horror film or the premise of an upcoming science fiction drama on Netflix, but it’s truly possible to regenerate something new from a severed limb. Even if one of its branches is cut off, they will still manage to survive.
Yes, you can prune or cut off a section of a succulent and plant it elsewhere. The clipped succulent piece will adapt to its new home and develop into a full-fledged succulent with the right growing circumstances.
If you want to learn more about pruning succulents, keep reading. It’s like getting numerous plants for the price of one if you get the technique down!
Need moss for succulents?
Sphagnum moss is a valuable planting accessory for succulents. Although it is frequently referred to as peat moss, that isn’t what you need. Dead, decomposed moss is known as peat moss or sphagnum peat. Peat moss sacks for soil conditioning may have been visible to you. Long fiber sphagnum moss is the material we are interested in for our succulent plants.
Sphagnum moss varies in quality. Recently, I called six garden supply stores in a big city in search of long fiber sphagnum moss. No luck at all. At a big box store, I at last discovered a pitiful example of moss. It was a hideous brown color, loaded with sticks, and would only be useful if placed out of sight. I was quite aback by how challenging it was to locate attractive sphagnum moss.
Fresh Oregon sphagnum moss cut from a tree, packaged Oregon green moss, and sphagnum moss purchased from a big-box retailer, from left to right
Sphagnum moss uses Sphagnum moss attracts succulents because it quickly dries out after absorbing a lot of water. This enables the plants to receive the water they require without experiencing rotting problems. Sphagnum moss and succulents go well together in the following ways:
- Succulents can be planted without soil straight in sphagnum moss and grow there. In wall planters where the weight of the soil might be an issue, in terrariums, in wreaths, or anywhere else where the use of soil presents a challenge, soilless planting using moss can be employed. One thing to keep in mind is that sphagnum moss dries out more quickly than soil, so it might need to be watered more frequently and fertilized every now and then.
- Form Building – You will always end up lining the form with sphagnum moss whenever you have a frame (like the wire chicken planter I made earlier). This is evident in succulent topiaries and wreaths. The frame is covered with a thick layer of soggy moss, which is then filled with dirt.
- Secure Plants – Planting in vertical areas offers a challenge because the plants tend to want to fall before their roots are set (such as the cracks in a rock wall or containers). To keep the succulent in place, you can cram moss into the area around its roots.
- Three factors are crucial for soil conditioning: nourishment, drainage, and moisture retention. All of these qualities of soil are improved by sphagnum moss.
- A tuft of fluffy, green sphagnum moss that hangs down the side of the container or pokes out between the succulent plants might serve as the finishing touch to your planting.
A Word About the Sphagnum Moss in Oregon Despite not being actual sphagnum moss, Oregon Green Moss is marketed as such. It shares crucial traits with true Sphagnum moss (absorbs water directly through its leaves and stores the water in the cellular tissue). Numerous individuals, florists, and nurseries employ Oregon Sphagnum Moss for the aforementioned purposes.
Additionally, moss is not living unless you are gathering it directly from the wild. It’s either decorated with it or
will not maintain its green status. Usually, even the lovely green moss starts to turn brown over time and exposure to sunshine. Other colored decorative mosses, whether pink, lime green, or another color, are just ornamental but won’t fade.
Step 1: Insert foam, and fill in empty spaces with moss.
You’ll see that I didn’t use all of the desert foam in the container. Instead, I filled in the gaps with moss and angled the stems of my succulent plants into the foam.
This green Spanish moss was picked because it doesn’t compete with the vibrant artificial succulents.
Step 3: Insert faux succulent stems into foam bricks.
I used wire cutters to trim the stems of the succulents so that they were flush with the foam foundation. Try alternating hues (reds, greens, and blues) and styles for greater aesthetic appeal (cascading versus upright).
Based on the succulents and planter you select, the finished item will resemble this…
Here is how the succulent arrangement currently appears in my living room:
Selecting Succulents
Succulents are a ton of fun to mix and match in your favorite container because they come in such a wide variety of wonderful forms, sizes, and colors. We began with two Desert Escapesix-packs, each of which had a unique combination of plants.
Did you know that the thick, fleshy leaves that succulents utilize to retain moisture in arid regions are what give them their name?
What is Desert Escape?
The professionals at Costa Farms put developed a unique selection of cacti and succulents called Desert Escape. These kinds were all picked for their attractiveness and toughness. Although Desert Escape plants come in a range of sizes, tabletop containers work best with the smaller varieties.
Although succulents can be found all over the world, the majority of cultivated varieties originate in Africa and South America.
Getting Started
A succulent dish is quite simple to make. First, add potting soil to a sizable terra cotta dish. Succulents detest moist soil, so search for a mixture that has perlite or sand to aid with drainage. Make a hole in the middle of the container, then insert your tallest succulent inside. We positioned a Flapjack kalanchoe in the middle of this area because it has a potential height range of 12 to 24 inches.
You don’t need to be concerned about an unplanned invasion or pandemic because succulents have relatively few insect or disease issues.
Tease the Roots
Some of your succulents may have a densely packed root ball when you remove them from their grower’s containers. Before placing the plant into the dirt, carefully separate the roots with your fingers. This will encourage them to put out new growth.
A succulent leaf that has been broken off can be rooted to grow a new plant. After allowing the leaf to heal for a few days, plant it in soil and watch it grow.
Mix Colors and Textures
There are little differences between working with annuals and perennials and succulents. Plants with contrasting colors and textures look best when together. Here, for instance, we combined the vibrant, spherical leaves of portulacaria with broad, flat-leaved succulents like echeveria.
Although not all succulents are cacti, cacti are succulents. Cacti are only defined as succulents having spines.
Space Properly
Despite the temptation to crowd your succulents together, it’s vital to provide each plant enough space to spread out as it matures. We gave the plants in our bowl a three-inch separation. This gives the container a polished appearance straight away while giving the plants room to grow.
Much like other plants, succulents also produce blooms. They may not bloom until they are fully developed, but they will ultimately bloom.
Water Thoroughly
After planting succulents, make sure to immediately water them. This aids in removing air pockets from around their roots and provides them with a much-needed drink following transplantation. Succulents appreciate watering whenever the soil seems dry to the touch after they’ve adjusted into their new place.
Succulents that are cold hardy can be grown in northern landscapes. Two examples are sedums and hens and chicks.
Wash Away Excess Soil
You could find some potting dirt stuck between the leaves of low-growing succulents like echeveria after planting them. Although the plant won’t be harmed, it won’t look good, so we advise spritzing the plant with water to clear away any extra soil that may be hiding between the leaves.
Succulents can be grown anywhere; you don’t need to live somewhere dry. As long as they receive enough sunlight and have proper drainage, these plants will thrive even in rainy areas.
Find the Sun
Sun worshipers are succulents. Therefore, it’s crucial to put your finished bowl in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Also keep in mind that most succulents cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so bring them inside and place them in a sunny area before the first frost.
Collecting succulents is very popular. Additionally, you have access to a nearly limitless variety of succulent species because they are found in over 60 different plant families. These incredible plants will keep you interested for life.
Watch it Grow
Your succulents will quickly fill in the spaces between one another as they develop. Just 7 weeks after planting, you can see how lush and beautiful the plants have grown in this picture. To help the plants develop more quickly, we didn’t take any additional measures. We only watered when the soil felt dry to the touch after leaving the container in the sunlight. We’ll bring the pot inside for the winter in the fall.
Because succulents come in such a wide range of forms, textures, and hues, it’s simple to create a distinctive design by combining various varieties to make a living tapestry.