How to Make a Succulent Topiary Ball to Hang in Your Garden
Succulent cuttings are so simple to use in garden projects due to being tough and low-maintenance. While you can easily plant them in a hanging basket or regular pot, this topiary ball is sure to draw some attention.
You don't need a lot of supplies to get started, but make sure you have plenty of succulent cuttings on hand as even a small orb like this will take quite a few.
Here's the supplies you'll need:
- 4″ sphagnum moss ball
- Succulent cuttings (about 100 depending on the size of the form and the cuttings)
- Scissors
- Greening pins
- Optional: Floral glue
Start by soaking the ball in water. It's nearly impossible to work with dry. Just like with the succulent wreath, I used scissors to poke holes in the ball and then inserted the cuttings.
Since the ball was going to be hanging from day one these greening pins were my best friend! The ball would have come apart completely without them. You can either slide them around the cutting or poke them right through the stem and into the ball (which is what I prefer).
Succulents are durable in this way so they can handle it.
When you are making the topiary ball be sure to start at the bottom! Start by working on a table top surface and put as many cuttings on as you can. I was able to get almost half of the ball done while working on the table.
Once you get to a point where you can't turn the ball any more without having it rest on an area that has already been planted, find a place to hang it up. It's nice if you can move all around the ball as you work. I used a free standing wire shelving unit to hang mine and that worked really well.
When it comes to design, you can try to create patterns or lines with the succulents. Or, as I did here, just add them wherever you'd like in a freeform style.
My idea with this project was never have two of the same variety next to each other. I wanted everything to be scattered around rather than bunched together like I did on a succulent wreath I made a while ago.
I tried to keep a variety of colors too, not putting too many greens or pinks next to each other. Just keep adding succulents close together until the ball is completely covered. Then use a cute ribbon or rope and hang it up somewhere that lots of people will be able to admire your beautiful work!
This project is a lot of fun and a great way to use a lot of cuttings. You can hang it anywhere in your garden that gets bright indirect sunlight. As it grows, you might find that some of the succulents stretch out or lose some color. If they do stretch out, simply cut them off and plant them elsewhere.
Save Your Succulents With This Critical Watering Techinque And Look Like A Pro
A big part of keeping succulents healthy is providing them with the right environment. You'll want to pay attention to the soil they're in, how much sunlight they're getting, and most importantly, how often you're watering them. The method and frequency of watering succulents are critical to preventing rot while encouraging lots of new growth.
This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.