Wreaths are one of the most common decorations for the holiday season. This year try something different and create living wreaths. Your indoor landscaping clients will be stunned by the unique beauty of these living wreaths.
Succulents are the perfect candidates for living wreaths. They do not require much water or soil to thrive. Their compact and rigid leaves stand up nicely on a wreath. The plants can be easily propagated and will grow a whole new plant from a single leaf. Succulent varietieshave a wide range of tones and textures that will work well together to make an interesting wreath. Varieties of Echeveria, Kalanchoe, and jade plants work well for living wreaths.
CONSTRUCTION
Plan a few days ahead and take small cuttings of the succulents you intend to use. Each cutting should be a small portion of the plant between one and two inches long. You will want to vary the size of your cuttings to add interest to the wreath. Take off the bottom few leaves and allow the cuttings to sit in the open air for a day or two. This forms a callous over the cut stem.
When you are ready, you can start with a pre made wreath filled with sphagnum moss, or you can fill a wire wreath form with sphagnum moss. For a moss filled wreath, soak the entire form in water and allow the excess water to run out. If you are making your own form, soak the moss and wring it out before you fill the wreath form.
Next lay out the succulents around the wreath in your desired pattern. Use a scissors to poke small holes and insert the stems into the wreath. You can use craft wire or floral pins to hold the succulents in place until roots develop. Make sure that the succulents are placed densely around the wreath, but don’t worry if a little moss is showing. It will be covered as the plants grow.
Cover the back of the wreath with plastic so you can hang it on a door or wall without worrying about the moisture causing damage such as rot or mold.
Your wreath will need plenty of sunshine. You can hang it in a window or sunny room. If you are located in a warm, climate you can hang the wreath outside. However, bring the wreath inside when temperatures drop below 55 degrees.
Care
To water the plants, soak the entire wreath in water and then allow it to drain. Tip the wreath to remove any water that may have settled into the plants leaves. Do not mist the wreath or allow water to sit in any rosette shaped plants. This could cause the plants to rot. The plants will not need water very often. If theleaves start to shrivel, this is a signthat your wreath is overdue for a watering.
A Festive Wreath
You can use festive succulents such as the green and red Echeveria ‘Lipstick’ to make a colorful holiday wreath. Wreaths with a variety of textures and colors will grow throughout the year and can be embellished so that they are appropriate for any season. Succulent wreaths are a fun new twist on a classic decoration.
What are your favorite succulents?
Sources
“Make a Succulent Wreath” Better Homes and Gardens. <http://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/make-a-succulent-wreath/#page=2>
“How to Make Succulent Wreaths” Guide to Houseplants. <http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/succulent-wreaths.html>
“DIY:Simple and Stunning Succulent Wreath” Pretty Prudent. <http://prudentbaby.com/2010/12/prudent-home/diy-simple-stunning-living-succulent-wreath-2/>
Image: “Succulent Wreath” The Greenery Nursery
