FALL DÉCOR FUN How to make a succulent topped pumpkin

When selecting plant material, utilize the container gardening principles of thriller, filler and spiller.

fun FALL DÉCOR

How to make a succulent topped pumpkin

STORY BY LUCY EDWARDS CHILTON COUNTY EXTENSION COORDINATOR

Ahot summer can bring about longings for fall. It’s an exciting time of year when weekends are filled with campfires, football and pumpkin spice. But let us not forget about the fall décor! One of the most used decorative items is the pumpkin. There are thousands of varieties available allowing one to mix, match and stack as they so desire. However, if you are looking for something a bit different as a centerpiece, or fun project, give a succulent topped pumpkin a try.

The first step is to select your pumpkin. Any size and color will work. Pumpkins with a flat top are often easier to work with, but succulents can truly be added to any size or shaped pumpkin. Do not carve or cut into the pumpkin. Using a hot glue gun, glue moss to the top of the pumpkin. Add as much or as little moss depending on preference. It can also drape down the sides. Spanish moss will create a wispy appearance. Other preserved mosses for consideration include reindeer moss, sheet moss, pole moss, and mood moss. Most of these are available online and at craft stores. Glue in sections by first fluffing the moss, then drizzle hot glue onto a portion of the pumpkin. Quickly stick the

If you are looking for something a bit different as a centerpiece, or fun project, give a succulent topped pumpkin a try.

moss on and hold until glue dries. Take caution not to burn fingertips. Continue this process until the entire top of the pumpkin is covered with moss.

Next, pick out a variety of succulents to decorate the pumpkin. When selecting plant material, utilize the container gardening principles of thriller, filler and spiller. Pick a succulent that is more vining, such as string-ofpearls (Curio rowleyanus) as your spiller. Choose a smaller, more compact plant as filler, like a stonecrop (Sedum species). Lastly, select the thriller, this will be the focal point of the pumpkin. Consider Echeveria species for their fleshy thick rosette leaves, some grow up to 12 inches tall and would be perfect for larger pumpkins. For large pumpkins, select 1-2 large or medium succulents, 3-4 medium to small succulents, and 5 small succulents for hanging off the edge. Smaller pumpkins only need 1-2 large, 1-2 medium and 2-3 small succulents. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut off all the succulents stems you are going to use. Leave approximately 1/4 of an inch to hot glue into the moss. For larger pumpkins, begin in the center with the largest succulents, place a dot of hot glue onto the

stem and stick into the moss. Hold in place until the glue is dry. Continue gluing the large succulents, working from the center outward. Then add the medium-sized filler. Finish with the smaller, hanging succulents tucking them under and between the medium and larger succulents. An alternative for hot glue is straight pins to secure the succulents onto the pumpkin. When arranging the succulents on smaller pumpkins, offset the larger succulent from the center as a focal point. Follow up with remaining medium and hanging succulents on the sides. To finish, inspect the pumpkin by rotating to check for visible glue. Cover these spots with portions of moss. After which, the succulent pumpkin is complete and ready to be displayed.

Care for your succulent pumpkin is relatively easy when placed in partial shade or indoors. Once a week spray succulent stems with water using a fine mist spray bottle. Over time the succulents will develop roots into the moss allowing for the top of the pumpkin to be cut off and planted later. A healthy pumpkin allows for the arrangement to last for 2-3 months. Possibly longer if the pumpkins cures from the inside out. Once you are ready to discard the pumpkin, cut the top of the pumpkin that contains the succulents off and plant into a well-drained soil. Avoid over watering the succulents when they are attached to the pumpkin and when planted. Succulents do not handle frost well either. Remember to protect them from damage by covering, if outside. Or bring them indoors during the winter months. Established succulents require watering once every 1 to 2 weeks. A good practice is to allow the soil to dry out between watering.

ADDITIONAL SUCCULENT CARE TIPS TO REMEMBER:

Succulents need a minimum of 4-6 hours a day of sunlight, rotate for best form, acclimate if moving to stronger light. When planning or repotting, select a well-drained and light soil, such as “cactus soil,” can add sand, perlite or pumice. These plants are not heavy feeders, requiring light or limited fertilizer applications just before spring growth starts. Containers must have holes to drain well. Regarding bugs, watch for mealybugs, scale, aphids, whiteflies, fungus gnats. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap, be vigilant and repot in new soil if insects are persistent.

Keeping a happy and healthy plant will reduce the chance of disease. Remove diseased plants from the pumpkin or container.

Enjoy creating the succulent pumpkin at home. Or join the Chilton County Extension office on Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. Cost is $10. Space is limited, contact the office at 205-280-6268 to register and for all your gardening questions.