Make a Succulent Wreath

It's easy to mix succulents in an array of types and colors to craft an eye-pleasing tableau of textures and hues. Our step-by-step instructions start with a ready-made sphagnum moss wreath. You can also purchase a wire form and sphagnum moss liner separately.

Succulents are ideal for wreaths because they grow slowly. Top picks include sedum, Aeonium, Echeveria, Kalanchoe, mother of pearl plant, and jade plant.

Take cuttings of succulents a day or two prior to creating your wreath. Cut stem sections 1 to 2 inches long, removing lower leaves. Allow cuttings to sit overnight on a tray to let the cut ends callus (form a thin layer of cells).

Submerge a mesh-covered moss wreath form in water. Allow the form to sit in water until it's fully saturated. If you're filling your own wreath form with sphagnum peat moss, soak moss and wring it out prior to filling the form. Wear gloves when working with loose peat moss.

On a flat surface, lay out cuttings in the arrangement you want on your wreath. Aim for density. To create a spot for planting each stem, make a hole in the moss using a pointed object, such as a pair of scissors, a pencil, or a screwdriver.

Place a cutting into each hole. It's not necessary to dip cuttings in rooting hormone -- succulents root easily when the moss is kept moist. After planting, you'll see some moss between cuttings; as succulents grow, they'll hide the moss.

Insert pins, such as crafts clips or floral pins (available from a florist), to hold cuttings in place. This is especially important for wreaths that will hang. Cuttings will root along their stems, but until they do, the pins will keep them secure.

Test Garden Tip: After planting, keep the wreath out of direct sunlight for a week. Gradually increase light levels to full exposure. In the hottest Zones, protect plants from midday sun. Indoors, set your succulent wreath in a south-facing window, greenhouse, or garden room.

Hang your wreath using galvanized hardware to prevent rust. If you'll be displaying your wreath on a wooden surface, such as a door, consider covering the back of the wreath with plastic attached with crafts pins to protect the wood from moisture.

Test Garden Tip: Water your wreath when it feels dry -- every three to 10 weeks, depending on temperature and lighting. Soak the wreath in a container of water for at least one hour. Avoid misting or surface-spraying your wreath; this encourages shallow rooting, which weakens plants.