Discover how to reshape succulent wreaths that have become overgrown and lost their original size and shape!
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Many of you may recall the delicious-looking wreath I crafted at the start of last year. After a few months, I’ve had some questions about what to do with the wreath when it starts to look overgrown. This article will provide tips on how to take care of your wreath and how to update it so it looks its best.
I created a wreath last year which I gave to my sister-in-law. I didn’t share the details online, but I think this would be the perfect opportunity to do so. I went to visit them in July and was able to assemble the wreath for her. It was a really enjoyable experience and it looks great even now. Here’s the wreath right after I finished it:
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They dwell in a region of California that is favorable for succulents, as it is neither too hot nor too cold. The wreath is kept in a spot that is shaded, providing it with some indirect sunlight during the day. Although it has become a bit stretched out and some of the plants are not as vibrant as they once were (the most vibrant succulents need plenty of light to maintain their hue), it has grown quite well. After a year of growth, this is what the wreath looks like now.
My sister-in-law successfully hydrated her wreath by leaving it out on the grass and allowing the sprinklers to moisten it. I tried the same technique and it was successful; however, the wreath did accumulate a few cobwebs and some mealybug damage, but both of these issues are relatively easy to repair.
After that, you can start adding new pieces of sphagnum moss and replanting the existing pieces. You can also add new plants and flowers to the wreath if you’d like. Once everything is in place, use a spray bottle to mist the wreath and give it a nice shine.
To update your wreath, start by soaking it with water. This will help to make the sphagnum moss more pliable and easier to work with. If desired, you can use a hose to remove any cobwebs or bugs from the plants. To get rid of mealybugs, spray alcohol on any infected areas. Additionally, pour some alcohol onto the wreath form itself to kill any unwanted pests. Then, you can add new pieces of sphagnum moss, as well as replant existing pieces. Additionally, you can also add new plants and flowers to the wreath. Finally, use a spray bottle to mist the wreath and give it a nice shine.
Subsequently, snip the succulents at a length of around one inch. They should still have some stem remaining in the wreath. If these are fresh cuttings, it is probable that they will generate new rosettes, making the wreath more lush with time. If feasible, leave some of the lower leaves on the stems, as they are more likely to produce new rosettes there. Ensure that the cuttings have a fair length of stem, as it will be easier to put them back into the wreath.
Instead of cutting away the plants that are close to the wreath and not fully grown, you can leave them be.
Allow the cuttings to dry out for a couple of days before using them. This will help prevent them from rotting. Once they are fully dry, rehydrate your wreath with water and use the pieces to build your wreath back up. Feel free to mix up the cuttings however you like!
As the wreath grows and new rosettes appear on the original stems, it will be exciting to observe the range of plants! If one looks closely, they can spot the random stems between the succulent cuttings. These stems with leaves on them blend in nicely and provide the wreath with a vibrant color and texture.
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The great thing about having a succulent wreath is that it will become even fuller and more lush with each passing year. Plus, it can keep its gorgeous appearance for many years! You can also choose to add new cuttings every year to add more variety and fun. I have to admit, making succulent wreaths is so enjoyable!
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Table of Contents
Caring for Succulent Wreaths in the Winter
Succulent wreaths make a wonderful decoration for your home and can easily be kept indoors during the winter, without much more effort than any other indoor arrangement.
If the succulents in your wreath are frost-resistant, you can leave it outdoors during the colder months. However, if they are not cold hardy and you experience freezing temperatures, you should bring the wreath indoors or somewhere warmer.
You should not store your succulent wreath in the garage unless it is heated, as the cold can be detrimental to its health. If you need to take it out of the cold, place the wreath in a room with plenty of sunlight.
If you see your wreath succulents starting to become leggy, you have the option of waiting until the end of winter to trim them back or providing them with additional artificial light to help them stay healthy.
In winter, succulents grow at a slower rate and require less water. Therefore, there’s no need to water them frequently. If you do need to water them, put the wreath in a basin of water and let it soak for five minutes, then let it drain before you hang it back up.
How to Care for a Succulent Wreath
I’m repeating myself, but the conditions in which you grow succulents have a major impact on how well they thrive. This guide should provide you with the necessary information to adjust your care methods to fit the climate where you live.
Watering
To water the wreath, submerge it in room temperature or slightly cold water for around five minutes. For the 13” wreath, this should be adequate. Do not use hot water.
The amount of times you need to water your wreath will vary depending on your location. When the sphagnum moss is dry, it’s time to add water. In my case, my wreath is placed on a north-facing door which gets some sunlight in the afternoon and can get quite hot. Generally, I water it 1-2 times a week, although it can be less if the weather is cooler.
If you are in an arid environment, take care to provide your plants with the right amount of water so as not to cause them to drown. In more moist or chilly areas, you likely only need to give them water every other week or so; just observe the conditions and water when the soil has dried out.
Sunlight
Ensure that your wreath gets adequate light so that the succulents do not stretch. Too much sunlight may make the wreath look unkempt quickly, so avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, particularly in the hottest part of the day.
If you want to keep your succulent wreath looking healthy, it is best to avoid strong, direct sunlight as this is the fastest way to damage the plants. For an example of what this might look like, you can view my post on sun-scorched succulents.
You may want to hang your wreath on a door that does not face south, as the sun can be strong in the summer and potentially cause the wreath to stretch. I have not experienced any stretching on my wreath, which hangs on a north facing door.
Longevity
A succulent wreath can last for an entire summer and won’t need much maintenance. It can be kept for many years with occasional pruning to keep its shape.
I’m confident the wreath will remain intact for some time, even if it gets overgrown. I can simply snip off the heads and start again, or even use the cuttings to make another wreath. This is the first summer I’ve had it, but I’m sure it will last much longer.
Winter
If you live in an area with cold winters, it is important to bring your wreath indoors. This will help avoid frost damage to the succulents. Keep the wreath in a sunny room and observe whether the succulents stretch. If they do, you can choose to wait until the end of winter and trim the heads off, or you can provide extra light with a grow light.
Some people have inquired about keeping succulent wreaths in the garage, but unless the garage is heated, the temperature could be too low for the succulents to thrive.
During the cold season, succulents grow at a slower rate and need less moisture, making it unnecessary to water them frequently.
I’ve found that my dehumidifier requires me to water the wreath every two weeks or so. To do this, I submerge it in a tub of water for roughly five minutes, then let it drain and hang it back up.
FAQ
Where do you hang a succulent wreath?
Bright light is ideal for wreaths with succulents, but it should be indirect light with no strong, direct sun. Direct morning sun is acceptable, but any hot, intense sun should be avoided. Succulents are especially sensitive to the sun and can burn easily, and the roots will dry out too quickly. To ensure the longevity of the wreath, it should be placed in an area with some kind of cover.
How long will a succulent wreath last?
Two to five years time frame.
How do you keep a moss wreath alive?
The moss used in the wreath has air pockets, which helps to protect the stems of the succulents from rotting due to the moisture. To water the wreath, simply submerge it in water for a few minutes. This ensures that the succulents have enough space to breathe.
What do you use for a succulent wreath?
Replacement: – Moist cuttings.
– Scissors or blades.
– Net-covered moss wreath base.
– Sharp item (scissors, pencil, or screwdriver)
– Craft clips or flower pins.
– Zinc-coated metal.