Thursday, December 13, 2018

Guilt-free succulent decapitation...

As summer began to wind down, I started thinking about how I wanted to deal with things like these succulents, planted in the base of the tall metal duct planter where the Grevillea used to be. Lift them roots and all? Or just cut off their heads and let them re-root indoors?

Well, by the time I got around to dealing with them the decision was made for me. I had a hand trowel, and some soil at the ready, but when I reached under the foliage to locate the base of the plants they just fell off in my hand, the stems had already started to rot (btw, these two photos, above and below are from early September).

After removing the rotted material a few of the stems were so short I didn't see how I could get contact with the soil to even try and root them, so I decided to just find a way to enjoy them for as long as they'd last. Thus the they've become a table top arrangement for the holiday season.

I used a few Cryptomeria branches (from the wreath making adventure) as a base and just laid the succulents on top.

Some of my tiny vintage ornaments ended up filling what are technically votive holders.

Andrew decided a red one needed to decorate the center Echeveria, to make it more "festive". It's a nice change up from the Poinsettia centerpiece I've been doing the last few Christmases...

Weather Diary, Dec 12: Hi 51, Low 41/ Precip .02"

All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

17 comments:

  1. I bet you they root anyway! I throw so many decapitated succulents in empty pots in the "storage" area, where they throw roots...

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    1. It will be interesting to see if they do, although after being inside for a few weeks with minimal light I don't know if they'll be worth saving.

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  2. Can't you make the stem longer by pulling lower leaves off the bottom? They make a very nice festive display.

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    1. I suppose I could...but not sure if I want to at this point.

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  3. Someone said there is a succulent holiday decor meme. I am going to try to buy a few small ones to copy something I saw on Pinterest if I find the time to actually shop and do it! Yours look so good in your display and it doesn't feel like December with garden items in it.

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    1. Yesterday was 56 and sunny, I went for a long walk and had to pinch myself to think it was December 13th.

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  4. In A Vase On Thursday! Nice use of plant material and I like Andrew's contribution :-)
    The purple clover in the second picture would survive the winter I presume?

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    1. I'm hoping it will, it all depends what January throws at us.

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  5. As always, you've come up with a stunning and festive tablescape. I agree with Denise, these will probably throw roots anyway.

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  6. It's a wonderful display. I fully expect the succulents will produce roots for you. Those I've previously cut for water-less vases always produce roots.

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    1. Thanks, plants do want to live, don't they?

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  7. Very pretty and they still might send out little rootlets for you. They are such tough little plants. I like Andrew's addition - the perfect touch!

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    1. It's starting to grow on me (the red ball), at first all I could see was Rudolph's nose.

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  8. That is a beautiful arrangement and I'll bet there are roots forming underneath to surprise you in the New Year. Those plants want to live and they don't even need soil. What is your secret to keeping them so compact. Mine always get tall and lanky with the leaves spread far apart.

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    1. Lanky when they're outside? Or just inside? They've not been out of the outdoor light for long, I'm sure if they're inside for much longer they'll start to stretch.

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  9. Love the dangerous take on holiday decor.
    rickii

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