Make A Living Wreath

Living Wreath with Succulents

Several years back I took a few floral classes at the college. Amongst my days of learning the ropes on horticulture and design, I stumbled upon a beautiful concept. A living wreath.

A living wreath is a handmade wreath of an array of succulent plants and moss that you can hang on outdoors. Over time, the succulents spread along the moss as you train them to go where you want. Also, if you use chicks-and-hens you can spread the chicks in the open spaces until your wreath is full and flourishing!


Here are the essentials for your living wreath:

1. 1 metal or tree branch wreath (it needs to be sturdy) of whatever size you preffer
2. 1 bag of sphagnum moss
3. paddle wire
4. a bucket
5. 5-7 stationary succulents and 3-5 trailing succulents
6. hook and nail for it
7. hammer

Front view of living wreath.

Instructions

Start by laying your wreath on the ground preferably outside on the ground (Its gonna get a little messy!). 

Open your bag of sphagnum moss and place enough to cover the entire wreath plus some into a bucket of shallow water. Fill the bucket up half way below the moss top level. Press the moss down into the water to soak.

Start by placing small handfuls of moss evenly around your wreath. You want 1 1/2" to 2" sticking out from the top of the wreath all the way around. After you have done this, start by taking your succulents and placing them around your wreath. After placing each one down, place a small amount of moss over the roots. Design Tip: Larger succulents look great at the bottom of the wreath and to the left and right sides, smaller succulents look better at the top.  

After you have finished placing your succulents, get your paddle wire. Now, carefully life the wreath starting at the bottom side and wrap your wire around the wreath. Wrap the wire loosely enough to keep the moss in place, but not too tightly. When wrapping over the covered roots of your succulent wrap your wire loosely to keep it in place around it. If you wrap it around too tight over the roots, it may cut into the flesh of the roots which won't allow the plant to thrive. Continue around the wreath until you reach the bottom. 

Side view of living wreath.

After you have reached the bottom go around with the paddle wire one more time. This time, loosely wrap your wire around the wreath and sparingly. This is simply to secure any succulents from falling off if they are lose and to train trailing succulents. This is also your chance to secure any loose moss you may have missed.

Now for your final steps! Since your wreath has moss on it it will collect moisture in the air to help water your wreath in between waterings, but, if you live in an area that has no humidity like where I live here are a few tips on where to put your wreath. Although, if you live in an area that has humidity hanging your wreath where it can get a few hours of direct sun would be best.

Tip for non-humid areas: If you do not have a lot of humidity in your area, I suggest hanging your wreath somewhere out of direct sunlight but in bright light.  

Hammer your hook and nail where you would like your wreath and hang it. Now you are done!

Care for your wreath: Take a spray bottle and spray your wreath when it starts to look dry. Make sure to let the wreath dry out between watering it. You can also add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to your spray bottle to help give your wreath plant nutrients, but remember to label your spray bottle with the name of what you used and designating it for plant spraying only.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial on how to make this wonderful treasure for your home. Living wreaths are in season all year round! Enjoy.

Thanks for reading,

Rae