Succulent plants are unique and beautiful by themselves, but when you design a hanging succulent ball they shine with a rare light. The easy-to-grow plants are perfect for a succulent sphere and the project is relatively easy for craft enthusiasts. Once created, a ball of succulents will root and spread, creating a one-of-a-kind display that will last for years.
Why Make a Ball of Succulents?
DIY crafters are consistently challenging the rest of us with distinctive projects both in and outside the home. A succulent sphere is just one of the new endeavors involving this group of plants. We've seen succulents as part of roof and wall gardens, growing in old shoes, included in floral arrangements, and more. The plant's amazing adaptability makes them perfect for many interesting endeavors.
Who came up with the idea of a DIY succulent ball? It must have been one creative genius, but the fact of the matter is that the project is fairly easy and results in a disco ball effect of living plants. It would look amazing as part of a wedding décor or simply hang it around your patio or deck.
Succulents are used to living in poor conditions and will readily spread and root even under stressful circumstances. It’s because of these attributes and their diminutive size, you can subject them to various challenges and they will still thrive.
Beginning a DIY Succulent Ball
To start your own succulent sphere, you first need to make a frame. One way is to purchase two lightweight hanging baskets with coir. You wire them together with a piece of cardboard between them and plant on the exterior of the resulting circle.
Another way is to use lengths of heavy wire. Make four circles and wire these together to get the outline of a sphere. Then wrap poultry netting around the exterior to produce a planting frame. You are now ready to fill the frame with planting material and affix the succulents.
In order to keep the planter lightweight, push moistened sphagnum moss into the center of the coir planters. For those made with wire, line the inside with moss and fill the core with cactus soil. If necessary, use floral wire to keep the moss in place.
Before you can plant your succulents, they need to callus. Remove plants from their containers and brush off soil. Let plants callus in a dry area for at least a day. Poke holes in the moss and push in the succulents. Water the entire ball and hang.
It will take a few weeks for the succulents to root, but when they do the effect is truly amazing.