Find the step-by-step process for ‘planting’ succulents to add some charm and whimsy. This fun technique allows you to embellish statues or figurines in a unique way, while creating a living arrangement that can last for months with minimal care, no green thumb required!
Happy Thursday!
I’m sharing a fun way to add some charm and whimsy to a statue or figurine. . .
with succulents!
This easy technique and method is similar to creating Succulent Pumpkins,
only instead of using a pumpkin with a short lifespan,
you use a statue or figurine made of resin, concrete or terra cotta,
as a long-lasting base for your succulents.
I found the inspiration for this project in an early spring 2020 issue of Country Gardens Magazine,
credited to designer Tenaya Lord of Round 2 Designs in Buffalo, Texas.
Similar to creating succulent pumpkins,
succulent cuttings are “planted” on a base of sphagnum moss.
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“Clover” the bunny, volunteered to be planted with succulents, moss and some lichen.
She’s made of a lightweight faux stone material with a painted finish resembling moss.
She hopped from a garden catalog several years ago and is unfortunately no longer available.
You’ll need some spaghnum moss or moss of choice for a foundation to “plant” your succulent cuttings.
Sphagnum moss will absorb and hold moisture which will help cuttings root.
Rather than using spray adhesive to attach the moss to delicate surface of a pumpkin,
I reached for a hot glue gun for a speedy and secure way to add the moss to the faux stone
surface of the rabbit sculpture.
I used a combination of succulents in pots I found at Lowe’s
and succulent cuttings I ordered online.
Using succulent cuttings is affordable as you can get a larger variety,
and they are easy to attach as they don’t have any roots.
I decided the bunny’s ears would be a good place to start.
Glue sphagnum moss in a ½ -1 inch layer to your statue of choice.
Lay your statue on side to work and trim your succulent stems if needed.
Apply a little glue on the base of the succulent to attach it to the moss, it doesn’t take much.
Alternatively, you could use a clear gel craft glue.
Succulents are very resilient and while the idea of using hot glue
on the base or tip of a root cutting seems cruel, it won’t harm them.
The advantage of using a hot glue over a craft glue is that it dries almost immediately.
When using pots of succulents, remove the dirt from the roots,
cutting away most of the root, while trying not to cringe. :)
For the larger rosette succulents,
I used a bamboo skewer to press the moss up into the glue rather than pressing down
on the top of the rosette and risk breaking off a leaf.
I added some bits of lichen to the bunny. . .
The lichen was some I collected and peeled off a tree that fell
and also used to make DIY Tree Bark Vases.
Succulents are more at risk from being over watered than under watered.
Your succulent statue or figurine will last months with some light misting once a week.
The cut ends heal and develop small aerial roots which absorb nutrients from the air.
In addition to a weekly mist of water, succulents require bright filtered light
(not direct sun where as they can sunburn) and good ventilation.
Succulents tend to prefer temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F.
Your succulent statue would be happy on a sun porch or by a window with filtered light
When the cuttings develop roots and begin to outgrow your sculpture,
you can gently remove the plants
and place them in a cactus/succulent soil medium.
Here is the opposite side of the bunny.
I’m a ‘more is more’ kinda girl, but I forced myself to show
some restraint and save some succulents for another project. :)
“Clover” is joining some woodland friends
at a table to welcome fall, HERE.
Find the steps to create DIY Succulent Pumpkins, HERE.
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Love this! I keep trying my luck at succulents and after round 2 I am getting better.
How clever!
Clover is very striking wearing her succulents so well. This is a fun project that my girls would love, they are into crafts and projects. Thanks so much for sharing, Mary. Happy Thursday!
Wow Mary, what a unique idea and Clara looks beautiful wearing her succulent jewelry! That is amazing that you used glue to secure the plants, so pretty!!
Clara looks fabulous all dressed up with the pretty succulents. Such a great idea Mary. Happy Thursday.❤️
Clara looks so adorable dressed in her greenery! Will definitely try this…have a few frogs that would look great in succulents! I love Country Gardens magazine and am so glad I had saved my issues. Just got out my fall ones for ideas…Peace
Love this and I have a bunny statue to try it on. Thanks for the inspiration!
Clover looks beautifully enhanced with succulents, Mary. I remember doing a pumpkin from your tutorial several years ago. This is another fun idea! Thank you and I’ll look forward to seeing Clara soon.
Mary, Clover looks both beautiful and elegant adorned with the pretty succulents. This would make such a gorgeous accent to any garden, porch, or table setting. Thank you so much for sharing this. I can’t wait to try my hand at it. Happy Thursday, sweet friend!
Love this idea, thanks for sharing!
This is such a fun idea! I love succulents and can’t wait to try it!
What a create and great way to grow succulents! I’m going to be in the lookout for a piece of garden statuary to do this with. Thanks for the links to the succulent cuttings!
Mary, Clover looks adorable planted with moss and succulents! Such a fun and easy project. I have a rooster statue that used to belong to my mother that I think I’ll plant. Thank you for the inspiration
So, so adorable! As if Clover could get any more adorable. I look forward to seeing how you nurture her with this brilliant way of planting her succulents.
So clever and the product links are incredibly helpful. Thank you.
Succulents are my fav!! I seen this in that magazine also! Need to try!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a neat idea! Thanks for the tutorial. I have several bunnies to choose from to do this. Thanks again!
Such a clever way to “feature” those unique plants, Mary!
So darn CUTE!
Another great idea and project Mary! Your creativity is so inspiring!!