ART OF SUCCULENTS
THE STEP OF GROWING SUCCULENTS
Step 1
Step 2 Step 3
It ’ s easy to take cuttings of established succulents growing in your garden . With small pruning snips , cut stem sections 1 to 2 inches long . Remove lower leaves . The roots will sprout from these leaf nodes . Let cuttings dry on a tray for a few days before you plant them . This curing process causes cut ends to callus , or form a thin layer of cells .
A shadow box adds depth to the back of the picture frame , allowing space for soil and plants . Use naturally water-resistant redwood or cedar 1x3s , cut to the dimensions of the back of the frame . Nail or screw into place .
With the frame still face down , insert hardware cloth . The 1 / 2- inch grid is small enough to hold potting soil in , yet large enough to accommodate stems . Staple hardware cloth to the edges of the frame .
Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 After setting the hardware cloth , lay 1 / 4-inch plywood backing on the back of the shadow box . Secure with nails . This backing will be the finishing touch to your shadow-box frame Turn the frame face up . Brush on a coat of outdoor paint to change the color of the frame and offer some protection against the elements .
For an antique effect , let the paint dry for a few minutes and then wipe the frame with a clean cloth . If desired , paint the underlying box , too ..
Allow the frame to dry completely before filling the box with potting soil . Pour soil on top of the hardware cloth , using your hands to push it through the openings . Shake the frame periodically to evenly disperse the soil . Add more soil until it reaches the bottom of the wire grid . On a flat surface , lay out succulent cuttings in the design you want in the frame . Push a chopstick or pencil through one square of the wire grid and into the soil .
Place the stem of a succulent cutting , such as this mother of pearl plant ( Graptopetalum paraguayense ), into the planting hole , allowing the leaf rosette to rest on top of the wire grid . It ’ s not necessary to dip cuttings in rooting hormone — succulents root easily in soil . tuck in larger plants first , followed by smaller ones . Plant as close together as the grid allows . Depending on plant size , not every square will be planted . After planting , you may see hints of the wire , but as the succulents grow , they ’ ll close the gaps .
31