March 3, 2014

Vertical Succulent Planter

DIY Vertical Planter

A few weeks ago I shared a round-up of awesome succulent projects with the promise that I'd get to my own tutorials asap. I'm super excited to share the first - a vertical (hanging) planter! It's insanely easy to put together, and much faster than the many other tutorials that have you building your own frames and boxes. At the end I've included a photo guide to the succulents I used. Happy Crafting!


You need:
  • Picture frame – frames with wider borders tend to work better. It needs to be at least as wide as the edge of your box.
  • Box base – I used a premade bamboo utensil organizer from Big Lots. The treated bamboo should hold up against the moisture of the soil, but you can definitely treat it with a sealant if you're worried.
  • Plastic coated chicken wire.
  • Gorilla Glue.
  • Scissors/wire cutters.
  • Pliers.
  • Succuents! A photo guide to the plants I used is available at the end of this post.
  • Succulent potting soil.
  • Moss. 
 
Step One

First, measure and cut a length of chicken wire that fits just inside the picture frame. This will then be secured with Gorilla Glue around the outside edge. Leave it to dry for at least three hours. *Note: Gorilla Glue is messy, impossible to remove from fingers, and will expand more than you expect. Use caution, use less than you think you’ll need, and protect your hands.



Step Two

After planning where each plant will go, cut out squares large enough to accommodate the roots (slightly smaller than the size of the container in which they came).



Step Three

Once you have made enough holes, you can place a sheet of moss along the inside of the wire – this will help prevent dirt and moisture loss. I secured the moss along the edges with green twist-ties, and then removed moss that was directly above the holes we created in the wire. 

Step Four

Next, fill the box about 2/3 of the way with soil. You should leave enough space to accommodate the roots and attached dirt of each plant. Then you can secure the photo frame to the top of the box with more Gorilla Glue. It’s important to weigh down the frame to ensure that it seals properly.


Step Five

After allowing the box to dry overnight, you can plant your succulents! Make sure to fill in any holes that do not have plants with dirt, and you can slip more moss under the wiring if needed.

DIY Vertical Planter

Step Six

You should give your plants plenty of time to spread their roots before hanging – at least two months, although it may take longer if you use succulent cuttings instead of already rooted plants. As you can see, not all of my cuttings took, and I’ll need to fill in the gaps with new plants. 
 
My favorite - Graptoveria Olivia

Graptosedum Vera Higgens beginning to blush in the post-rain sunlight

A final note: you should hang your vertical planter from the box, not from the frame. This can be done with standard hanging hardware, chains/rope attached with screws, etc. 


Succulent Guide

 photo graoliv_zps15722041.jpg       photo il_570xN471546327_h2du_zpsceb2747f.jpg
  Graptoveria Olivia                   Pachyveria Blue Pearl 

 photo succulent_zps9bcb75cc.jpg       photo IMAG1043_zps93b0f072.jpg
                                              Donkey Tail                       Anacamperos Rufescens 

 photo IMG_0461_zps0f825898.jpg       photo Sedum-clavatum_zps6074527e.jpg
   Echeveria Green Goddess                  Sedum Clavatum           
                                                             
 photo graptosedum_verahiggins_zpsf52fc545.jpg       photo sedum_nussbaumerianum1_zpsa07b3ce8.jpg
Graptosedum Vera Higgens       Sedum Nussbaumerianum



Some final advice:
  • Succulents are generally more fragile than other plants. Be gentle, and make sure to support the entire plant when transplanting them. 
  • If you do accidentally break off a leaf or two, don't toss it in the greenery bin. Succulents, unlike most plants, can be propagated, which basically means that new plants will grow from leaves and stems. You can find directions and photo tutorials on the propagation process from big names like Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens, but I've found that the tried and true advice from fellow bloggers has been the most helpful. 
  • Succulents need far less water than other plants, and over watering can lead to health problems. As a general rule of thumb, only water when the dirt is dry, which may take a few days to a few weeks depending on your climate. Hanging planters should be taken down for watering, and you should let it sit for a few hours to make sure the water has been absorbed before re-hanging.



Holy Cow! This project was featured on FOURTEEN blogs, which blows my mind and humbles my heart. Thank you to everyone who has been sharing/supporting - it seriously means the world to me. :) 







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42 comments:

  1. Hey... I've nominated you for a Liebster Award! If you'd like to participate visit my blog to check out all the rules and see how it works! www.suburbanhippiehomestead.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh wow thank you! I'd love to participate in the blogging fun. :)

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  2. I'm a nut for succulents and have been wanting to try these living walls forever! Please stop by and share at our link party going on right now, if you've not already.

    http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/03/link-it-or-lump-it-no-28.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I participate in Link it or Lump it every week! Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

      Delete
  3. Such a great tutorial, I've always wanted to try this. I love that you used a utensil holder for the box because the idea of building one was intimidating to me. I'm visiting from the Much Ado About Monday Linky on Huckleberry Love!

    Danielle @ Stickelberry

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  4. How great! I love this! I would love if you would please come share this at our MaMade blog hop! http://mommylikewhoa.com/2014/03/mamade-blog-hop-5/

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  5. I love it! Now I need to find a place to hang something like this. I can already see my husband rolling his eyes at me :-)

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    1. I thin they're great outdoors (patio, etc), but I really love the idea of hanging them inside - just need to find a room that's sunny enough :)

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  6. I want one but I don't think I can do it thanks for sharing you do good. Visiting from link'n blogs hop have a great day

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    1. Thanks Robin, I hope you have a great day too :)

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  7. These are really cute, I want to do it with my kids. The love making things and this definitely seems right down our ally :) Thank you for linking up to the MaMade Blog Hop

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    1. Awesome, I'm so glad to hear that! This is definitely a good one for kids because it's so simple. Hope you all have fun!

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  8. I LOVE, LOVE this project!! So cool! I pinned a bunch of these vertical planters for when we get a house (hopefully in the next couple of months), but couldn't find a good tutorial until now! Thank you so much for linking up at Thursday STYLE! Looking forward to some Anthro projects in April with ya :) Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Angela, and thanks for a great party! I'm super excited too!

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  9. Thanks for the great link on Craft Frenzy Friday! I will be featuring you on my Saturday Spotlight tomorrow morning! :o) Stop by, share and grab a featured button! http://pickledokra.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Oh man how exciting!! I am beyond honored. Thank you!

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  10. I wanted to let you know I will be featuring this beauty on Sunday at our link it or lump it party. I'll also be pinning to our pinterest board. Be sure to stop by and grab a feature button!

    http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/03/link-it-or-lump-it-party-no-29.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There aren't even words to describe how thrilled I am. Thank you!!

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  11. Wonderful project. I just bought some succulents yesterday that I plan to arrange this weekend. Love this idea! Thanks for linking up at Thursday STYLE!

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  12. This is so clever! what a great idea!! Thanks for sharing.
    Maddles, Maddles Made

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    1. Thank you Madeleine! and thanks for stopping by + taking the time to comment :) Comments like yours are always a great way to start the day!

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  13. This is very pretty. Also convenient for keeping the plants away from cats!

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    Replies
    1. That's a fabulous point Betsy! I bet it'll do a good job of keeping them away from kids too ;)

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  14. This is so great! Love, love it!

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  15. Hi there! Thank you so much for linking up to the Link It or Lump It Link Party! I adore vertical succulent planter. It's stunning! I have picked it as one of my features this week. Come on over and grab a button and link up again! http://www.twoityourself.com/2014/03/link-it-or-lump-it-link-party-28-plus.html#more
    Melissa

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    Replies
    1. I did, thank you! It's always an amazing feeling to be featured on another blog. :)

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  16. I heart this so flippin much! This would look so cute in my bathroom! Thanks so much for sharing! My friends and I started a lifestyle link party where we focus on interior design, health, fashion, beauty, and things we find inspirational! You'd be the perfect person to link up to our party, here's the url: http://www.frysauceandgrits.com/2014/03/beyoutiful-link-party-10.html

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    1. Awesome Courtney thanks for letting me know. I'll be sure to check it out. :)

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  17. I ABSOLUTELY love this Brittany! I've had my eye on vertical succulent planters since last spring and it was on my to do list back then. Maybe I can get around to this spring with your great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing at The Creative Connection!

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    1. Thanks Chelsea - I'm so glad you found it helpful :)

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  18. This is so amazing! I LOVE this idea and need to add it to my to do list. Thanks for sharing! Pinned :)

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  19. You've been featured at Link'n Blogs! The party goes live tonight at 10pm MST, so stop by to see your feature. Congrats! :)
    http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/03/linkn-blogs-16-giveaway.html

    xo
    Daniela

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  20. This is so awesome Brittany! I am sharing this on Google+ right now! :)

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    ReplyDelete
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