Cactus and Succulent Basket/Topiary

Happy Cactus Monday!

One single cactus

This cactus photo was taken when I visited the Melbourne Botanical Garden on Saturday. I went a bit crazy taking photographs at the cacti/succulent sections. There were so many varieties that I have not seen before. I have yet to sort out all the photos so for now, I only have this to share…

I am enjoying taking Cactus photos in black and white.

Topiary

I put this together a few months ago. It is an easy and cheap project. Here are the few easy steps:

• Buy a shallow basket (this one was $1 from a charity shop)
• Line with plastic, then make a few drainage holes
• Place the basket horizontally, fill with soil.
• Line the top with sphagnum moss
• Secure the moss to the basket tightly using wire. Ensure that nothing falls out when it’s vertical or upside down…
• Add a hook at the back (*)
• Plant succulents : make holes using a chopstick and insert succulents.
• Leave the basket in a horizontal position until the succulents have taken root

I have not hung this basket until recently, because I have been contemplating replacing/rearranging the succulents. But it has been growing well, which is why I have left it alone for a while.

(*Note:  Add 2 or more hooks, if you are intending to turn the basket around to encourage even growth)

Lesson learnt

This works better than my last topiary (shown on the left), when I had used only sphagnum moss and no soil at all. The topiary dried up too quickly with the moss alone on my balcony, and I had to water it daily. It may also be due to the shape of the topiary that had a lot of exposed surface area.

On the other hand, the topiary in the basket above, with soil and sphagnum moss only requires watering once a week. I am much happier with this one.

Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies for more Cactus Monday links.

My first succulent topiary – Part 2: adding succulent plants

Related post: Part 1: topiary form

Having completed my topiary form (which I wrote about in the previous post), it is now time to put it to the test and complete my succulent topiary.

I gathered the succulents that I will use. Using the stick end of a paint brush, I made holes in the moss, then insert the succulents. The completed topiary is shown below…

I will have to leave it in a horizontal position for a couple of weeks to allow the roots to grow in the moss.

Some pictures of my work-in-progress:

Making my topiary (work-in-progress): top 2 photos: gathering plants from my garden and leaving the cuttings to dry out for a couple of days before planting;
bottom left: the back of my topiary form – showing the picture frame, wire mesh and sphagnum moss; and bottom right: making a mess planting the succulents!

Fertiliser

Because the moss that the succulents are planted in does not provide the nutrients required, I asked a team member at Bunnings (a garden centre) for advice. He called a horticulturist friend, who recommended using Powerfeed concentrate by Seasol, diluted to 50% strength. Hope this works to keep them healthy.

Tutorial

Here is a great tutorial I found that also includes photos: Classic SoCal Succulent Wreath

My first succulent topiary – Part 1: topiary form

I decided to make a succulent topiary so that I can make use of my wall space on the balcony.

First, I will need a topiary from, then the succulent plants to cover the form.

My topiary frame

I made my topiary form using a picture frame and wire netting, then secured sphagnum moss using wire and fishing line. If you are interested in making a topiary, you can buy the form, instead of making one. I made mine because I wanted a red frame on the outside, which will contrast nicely with the green succulent plants.

Some Equipment to make my topiary form

My tools:

• Picture frame (I coated the inside with a layer of varnish to “waterproof” it)
• Wire mesh (I used a galvanised mesh, which is less prone to rusting)
• Staple gun (used to secure the mesh to the back of the frame)
• Wire cutter (for cutting the wire mesh)
• Picture frame hooks (I placed hooks on the top and bottom of the frame, so that I can turn the topiary upside down if necessary when the succulents grow)
• Wire (for securing sphagnum moss)
• Fishing line (for securing sphagnum moss)
• Sphagnum moss (which I purchased from a local garden centre)

The finished frame is shown below.

My completed topiary form

Succulent plants

Next, I will have to gather the succulent plants that will fill the frame and look for a suitable fertiliser. Normally, succulents planted in soil do not need to be fertilised. However, in my research, I read that because the the moss do not provide the necessary nutrients found in soil, I will have to use a liquid fertiliser (that is further diluted).

I am currently working on this next part of the topiary – more pictures when I finish.

Wish me luck!

Read Part 2: Adding succulent plants