You’ll Love This Living Wreath

Succulents are all the rage and we get it. Why? One, they’re so pretty. And two, they’re so easy. You’ll also find many different beautiful shapes and colors in succulents, and they lend themselves to all kinds of displays.

One we especially like is the living succulent wreath. Want to make one? Here’s how…

Gather these materials:

• A wire wreath frame. The bigger it is, the more plants you’ll need. Just sayin’.
• Sphagnum moss
• Floral wire or fishing wire
• A pencil
• Floral pins or bobby pins or paper clips
• Rooting hormone if you’re using plant clippings
• Succulents. You can buy these rooted in little pots or you can use clippings from existing plants you have.

A word. Anderson’s has a beautiful selection of succulents that are shades of blues, greens and reds. Some have wide, plump leaves and some have little trailing leaves. Some look like flowers and some look like little pine trees. Be creative and have fun when you’re choosing your succulents!

If you’re using clippings, be sure you have a nice variety. Pull the bottom leaves off each stem near the bottom, then let them sit out for a few days. This will “harden” the stem ends allowing them to start growing again. (Bonus: Put the leaves you’ve pulled off cut-side down into soil and they will eventually grow into new plants!)

Onto assembling the wreath.

Soak your sphagnum moss in water until it has absorbed as much water as it can and is completely wet. Start stuffing your wreath frame with the moss from the back of the frame. Once it looks full, wrap the frame stuffed with moss with your floral wire to make sure it holds. Now flip your wreath frame and add another layer of moss to the front so the frame is completely covered. Then wrap it again with the floral wire.

Moving on to the plants. Create a right-sized hole in the moss to plant your little succulent. If you’re using a clipping, make a hole in the moss with your pencil, dip a stem in rooting hormone, and plant it. To be sure your plants stay where they’re supposed to until they root in (about three to six months), secure them with pins.

Be sure to leave a little room for the succulents to grow.

Watch how your wreath will fill out and be absolutely stunning!

Be sure to water it when the moss dries out; you can simply soak the whole wreath for a few minutes. Then hang it in a protected place or make it a centerpiece on your table. And enjoy your living wreath!

Love, Anderson’s.