How to Make a Wreath With Hens and Chicks

Create a living wreath with hens and chicks.

Sempervivum tectorum, more commonly known as hens and chicks, are a favorite old-fashioned succulent of many gardeners. They are easily grown in perennial gardens and ceramic pots. They can also thrive as a living wreath. As a novice, you can be successful when you combine these attractive succulents with moss in the form of a wreath. It will make an unusual decoration for your door or fence.

Things You'll Need

• Sphagnum moss
• Bucket
• Water
• Newspapers
• Wire form
• Paddle wire
• Scissors
• Garbage pail lid

Instructions

1. Soak the moss in a bucket of water overnight. The moss should be moist but not soggy. Wring out excess water. Break the moss apart and check for dry spots. If there are any, return the moss to the water.

2. Cut a 6-inch piece of wire. Form a 2-inch loop and twist the ends tightly together. Position it at the 12 o'clock position on the back of the wire wreath form. Twist the tail of the loop around the wire several times. Make certain it is very secure. You will hang your finished wreath by this loop.

3. Cover a flat work surface with newspapers. Place your wire form on top of the papers with the loop side down.

4. Form a tennis-sized ball from a piece of moss and stuff it into the center of the wire form. Continue this process until the form is very full. Make certain that the brown side of the moss is facing out. The moss will look shaggy at this point.

5. Remove a "chick" from its parent plant. Be careful to keep about 2 inches of soil on its plug. Form another ball of moss. The brown side should face out. Place the plant's plug into the center of the ball and position it on the front of your wreath. Gently tuck the bottom of the ball into the center of the wire form. Surround the plant with additional moss until the wire form is well hidden and the plant feels secure.

6. Wrap wire twice around the wreath on both sides of the plant to secure it. Pull the wire taut. Do not allow the wire to touch the plant. Do not cut the wire.

7. Continue to place additional moss-wrapped plants, as described in Steps 5 and 6, around your wreath. Cover the frame with moss so that it looks full. Wrap the moss with wire every 1 to 2 inches. Work your way around the entire wreath until you are pleased with the results. Cut the wire and tuck its sharp end into the moss.

8. Lay your wreath flat for two weeks before you display it on your door or fence. This will give the plants a chance to root and become established. The moss will expand during this rest period. Clip stray moss with scissors.

General Care for Your Living Wreath

1. Turn a garbage pail lid upside down and fill it with water. Place your wreath in the water with the plant side up. Soak it for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the wreath so it can drain. Allow the moss to become dry before you water it again.

2. Display your living wreath where it will receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. It can be brought inside during the cold season.

3. Use a diluted fertilizer in your water on occasion. This will encourage your plants to grow new chicks.

Tips & Warnings

• Water your wreath every week for the first few weeks.

References

• Northwest Renovation; Make a Holiday Succulent Wreath; JJ De Sousa
• Woodward Greenhouses: Instructions for Making your Living Wreath
• Learn 2 Grow; How to Make a Succulent Wreath; Sarah E Smith
• Fairview Garden Center: How To: Make a Living Wreath