It’s finally October and pumpkins are in abundance! Today I want to show you how to create your very own fall succulent pumpkin arrangement. This DIY project can be done in 5 quick steps. This is a beautiful idea that is wonderful as a gift or a Halloween decoration. This arrangement will last long enough to be your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Gather your supplies:
- Gloves
- Clear lacquer spray (I bought Rust-Oleum 2x Ultra Cover)
- Spray adhesive
- Glue gun and glue sticks.
- Pumpkin- A pumpkin that’s flatter on top works best. I decided on the pink Cinderella pumpkin
- Variety of succulents (Home Depot always has a great selection)
- Sheet or Sphagnum moss (Home Depot)
- Moss collection (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
- Feathers (Hobby Lobby)
- Decorative fall sprays (Hobby Lobby)
- Newspaper (I used brown craft paper)
- Clean off the pumpkin– Start by cleaning and wiping down the pumpkin with a mildly damp cloth. Let it dry for a couple of minutes.
2. Remove the stem– Cover your work area with newspaper. Either break off or cut the stem. You can save the pumpkin stem for this fun craft. Put on your gloves and spray the entire pumpkin with the clear lacquer spray. This does two things; it adds a beautiful sheen and also seals the pumpkin for a longer lasting time. Pay extra special attention to the area the stem was broken off at. Let the lacquer spray completely dry.
3. Attach the moss to the Pumpkin– Spray the entire top of the pumpkin with the spray adhesive. Allow it to dry for a bit. Before the spray adhesive dries completely (you want it tacky to the touch), softly press the sphagnum moss onto the top of the pumpkin, creating a layer ½ to 1 inch thick. Make sure the moss is anchored well to the pumpkin. If there are any areas that the moss is lifting go ahead and add some more adhesive.
4. “Plant” the succulents– Carefully turn one of your succulents upside down and gently remove it from the plastic container. It is wonderful if you get the roots but if you don’t that is still fine.
Make a little hole in the moss where you want to place the plant. I usually start a little off of the center. Apply a bit of hot glue to a succulent stem and tuck it into the hole you created. Lightly press it into the moss and then add the rest of your plants. I am using five different succulents, but use as many as you want.
5. Embellish your pumpkin arrangement– Hot glue the moss collection, feathers, and/or decorative fall sprays directly into the open areas of the moss. This adds more visual interest and texture. Turn the pumpkin as you work in order to assess bare spots. A lazy Susan is indispensable for this.
Other items you can use-
Pinecones
Stems of wheat
Acorns
Sticks
Holly
Berries
Magnolia leaves
Fall leaves
Care for your pumpkin
Mist the pumpkin succulent arrangement twice weekly with tap water. Make sure your moss is thoroughly moist. Don’t overwater…pooling water on top of the pumpkin will cause it to decompose rapidly. For best results, give it a healthy dose of morning sunlight to keep plants healthy.
After many weeks, the pumpkin will eventually start to decompose. When this happens, plant the entire arrangement in a large pot or directly into the ground. Do not let the succulents be exposed to freezing temperatures.
For more interesting fall posts check out these recent articles: