This year, I tried my hand at making a succulent pumpkin planter for Halloween, with a few fun updates from last year’s version. And let me tell you—it turned out even better!
This is the supper cool DIY project: colorful, whimsical, and totally unique for fall season. All you need are a few simple materials—a pumpkin, Soil potting mix, and a few beautiful succulents. The result is perfect for a coffee table centerpiece, a cozy spot by the kitchen, or even out on the patio.
Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience and a few pro tips I picked up from watching Armstronggarden’s tutorial.
Materials You’ll Need
- Pumpkin: Find one with a flat top—like a Cinderella pumpkin—for easy succulent placement.
- Succulents: Choose a mix of colors, shapes, and sizes to make it visually striking. Rosettes, trailing vines, and contrasting colors work beautifully.
- Soil: Succulent potting mix for drainage and healthy growth.
- Plastic Tray (Round): This sits atop the pumpkin to hold the soil and succulents.
- Optional Decor: Pinecones, mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or other seasonal accents for a festive touch.
Step 1: Start with the Perfect Pumpkin
Choosing the right pumpkin is key to a successful planter. I went with a Cinderella pumpkin, whose flat top and wide base are ideal for holding succulents. After cleaning off any dirt, I let it dry completely.
For an extra protective layer, you can spray a bit of clear tacky glue on the pumpkin’s surface. This helps keep out bacteria and extends its freshness—a lesson I learned after my first attempt! My pumpkin stayed fresh for two weeks, which was a big win.
Step 2: Create a Base for Planting Succulents
In past years, I used a hot glue gun to attach moss and succulents directly to the pumpkin’s top. But I noticed they didn’t thrive as well as I wanted. So this year, I tried a new method: using a plastic saucer as a base.
Attach the saucer to the pumpkin with a bit of hot glue, then secure it with fabric staples to keep it stable.
Step 3: Add a Soil Layer
Once the tray is in place, add a layer of succulent potting mix. This layer acts as a cozy, moisture-controlled base for the succulents, keeping them hydrated without risking pumpkin rot. The soil also allows you to rearrange your succulents easily—think of it as building a mini garden right on your pumpkin!
Step 4: Arrange Your Succulents Like a Mini Garden
This is my favorite part! I started with the largest succulent in the center (a big Echeveria with soft, round leaves) and worked outward. Then adding some trailing plants (jade necklace, string of pearls), or smaller varieties for texture. Every succulent will find its little spot, creating a lovely mini garden on my pumpkin.
For some seasonal flair, I played around with colors, adding dark greens and a few red-tinged succulents for that fall vibe. If, like me, you love a bit of whimsy, feel free to add small seasonal decorations like moss (Spanish or Sphagnum), pinecones, berry sprigs, or even a few cinnamon sticks. These accents really bring out the festive spirit!
Step 5: Find the Perfect Spot and Care Tips
Once your succulent pumpkin is ready, it’s time to keep it looking fresh throughout the season. Here are a few tips I follow:
- Indirect Light is Key: I placed mine on the dining table, near a window with bright, indirect light. This keeps the succulents healthy without overwhelming them. If you’re displaying it outside, choose a spot with partial shade.
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Watering Lightly, Don’t Soak: You can use a long mouth water can, or you can use a spray bottle. I water direct to the soil once a week to keep it slightly damp.
Succulents don’t need much water, and a proper watering keeps them thriving without risking rot. - Mind the Temperature: Try to keep the planter away from heaters and cold drafts. Succulents are hardy but can be stressed by sudden temperature changes.
If you’re displaying it outdoors (especially in US Hardy Zones), be sure to bring it in before frost hits—most succulents don’t enjoy the cold in late fall and winter!
Extending Your Pumpkin Planter’s Life
One of the best things about this project is that it doesn’t have to end with the season. When your pumpkin starts to fade, gently remove the succulents and transplant them into a pot with well-draining soil. I love that this project gives my favorite succulents a new home long after fall ends, keeping the spirit of the season alive well into winter.
This succulent pumpkin has become the centerpiece of my fall decor, and it’s something I look forward to creating every year. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and brings a touch of nature indoors—something I can’t get enough of! So go ahead—grab a pumpkin, collect a few succulents, and enjoy the process. Trust me, this is a seasonal tradition you’ll want to keep.
For more DIY tips and succulent care ideas, check out Happy Succulent Care. Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautiful new centerpiece!
