I love the fall. The colors. The flavors. The pumpkins. The wine. You name it!
There are two types of people in the fall, the people who decorate for the Christmas season on November 1, and the people who like to soak up the fall through Thanksgiving. Now that Halloween is over, I am ready to refresh any seasonal décor throughout my home with fresh fall foliage, branches, local eucalyptus, and pumpkins.
I love a good DIY project, especially with a glass of wine and friends. Can you relate? Today I am going to show you how to create a succulent pumpkin centerpiece using two different DIY methods. The first DIY method is a planted succulent pumpkin, and the second style is a glued succulent pumpkin. From Cinderella and Ghost Pumpkins to Jarrahdale and Tiger Stripe, there are various styles of unique pumpkins to pick out at your local farm stand. I choose a Jarrahdale pumpkin for the first project and a Ghost pumpkin for the second DIY project, with an assortment of small succulents.
Planted Succulent Pumpkin Materials
Sharp Knife
Large Spoon
Pumpkin of your choosing
Variety of Succulents*
Moss*
Water [Spray bottle preferred]
*The required amount of succulents, cactus mix, and Spanish moss will depend on the size of your pumpkin.
Planted Succulent Pumpkin Directions
STEP 1 Cut a small hole at the top of the pumpkin. The opening should be smaller than the diameter of your succulent grouping.
STEP 2 Using a spoon, scoop out the pulp and seeds. Discard pulp and seeds.
STEP 3 Fill the pumpkin approximately ¾ of the way full of cactus mix.
STEP 4 Plant your succulents directly into the cactus mix. Use additional cactus mix as needed.
STEP 5 Using a handful of Spanish moss, stuff the moss in between the pumpkin and the succulent making sure to let pieces of moss hang out. Be as generous as you would like with the moss, it’s up to your creative eye!
STEP 6 Spritz your planted succulents with water and care for your new centerpiece as advised per your selected succulents.
After the holiday, or when your pumpkin begins to turn, remove your succulents and plant them in a new pot of your choice. Sharing a few beautiful pots for your succulents: Earth Fired Clay Dish with Saucer, Barnacle Round Shoulder Pot, Fiber Concrete Barrel Bowl.
Glued Succulent Pumpkin Materials
Hot Glue Gun & Glue
Pumpkin of your choosing
Variety of Succulents*
Moss*
Water [Spray bottle preferred]
*The required amount of succulents and moss will depend on the size of your pumpkin.
Glued Succulent Pumpkin Directions
STEP 1 Warm up your hot glue gun and pre-determine the amount of moss you would like to place on the top of the pumpkin.
STEP 2 Place a generous amount of glue on the top of the pumpkin, followed by the moss. Shake/tilt your pumpkin to the side to remove any loose moss.
STEP 3 Remove your succulents from their containers and carefully remove excess dirt, separating succulents as you feel fit for your pumpkin.
STEP 4 Using small dabs of hot glue, arrange and secure your succulents to the moss at the top of your pumpkin. Use additional moss to complete the look and fill any gaps.
STEP 5 Lightly spritz the succulents with water.
Whether you plant your succulents or glue them to your pumpkin, the end result is a gorgeous pumpkin you created! A succulent pumpkin centerpiece is a unique and beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table and a great gift for your family or friends to enjoy for the season.