How to Care for a Live Wreath

Hung on doors to welcome guests or used as a centerpiece for that special occasion, living wreaths bring life to your home. Whether you choose a wreath of flowering plants or select one with decorative foliage, proper care and maintenance is necessary to maintain the health of your plants and to promote lush green growth.

Things You'll Need

• Mister
• Shallow pan/tub
• Florist pins

Instructions

1. Place the wreath in a sheltered location that receives filtered light when you first bring it home from the greenhouse. It will need some time to adjust to the conditions of your home before being placed in a more prominent area.

2. Select a permanent location for your wreath that receives the proper amount of light for the plants it contains. Succulent wreaths like bright light and thrive in plenty of sunshine. Impatiens and other delicate flowers may do best in a shady or partially shady area. If you are unsure of the amount of light your wreath needs, ask the greenhouse attendant before purchasing.

3. Turn the wreath occasionally if one side grows faster than another. Turning the wreath 1/4 turn once a week will assure that plants grow evenly around the wreath.

4. Trim vining plants whenever necessary, or secure in place with florist pins, to maintain the overall shape of the wreath Deadhead flowers to encourage continued blooming.

5. Water the wreath when the leaves show signs of wilting or the back of the wreath feels extremely dry. Living wreaths are planted in a base of moss and soil that retains moisture. You may need to water your wreath once a month or more depending on the climate, the type of plants and amount of sunlight it receives.

6. Place the wreath in a shallow pan or tub of tepid water. The water should feel slightly warm to the touch. Cold water from the tap will shock the plants and may stunt growth. Always allow tap water to set overnight if it contains chlorine or other additives.

7. Soak the wreath for up to an hour. You will observe tiny bubbles rising from the wreath when you first submerge it. When bubbles cease, the wreath is saturated and ready to remove. Allow the wreath to drip to remove excess water and hang in the original location.

Tips & Warnings

• A live wreath makes a great gift. Live wreaths bring a bit of nature to your home.

• Do not mist succulent wreaths.

References

• The Original Living Wreath