A living succulent wreath is a unique, low-maintenance decorative piece that combines the appeal of a traditional wreath with the enduring qualities of drought-tolerant plants. Succulents store water in their dense, fleshy leaves, making the resulting wreath highly resilient and long-lasting. This circular arrangement provides a stunning, vibrant display that can be enjoyed for many seasons with minimal intervention. Creating one is a rewarding do-it-yourself project that results in a dynamic piece of living art.
Essential Materials and Preparation
The foundation of a successful living succulent wreath begins with selecting the correct base and preparing the plant material. The most common form is a wire frame filled with long-strand sphagnum moss, which acts as the growing medium due to its water retention and light weight. You can use pre-made moss forms or construct one by tightly wrapping sphagnum moss around a simple wire frame using floral wire. Thoroughly soak the dry sphagnum moss in water until it is fully saturated before beginning assembly, as dry moss is difficult to rehydrate once packed.
Use unrooted cuttings, not fully rooted plants, as they insert more easily and root directly into the moss base. You will need a significant quantity of cuttings, often around 60 small pieces depending on the wreath size and desired density. Before planting, remove the lower leaves to expose one to two inches of stem, and allow the cuttings to sit out for one to two days. This crucial step lets the cut end dry out and form a protective, hard layer known as a callus, which prevents rot and aids in root formation. Necessary supplies include sharp scissors for trimming, floral pins (greening pins) for securing the plants, and optional rooting hormone powder.
Constructing Your Succulent Wreath
The initial step is preparing the wreath base by ensuring the sphagnum moss is packed tightly and uniformly onto the frame. If using a separating wire frame, line the halves with wet moss, potentially adding a small amount of moist potting soil to enhance water retention. Secure the two halves together with floral wire or monofilament line. If using a solid moss form, ensure it is fully saturated with water. The goal is to create a firm, dense medium that will hold the cuttings securely.
With the base ready, plan your design layout by arranging the cuttings on the surface to visualize the final pattern. Consider the variety of colors, textures, and forms, placing larger rosettes as focal points and using smaller, trailing varieties to fill in gaps. Once satisfied, begin inserting the cuttings into the moss. Use a tool like a pencil or chopstick to gently poke a small hole into the moss where the stem will go.
Insert the calloused stem end of each cutting into the prepared hole, pushing it deep enough so the base sits flush against the moss surface. The stem must be fully enveloped by the moist sphagnum moss to encourage rooting. If a cutting feels loose, use a U-shaped floral pin to anchor it firmly, placing the pin over a lower leaf or stem and inserting it into the moss. Continue planting the cuttings densely to achieve a full, lush appearance where the moss base is barely visible. The wreath is complete once the entire visible surface is covered with secured cuttings.
Long-Term Care and Display
After assembly, the wreath must rest flat for an extended period to permit the cuttings to develop roots into the moss base. This rooting time typically requires the wreath to remain horizontal in a protected location for four to eight weeks before it can be safely hung vertically. During this initial phase, keep the wreath in bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh, direct sun which can scorch the unrooted plants.
Watering
Watering a succulent wreath differs from watering potted succulents because the moss medium dries out more quickly. The most effective technique is to soak the entire wreath base in a container of water for several minutes until the moss is fully saturated. Allow all excess water to drain away completely before returning the wreath to its location. The frequency depends on the climate and light exposure, but the moss should dry out completely between waterings, often every one to four weeks.
Display and Maintenance
When displayed, choose a location that receives bright light, such as morning sun or filtered light, as intense afternoon sun can cause leaf burn. Insufficient light may cause the plants to stretch and lose their compact shape. Non-hardy succulents must be brought indoors during freezing temperatures and placed near a bright window. Over time, you can prune any overgrown sections, using the trimmed pieces as new cuttings to refresh bare spots.