<< Mike’s Blog << DIY Guide: Succulent Wall Art

Vertical gardens and living walls are a trend that won’t disappear soon.

As homeowners become more environmentally conscious while spending time at home, bringing nature indoors has never been more important. What’s especially beneficial about vertical gardens and living walls is that they can be works of art like living plants.

Here are instructions and ideas for turning a collection of your favorite succulents into DIY wall art.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Picture frame
  • Four pieces of hardwood the same thickness as the frame
  • Plywood or plastic backing
  • Hammer and nails
  • Screwdriver and screws
  • Wood drill
  • Wire mesh with holes about 1-2 inches square
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Spray bottle or mister
  • Cactus/succulent potting soil
  • Succulent cuttings
HOW TO ASSEMBLE:

  1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame by carefully taking it apart. If your frame is already empty, you’re one step ahead.
  2. Measure and cut the wire mesh to fit inside the frame with extra overlap. You’ll need the overlap to staple it to the frame.
  3. Turn the frame face down and attach the mesh. Pull it tight as you go so it doesn’t sag.
  4. Take the extra woodcut in the same dimensions of the frame to form a rectangle. Nail or screw the pieces together, so they are secure.
  5. Attach the wooden shadow box frame to the back of the frame using nails or screws.
  6. Measure and cut a piece of plywood or plastic to fit the shadow box. Just like with the mesh, leave a little overlap so you can attach it to the frame.
  7. Turn the frame over so it is facing up. Pour an even layer of succulent soil through the mesh. Keep adding soil until it fills the shadow box and touches the wire mesh.
  8. With a spray bottle, mist the soil, so it’s just slightly damp.
  9. Take your succulent cuttings and add them into the mesh’s holes. Begin with the larger plants and fill the space with the smaller cuttings. Make sure they’re planted close together, so there aren’t any gaps.
  10. Hang your frame in a sunny spot and watch the magic happen.
Depending on the type of succulents you planted, it might take a few weeks to see any growth. However, as the plants develop, you’ll have a lush vertical garden and wall art all in one amazing DIY piece.

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Dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service, Real Estate Broker Mike Flannagan takes pride in the relationships he builds, working relentlessly on your behalf. Mike is a Northern Virginia real estate expert with extensive experience in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington Counties. Click here to get to know him better.