DIY Succulent Indoor / Outdoor Centerpiece

A few weekends ago I decided to make my very first DIY centerpiece for our apartment. I believe every room should have at least one plant (real or fake) because they add color, texture and interest. Succulents are a great choice to use indoors because they're low maintenance (only need to be watered every couple weeks), they're full of texture and come in just about every shade of green imaginable. For my very first DIY centerpiece, I'm very happy with the results! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how I did it...

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1. Potting soil, 1 bag of Reindeer Moss, a handful of pebbles and/or shells

2. About 5 dried curly willow sticks

3. Container of your choice; the one I purchase is metal with a patina finish and it came with a fitted plastic liner inside (recommended if you're using live plants that will be watered).

4. Potted succulents - I purchased 5 varieties from IKEA for only $2.99 each. If you don't want to use live plants, there are some pretty great plastic succulents out there that look real.

PLANT THE SUCCULENTS & ADD MOSS

5. Fill the container with soil; depending on the shape of your container and number of plants, map out the placement each one, spacing them evenly. Scoop out small amount of soil and plant each succulent.

6. Once all succulents are planted, add more soil and spread evenly around to create an even surface.

7. Add the reindeer moss - a little goes a long way, so you don't need to use much. It has a sponge-like texture and is easy to mold around each succulent. 

8. Be sure to cover the surface evenly with moss so the soil isn't showing through.

 

ADD FINISHING TOUCHES

9. Strategically place a few shells, pebbles, etc. around the container, on top of the moss. I used seashells that I collected on the beach a few months ago and purchased a bag of flat tumbled stones.

- Break the curly willow in half or in thirds, depending how long each stick is, and place the top portion along the center of the planter. I used about 5 sticks and staggered their heights.

FINAL RESULT: A beautiful succulent centerpiece that can be placed on a dining table, cocktail table, or console. I took this photo of the centerpiece placed on my living room coffee table. Sometimes I set it on the center of my dining table or outside on our balcony - I love its versatility!

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IMAGE CREDITS: ALL TAKEN BY JULIE THIGPEN