04/11/2021
The Not So Dirty (get it...no dirt?) Secret to Succulents in Moss(and why its one of my favorite ways to make creative gifts)
I get alot of questions about how my succulents in moss gifts/arrangements work. How are they watered? How do they grow? How long do they last? Doesn't hot glue hurt them?
I always include a care card with every succulent moss item, but I figured it was time for a little informational post 😁
Succulents are super easy to care for. They store water in their leaves therefore can go a long time without water. I always start with healthy, plump cuttings and leaf babies. That ensures that the plants will stay healthy and happy in moss for months before being transferred to soil.
The easiest way to kill succulents is by over watering them. Moss dries out quickly, allowing the succulents to get just enough water to the new roots without the risk of rot. To water succulents in moss, you lightly water the moss. I like to use a spray bottle with the nozzle held tight to the moss, so that I avoid misting or spraying the actual plant. Another perfect inexpensive tool is one of those baby snot suckers or syringe type medicine dispensers Both have small tips which allow you to get in-between plants, into the moss.
The cuttings/baby plants will start to root into the moss. I've added a few pictures to show roots forming in one of my premade lanterns. Roots will grow into AND outside of the moss. They kinda do their own thing 🤷♀️ But that's ok. You can let it go or tuck the roots into the moss.
Because succulents are slow growers, most moss arrangements will last a few months before they start to outgrow their moss and need to be transplanted into soil. Now we get to the glue part.
I use outdoor safe(therfore waterproof) hot glue to secure the cuttings to the moss. The glue does not hurt the cuttings. Roots will form and grow right around the glue. When ready to transplant, I cut the glue out of the moss and gently pull the hard glue off of the plant/roots. I've included a photo of a plant separated from the glue/moss section. I then place the plant in succulent soil and wait at least 3 days to water.
I love making moss ornaments because its so versatile! I can get creative with the items I use. Lanterns, wreaths, wine corks, wood slices...so many things can be used to create beautiful and colorful "plant art." And because they are so easy to care for, they make amazing gifts. Most of the plants that I use come from leafs that I've propagated (that's a whole different discussion topic lol) so I'm able to keep my prices WAY lower than any similar items you may see for sale online.
So...what do you do with your wreath/lantern/ornament once you remove and plant all your new succulents? Bring it back to me and I will happily refresh the moss and add new plants to it at special plant only pricing ❤ I can also remove and pot up your rooted succulents AND refresh your original item!
