Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by teamobn
Want a green decor idea that will surely look stunning in your garden? This easy succulent ball project with succulents is one of our favourites!
Succulents are a type of plant that has thick, fleshy leaves or stems, which help them to store water. They are native to dry areas of the world, such as deserts, and are adapted to survive in harsh conditions.
Succulents are a popular choice for indoor plants, as they are easy to care for and require little water. There are many different types of succulents, with a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes.
There are many ways you can decorate your home with this plant, including the form of succulent balls. You can hang them to give life to an empty, lonely corner. Or you can also make a very large version and make it “stand” to decorate a part of your garden. Whichever way you choose to display them, they are sure to bring some life and colour into your home.
A succulent ball is a great way to add some life to your indoor space, especially if you live in a small apartment. These balls are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home. Not only do succulent balls add a splash of colour and life to your space, but they can also help purify the air.
These plants are perfect for those who want to improve their indoor air quality without having to put in a lot of effort.
See the different versions of this beautiful project in our gallery and be inspired to make your own! This project is a great way to add a personal touch to your home décor, and it’s also a perfect gift for a loved one.
Does your home need a small or a large succulent ball? 🙂
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Contents
Crafting Succulent Balls
Materials
- 2pcs – Wire Hanging Baskets
- Strong Wire or Chains
- Succulents (such as Sempervivum chicks)
- Potting Soil (Sunshine mix #4)
- Smaller Wire (for tying the two baskets)
- Plywood
- Toothpick
- Coco Liner
Tools
- Wire Cutter
Steps
First, you need to put a coco liner on each of the wire hanging baskets. In order to ensure your plants have the best chance to thrive, it is important to take some key preparatory steps. This includes putting a coco liner on each of the wire hanging baskets. This will help to retain moisture.
Next, be sure to fill the baskets with high-quality potting soil. This will ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. After putting potting soil in the baskets, join the 2 baskets together to make a sphere (ball) using the smaller wire. This will create a sturdy frame for your hanging planter.
Before you start planting into your sphere planter, create hanging hooks or chains using strong wires or chains. Make sure the hanging hook and chain will be able to carry the weight of the sphere planter when hanged.
This will ensure that your planter will stay put and not fall and break. If you’re unsure about the weight capacity of the hooks or chains you’re using, err on the side of caution and go for a stronger option. It’s better to be safe than sorry, after all.
Finally, once you have your sphere planter and coco liner ready, you can start planting your succulents. To do this, poke a hole in the coco liner with a toothpick for each plant. Make sure the holes are big enough for the plant’s roots to fit through. Gently press the plant into the hole to secure the plant. Repeat this process until all your plants are in the planter.
Thanks to Drought Smart Plant for this great project. You can get step-by-step instructions here…
Seasonal Variations of Succulent Balls
Succulent balls offer a unique way to bring greenery into your home or garden, and with some creativity, you can adapt them to celebrate the changing seasons. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living space for the holidays or add a seasonal touch to your outdoor area, these adaptable decor items are perfect. Here’s how you can tailor succulent balls to different times of the year.
Spring
Spring is a time for renewal and bright colors. Choose succulents with vibrant blooms like kalanchoe and sedum to create a lively display. Incorporate pastel-colored accessories or tie ribbons around your succulent balls to mirror the freshness of spring. This is a great time to refresh the soil and check the health of your plants as they come out of the winter dormancy period.
Summer
During summer, your succulent balls can reflect the vivacity of the season with succulents that thrive in bright light and heat, such as echeveria and sempervivum. Consider using a mix of shades and textures to mimic the summer’s intensity. Adding some drought-resistant succulents will ensure that your succulent balls remain lush and vibrant even in the warmer months.
Autumn
Autumn asks for a palette of browns, golds, and oranges. Move to succulents in more subdued colours, such as the red-tinged echeveria or the copper-toned sedum. To honour the core of fall, add pine cones or dried leaves to accentuate your succulent balls. These additions not only look fantastic but also help the plants to be insulated from low temperatures.
Winter
Although winter seems like a difficult season for plants, many succulents are rather robust and can survive indoors with correct care. Choose succulents like gasterias and haworthias with a tolerance for lower light and cooler temperatures. To give your house some winter appeal, dress your succulent balls with festive decorations like little ornaments or a dusting of synthetic snow.
Changing your succulent balls to fit the seasons will help you to maintain interesting décor all year long. This method will not only keep your succulents healthy but also give your decorating scheme some dynamic component.
Watering and Care Guide for Succulent Balls
Succulent balls are a charming and eco-friendly addition to any indoor or outdoor space, but like all plants, they require specific care to thrive. Understanding how to water and maintain your succulent balls is essential for their longevity and beauty.
This guide provides detailed insights into the proper care techniques that will help your succulent balls flourish.
Understanding Water Needs
The fundamental aspect of caring for succulent balls is knowing their water requirements. Succulents store water in their leaves, which allows them to withstand dry conditions. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need water. The key is to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. For succulent balls, this typically means watering every 1-2 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reducing to once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter). Use a watering can to gently soak the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the planter, ensuring that every part of the ball gets moisture.
Proper Lighting Conditions
Light is another crucial factor for the health of succulent balls. These plants prefer bright, indirect light. If placed indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. For outdoor balls, a spot that receives partial shade will prevent the leaves from burning while still providing enough light. If your succulents start to stretch or lose their vibrant color, it might be a sign they are not getting enough light. Conversely, leaves can get sunburned if exposed to direct, harsh sunlight for too long.
Seasonal Adjustments
As the seasons change, so should your care for succulent balls. In the warmer months, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the plants are outside and the weather is hot and dry. In contrast, during the cooler months, water retention in the soil increases due to reduced evaporation rates, necessitating less frequent watering. Additionally, consider moving outdoor succulent balls indoors if temperatures drop below freezing to protect them from frost damage.
Fertilizing for Growth
While succulents do not require much fertilizer, feeding your succulent balls can encourage more vibrant growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Fertilizing should be done sparingly—once at the beginning of the growing season and once in mid-summer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season as the plants are not actively growing and excess nutrients can accumulate and potentially harm the plants.
Pest Management and General Maintenance
Inspect your succulent balls regularly for signs of pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. These pests can be managed using a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply the treatment according to product instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of the succulent ball to reach all crevices where pests might hide.
Pruning is also part of maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your succulent balls. Remove dead or dying leaves to encourage new growth and prevent rot. This also improves air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
By following this detailed care guide, your succulent balls will remain a stunning and healthy feature in your home or garden. Regular attention and appropriate care techniques will ensure that these delightful spherical plant arrangements thrive and bring joy for years to come.
Conclusion
Creating succulent balls for your garden adds a touch of green elegance and can transform even the simplest spaces into vibrant showcases. These low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants offer a sustainable and stylish option for year-round decor. With just a bit of care and creativity, succulent balls become living art, enhancing your garden’s aesthetic and atmosphere.
We have more gardening decoration ideas for your home. Check out our pallet planter box project next!
