How to Make a Succulent Topped Pumpkin
Are you in search of a fall centerpiece for the thanksgiving table, a unique gift, or simply just a fun project to make? Try a succulent topped pumpkin!
I absolutely love succulents and I look forward to every year when Fall comes around because that means pumpkins are for sale everywhere, which means it’s time to make succulent topped pumpkins!
How to Make a Succulent Topped Pumpkin
Supplies needed:
Step 1: Choosing Your Pumpkin
Choose any size and colored pumpkin that you want to use.
I prefer to use pumpkins with a flat top because they are easier to work with, but you can definitely add succulents to any size or shape of pumpkin that you want.
Step 2: Adding the Moss
Use a hot glue gun and glue moss right on top of the pumpkin. Don’t carve the pumpkin, just add the moss right on top.
The only thing you will need to do to the pumpkin is cut off the stem if it is too long.
You can use any moss that you prefer, but I really like Super Moss Mountain Moss.
I’ve used other types of moss, but this moss looks the most realistic and it’s also easier to fluff, which makes it easier to work with.
As you hot glue on the moss, do it in sections because the hot glue dries fast.
So first, I get a portion of moss fluffed and ready to stick onto the pumpkin, then I drizzle hot glue onto a section of the pumpkin, then quickly stick on the moss and hold it down until the hot glue is dry.
Continue that process until the entire top of the pumpkin is covered with moss.
Step 3: Picking Out Your Succulents
Pick out a variety of succulents that you want to design your pumpkin with.
For a large pumpkin I will usually use 1-2 large succulents, 3-4 medium/small succulents, and 5 small succulents for hanging off the edge and filler.
For a small pumpkin, I use 1-2 large or medium succulents, and 2-3 small succulents.
Then use gardening shears or scissors and cut off all of the succulent stems, leaving only about 1/4 of an inch to hot glue into the moss.
CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE SUCCULENTS I USE HERE!
Step 4: Glue Succulents Onto Your Pumpkin
On a large pumpkin, begin in the center of the pumpkin with your largest succulent, place a dab of hot glue onto the stem and stick it into the moss.
Then hold it in place until the glue is dry.
Then continue gluing your largest succulents into the moss working your way from the center to the outside edges.
Use your larger succulents first and work your way down to the smaller hanging and filler succulents.
For a small pumpkin, I usually place my larger succulent just offset from the center as the focal point, then I add my 2-3 smaller succulents to the side.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Check to see if there are any spots where the hot glue shows. If there is, take small portions of stretched out moss and place it over the glue to hide it.
Then your succulent pumpkin is complete!
Succulent Pumpkin Care
You can put your succulent pumpkin anywhere you would like.
Although, they will do best in a shady covered area that gets partial sun. Or inside where they can receive some filtered light and be out of the weather.
Then once a week to every other week lightly spritz the succulents with water at the base of the stem.
Over time you’ll notice that the succulents will start to grow roots into the moss which is perfect because later on you’ll be able to plant them.
How Long Do Succulent Pumpkins Last?
If you start with a healthy pumpkin the entire arrangement should last a minimum of 2-3 months. But I have had succulent topped pumpkins last over 6 months!
THE BEST SUCCULENTS FOR DESIGNING YOUR PUMPKIN!
The free list below will show you all of my favorite succulents to use on pumpkins!
What to Do When the Pumpkin Gets Soft
As the pumpkin begins to get soft it is time to take the succulents off and plant them.
This is one of my favorite things about succulent topped pumpkins.
For months you will have a beautiful pumpkin centerpiece but then you get to plant the succulents!
There are a couple ways to go about planting the succulents.
- You can carefully remove the succulents from the moss and plant them in their own pot filled with a good quality succulent soil.
- You can remove the entire piece of moss from the pumpkin with all of the succulents attached and place the entire thing in a pot filled with succulent soil.
By the time you are taking the succulents off of the pumpkin and planting them, they should have already grown roots into the moss.
But every now and then a succulent will not root.
So you can still plant it and after about a month or so, gently tug at the succulent to see if it’s started to grow roots into the soil.
After you plant the succulents, do not water them for at least a few days.
When succulents are transplanted their roots get disturbed and they need to callous over before getting water which prevents the roots from rotting.
Also note that most succulents cannot tolerate frost, full sun, or too much water.
So be sure to keep them out of full sun and in a place where they won’t be damaged by frost. Then only water once every 1-2 weeks.
Have fun creating your succulent topped pumpkins! Remember there is no perfect way. It’s all about being creative and having fun!
If you want to buy a succulent pumpkin already made, check them out here!
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Thank you so much for the directions in making this. I did wonder if i needed to cut part of the pumpkin/gourd to place moss and succulents but was glad to see you use hot glue to attach everything on top. Again, that you for your wonderful directions.
Hi you’re very welcome!! I am so happy that it was helpful to you 🙂 I was confused about the same things before I started making them and so I was excited to write this post to help others!
Are those live succulent s. ?? If so how long do they last?
Your idea is adorable
Thank you! Yes they are real😊 They will last for at least 3 months, I’ve had some last over 6 months though! Once the pumpkin starts getting soft you can plant the succulents!
Do you have a good source for succulents? Love your instructions!
Hi there! I love to buy succulents from Mountain Crest Gardens online. They have a huge selection and have pretty good prices as well. I also like to search at my local nurseries. I just don’t recommend places like walmart and home depot for succulents unless it’s your only option. They don’t seem to be as healthy and seem to be more susceptible to pests.
What a nice Idea! It looks very good. I wish I will make the same. I want to grow pumpkin in my own garden. This article helps me a lot.
Keep up the good posting, Audrey.
Thanks
Hi there,
Thank you! Growing pumpkins and making succulent topped pumpkins is so fun. I wish you the best of luck! I am so happy to hear that this article has been helpful to you. Feel free to reach out anytime, I’d love to help in any way I can!
I’m definitely pinning this, I’m loving this idea. Your pictures are so pretty! Thank you so much for the great idea!
Thank you! They’re so fun to make! They’re the cutest gift or decoration 🙂
Do u know why the succulents would get mushy? Or leaves would fall off? Any recommendations? Love this BTW
Do u know why the succulents would get mushy? Or leaves would fall off? Any recommendations?
Love this BTW
Hi Anna, this sounds like they are getting overwatered. Too much water turns succulents to mush and the leaves easily fall off. I’d repot them into fresh succulent soil and make sure the container has good drainage 🙂 Sometimes they don’t come back from being overwatered but if it’s not too bad yet they might be okay!