Succulent Pumpkin for Fall

This succulent pumpkin is one of my favorite fall decorations because not only is it so pretty, it’s so easy to make, lasts a really long time which means it will last all the way through the fall season. My mom came over to help me photograph it and along the way I was explaining to her how to make it. Low and behold, she went home and made a replica using succulent cuttings out of her garden! I love that she did that and now she has a fall decoration that will last her well through thanksgiving!

Step 1

The first thing you have to do is prep your pumpkin. The best and way to make your pumpkin last a few months is to clean them. The reason a pumpkin will start to break down and rot is the dirt that is left behind. If there is dirt on your pumpkin, that will cause bacteria to spread and eat at your pumpkin. So, when you buy your pumpkin, wash the pumkin in soap and water in your sink. Then, to ensure it is clean, wipe it down with a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach mixed with 1 quart of water. That will clean any last bacteria off your pumpkin.

Step 2

Gather the rest of your materials. Most of these supplies will last you for several pumpkins, so go ahead, make these pumpkins as hostess gifts, holiday gifts or as table settings if you use smaller pumpkins. You will need:

Preserved Moss
Spray Adhesive
Glue gun and glue sticks
Pumpkin (the flatter the top, the more succulents that you can fit. That’s why I love the Cinderella pumpkins)
Succulents – you can buy these from your local garden center, or use cuttings from your yard. Trim all succulents so the stem is free of dirt and approximately 1″-2″ long.

Step 3

Spray the top of your pumpkin with the spray adhesive. Easy as that.

Step 4

Cover the top of the pumpkin with an equal layer of the preserved moss.

Step 5

This is where the fun begins. Start placing your succulents on your pumpkin. Place the larger succulents towards the center of the pumpkin and work your way out from there. Use the glue gun to glue the cuttings to the moss. Once finished, you are done!

Taking care of your pumpkin

Mist your pumpkin about once a week. Over time the succulents will grow roots into the moss and establish itself. After the holidays, or when your pumpkin starts to go soft, you can cut the top off your pumpkin and plant it into the ground. The pumpkin will disinigrate and the succulents will grow.