What goes better than Pumpkins and Succulents? Really! Do you even have to think about it? I’m not sure anything screams Fall more than these gorgeous <and super simple> Pumpkin and Succulent planters.
Well, since we grow both Succulents and Pumpkins, they really are the perfect combination this time of year and they are so easy to make with just a few simple craft items. So perfect for Thanksgiving centerpieces, hostess gifts, wedding favors or just to sit around the house and enjoy yourself.
There are a lot of tutorials out there on how to creases these pretty planters and lots of different ideas on whether or not to plant the succulent in moss on top of the whole pumpkin or to plant inside the pumpkin in soil. For these, I prefer to not cut into the pumpkin at all and rather “plant” the Succulents in the moss that is layered on top of the pumpkin.
<Scroll to the bottom for a quick instruction guide>
They will last for up to 2-3 months and when the pumpkin has no more life in it, you simply remove the moss topper, succulents and all and plant in a planter or flower pot, using a good rich succulent soil. The roots will already be established in the moss and will continue to grow into the new soil and look amazing- I love that!
You can use any size or variety of pumpkins. I really prefer the mini pumpkins, even the micro pumpkins, but the large & colorful ornamental pumpkins make stunning arrangements. Just experiment and have fun.
The supply list is pretty simple…pumpkins, succulents, moss, spray adhesive, hot glue gun and glue sticks. That is all you need to create the perfect Fall centerpiece.
So let’s talk supply details. The spray adhesive will be for attaching the moss, in layers, to the top of the pumpkin. Any spray adhesive will work. You could also just use hot glue to adhere the moss; however, I like using a spray adhesive because it is more forgiving and easier on your fingers (and how many times have you been burned by the hot glue?!)
Now the moss— Sphagnum moss is a natural product, is long lasting and has excellent water holding capabilities. This is what I recommend using, especially if you plan to transplant your succulents later. However, I have seen other types of moss used.
Pumpkins come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. I get more bang for my buck when using the mini pumpkins because it doesn’t take as many succulents to make it look full. And I think the small succulent filled pumpkins look great adorning a desktop, kitchen counter, or side table. But, if you were using the arrangement for a large table or focal centerpiece, I would use a bigger variety pumpkin. If using a larger pumpkin you want to look for an ornamental pumpkin with a flat or inverted top.
And lastly, you need succulents. I use cuttings, with 1/4″ stem, first letting them air dry for a few days which allows them to form a callus end. If you cut and plant in the same day, the moisture from the plant stem could cause rot.
You can also purchase small succulent plants to use, which is especially helpful for your large center pieces. Be sure to take away and shake off all the dirt before placing in the moss.
So let’s get to the crafting. Spray the adhesive to the top of the pumpkin and place a layer of moss. Press down and hold to ensure it has adhered. Continue to spray adhesive and place more moss until it is built up 1/4″-1/2″ thick. I like to have a little moss trailing down the sides as well but you may want it neat and symmetrical. Just layer it to suit your taste.
I like to get an idea of how I want the plants arranged before I begin gluing them in place. Start with your larger and taller plants in the center and work your way to the outside. Then go back enough and add smaller filler plants to make a full arrangement. Also use draping succulent to line the outside edge. I like to use all green or neutral succulent for a natural arrangement but the bright and vibrant colored succulent look great too. Maybe even use a monochromatic look with a large orange pumpkin and orange succulent or a green pumpkin with green succulent. There is really no wrong way to arrange them as long as you like it!
Once you figure out a plan for the arrangement, use the end of a pencil or something similar to poke a hole in the moss then dab a little hot glue onto the end of the succulent and poke into the hole you made in the moss. Press down a little and hold until the glue sets. The hot glue will not damage the stem and the succulent will continue to grow and take root in the moss.
Continue to glue a variety of succulent in the moss and fill in blank areas with smaller succulent. Make it as full as you want. I like to stick to just a few succulent if I am using a micro pumpkin and 10-12 cutting for a mini pumpkin, depending on the size of your succulent cuttings.
After a day or two, give the moss a good spritz with a spray bottle and then continue to lightly spritz it using a spray bottle every week to week and a half and it should last a few months.
Succulent Pumpkin Arrangement
Equipment
- Hot Glue Gun
Materials
- Hot Glue Sticks
- Spray Adhesive
- Sphagnum Moss
- Variety of Succulent Cuttings or Plants leave stem 1/4" long
- Ornamental or Mini Pumpkins
Instructions
- Spray top of pumpkin with adhesive and layer the moss on top. Continue to spray and layer until moss is 1/4"-1/2" thick.
- Poke a hole into the moss where you want the plant to be placed.
- Dab hot glue all around the stem of your succulent and place in the hole in the moss and hold down until glue hardens.
- Continue gluing succulents in the moss until the arrangement is full.
- After a day or two, give the plants and moss a good spritz with a water bottle and continue to water every week to week and a half.
