These adorable pumpkins were popular last fall. We saw them at farmers markets and local shops. We were given a small palm sized pumpkin that was hollowed out and stuffed with succulents. It was adorable but only lasted for a week or so. We also found a larger pumpkin at a local farmers market that were made by attaching the succulents to a bed of Spanish moss that has been hot glued to the top of the pumpkin. That pumpkin is still intact and continues to have succulents growing on it!
We liked this alternative pumpkin so much that we decided to recreate them this season and give to friends as gifts. We were able to grow the pumpkins in our garden, but you can easily find similar ones at your local pumpkin patch. You can also use an artificial pumpkin.
Here is a list of items needed to make your succulent pumpkin.
- Pumpkin with flat top surface and minimal stem
- Clear Coat Spray (for preserving your pumpkin, if using a real one)
- Spanish moss (about 1 cup per pumpkin)
- A variety of succulents (either fresh or artificial)
- Scissors for cutting up succulents
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
You can find all of the project needs on our project materials page. Once you have gathered the items needed to create your pumpkin, assembling them is relatively easy. Follow these steps to create your pumpkin:
- Start by spraying your pumpkin with the clear coat spray to help preserve it if using a real pumpkin. This will help your pumpkin last throughout the season.
- While waiting for the hairspray to dry completely, prepare your succulents by cleaning the real ones or cutting apart the artificial ones.
- When the pumpkin is dry, start by spreading a handful of the spanish moss around the top of the pumpkin.
- Carefully run a bead of hot glue, about an inch from the stem, to secure the moss. Hold the moss in place until the glue cools and the moss is secured. You can always add more glue to reinforce, after all the plants have been assembled
- Begin by arranging the largest plants on the pumpkin. You will need to move them around until you find an arrangement that you like. Secure each with hot glue.
- Once the large succulents are in place, begin adding smaller ones to fill in the excess space on the moss. We typically like grouping the plants in odd numbers and allow space to see the moss through the gaps in between plants. Arrange the smaller plants before gluing them to make sure you like to placement. Once you like the arrangement, secure with glue.
- Remove all visible glue strings.
We’re always looking for a thoughtful hostess gift or a special gift that is easy to make. These pumpkins also make beautiful autumn accent pieces. Ours will go on the back porch coffee table, be added to the pumpkin collection on my side entrance and accessorize the fall décor in our family room. With luck, they will be enjoyed by all throughout the season.
In addition to home decor, we think these pumpkins, made in a variety of sizes and colors, would be wonderful centerpieces, table toppers and accent décor for a fall wedding or party. They could be added to the bar, placed on tables, and arranged throughout a venue to create a sophisticated uniform theme. How ever you choose to use them, these succulent pumpkins provide long lasting autumn charm.
