Step-by-step succulent wreath

Imagine having this beautiful succulent wreath hanging on your front door to welcome guests this Christmas! SOPHIE THOMSON shows how easy it is to make

Ilove succulents. They are so easy to grow and it’s a lot of fun planting them in interesting containers and using them in creative projects. have a lot of succulents planted in terracotta pots, and several growing in old recycled containers such as teapots, saucepans and pans with drainage holes in the bottom. I like using cuttings for creating art pieces too, whether it’s a succulent picture frame or a wreath.

While I love the look of a Christmas wreath made of fresh flowers, it doesn’t last long in my summer’s dry climate. A succulent wreath not only looks great, it also lasts for several years if you look after it. Even when it gets a bit overgrown, all you do is pull out the plants, cut them down to make new cuttings and start again. It’s the ultimate in plant recycling!

Succulents are quite forgiving if you forget to water them but, unlike when they are growing in pots, there is very little growing media in a succulent wreath, so you need to water them more often, especially during a hot, dry summer.

Here in South Australia, I sprinkle it with a hose daily and would even suggest dunking the whole thing in a large bucket of water once a week. Hold the wreath under water until all the bubbles stop, which means that the mix is saturated. Let it drain before hanging it up again. A wet wreath full of plants can be quite heavy, so get someone to help you lift it if you need to, or make a smaller one.

Think about where to hang your wreath. Avoid hanging it on an unsealed timber surface for extended periods, to prevent water damage, and find a protected spot when conditions get cold and frosty. If you make a large one, ensure you use a strong attachment point. Keep in mind too, that it takes about 3–4 weeks for succulent cuttings to take root, so get started early so your wreath is ready to hang this Christmas. Otherwise, it will make a beautiful table decoration.