The recent interest in succulent plants has become a full-fledged passion for many and has led to some unexpected uses for them. We use succulents in quirky displays like frames and terrariums, planted in tree stumps, and crevices in walls. Why not include them in our Christmas decorations? Get ideas here for ornaments made with succulents.
Making DIY Succulent Ornaments
To plan for succulent Christmas ornaments, get your supplies ready ahead of time to make sure you have everything you’ll need. Some directions call for a casing to hold the succulent while others use wire to hold everything together.
Lightweight plastic ornaments are available with an open front and a flat bottom. The succulent tweezers come in handy when making this type, as it allows easier placement of succulents.
- Small, rooted succulents or cuttings
- Clear, light-weight casings to hang (flat bottom is preferable)
- Floral wire
- Picture hanging wire
- Sphagnum moss
Tools you’ll need include:
- Wire cutters
- Succulent pruners
- Scissors
- Succulent tweezers
Types of Succulent Christmas Decorations
- Wire-wrapped ornament: Start this one by soaking the moss. Once moistened, squeeze out excess water and wrap a strip of it generously around the bottom of the cutting or trimmed root of a succulent. Start under the leaves, continuing to wrap moss to the bottom, about 2 inches (5 cm.) down. Wrap with floral wire around the moss-covered bottom. Twist wire securely around the moss, first going down and then wrapping your way back up. Insert the hanger into moss.
- Succulent on casing: Choose casings that will hold a small succulent or cutting and remain light enough to hang from a tree branch. Fill the bottom of the casing with a few spoons of succulent soil. Spray the soil with artificial snow. Insert a small, reddish succulent or cutting into soil, facing forward (laying down is good for some cuttings). You can prop it up slightly with a small stone. Angelina or Dragon’s Blood sedums, one or both together, look great for this display.
- Wine cork ornament: Use a drill or Exacto knife to cut a hole into part of the cork. Add some moss and inset a succulent cutting. Attach a hanger. Air plants work great for this one.
Hooks for Succulent Christmas Ornaments
Twist floral wire pieces together and make a curved hook on top. Attach to ornaments so they will hang from the tree or anywhere else you choose to use them. You may also buy sets of decorative hooks.
You might add ribbon, twine, small balls, or pinecones along with other miniature Christmas figures or pieces inside the casing. Don’t overcrowd though, simple looks best.
These succulents will likely sprout roots during their performance as a decoration. Plant them into a small container with succulent soil when their chore is finished. Expect a long-lasting encore if you’ve carefully and gently located them as the focal point of the ornament.
Succulent plants and cuttings are tough, so even hot glue on them or a piece of wire through them may not deter their growth. Provide some filtered or bright light while they’re working as Christmas decorations. Use a squirt bottle or mister to water the succulents a few times while they’re in the decorations.