Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Team Ideas24
Can’t put up a regular Christmas tree for a lack of space? Then have a Succulent Christmas tree that’s any size that you want with this DIY project…
Make your own mini Christmas tree with succulents! It’s easy — just make a moss form by shaping a chicken wire into a cone and filling it with sphagnum moss. Choose your favourite succulents and start decorating your moss form.
Of course, a Christmas tree is incomplete without ornaments. For this try to get small red Christmas tree decorations so that they will complement and pop out in your green succulent tree. You can also add mini cool to touch LED Christmas lights to really complete your DIY Christmas tree!
This idea is not just for small spaces as you can make a life-sized version, too. ;)
It’s both a Christmas decor and an air purifier that’s easy to do and unique! Isn’t it just a nice Christmas tree alternative?
Get beautiful inspiration from our album and watch the video tutorial below!
Contents
Making a Succulent Christmas Tree
Materials
- Around 200 Succulent Cuttings (Jade, Echeveria, Sedum)
- Chicken Wire
- Sphagnum Moss
- Water
- Chopsticks or Pencil
- Floral Pin
- Base — flower pot or saucer, twigs, etc. (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Base
Choose a sturdy flower pot or saucer as the base for your tree. If you want to add a natural touch, incorporate twigs or small branches around the base for additional support and aesthetic appeal.
Shape the Chicken Wire
Cut a piece of chicken wire large enough to form into a cone shape. This will serve as the skeleton of your Christmas tree. Carefully shape the wire into a cone that fits your desired size. Secure the edges using wire or small ties to keep the shape intact.
Add Sphagnum Moss
Soak sphagnum moss in water until it’s fully saturated. Squeeze out excess water, then begin packing the moss inside the chicken wire cone. Ensure the moss is tightly packed and evenly distributed throughout the cone to provide a solid foundation for the succulents.
Prepare Succulent Cuttings
Take your succulent cuttings—around 200 cuttings of Jade, Echeveria, and Sedum are ideal. Make sure each cutting has a stem long enough to secure into the moss.
Plant the Succulents
Using chopsticks or a pencil, make small holes in the sphagnum moss. Insert the stem of each succulent cutting into the holes. Use floral pins to secure the succulents if they do not stay in place. Start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring the succulents are tightly spaced to create a lush, full appearance.
Fill in Gaps
As you plant, take a step back periodically to check for any gaps or uneven areas. Fill these in with more succulents to maintain a balanced look. Adjust the placement as necessary to achieve a symmetrical tree shape.
Final Touches
Once all succulents are securely planted, you can add small red Christmas tree decorations or mini LED lights to enhance the festive look. Wrap the lights around the tree and secure them with small ties or tuck them gently into the moss.
Watering
Mist your succulent tree lightly with water to settle the plants into their new home. Be cautious not to overwater; succulents need minimal moisture. Continue to mist lightly every few days, depending on the dryness of your indoor environment.
Placement and Care
Place your succulent Christmas tree in a location that receives indirect sunlight and maintains a consistent temperature. Avoid drafty spots near open doors or heater vents.
Click on any image to start lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. 
Thanks to Urban Dirt for this great project. You can watch the video tutorial here:
Care Tips for Your Succulent Christmas Tree
Crafting a succulent Christmas tree is a lovely way to combine the allure of succulents with seasonal brightness, making it a delightful alternative to typical holiday decorations. Take into account the following maintenance advice to make sure your succulent Christmas tree stays colorful and healthy for the duration of the season and beyond:
Ideal Lighting
Christmas trees with succulents do best in indirect, bright light. Your tree will get enough of light from a window near it, but it won’t be exposed to direct sunshine, which might scorch the leaves. If there isn’t much natural light, especially during the winter, think about utilizing a grow lamp to add some extra illumination.
Watering Consistency
Succulent Christmas trees need less water than regular trees do. It’s important to let the sphagnum moss base totally dry out in between irrigations. Lightly spritz the tree with a spray bottle, paying more attention to the base than the leaves. Make careful not to overwater the base since this is a typical mistake that might result in root rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Christmas trees that are succulents like steady temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 27 degrees Celsius). They should not be near open windows or doors that could expose them to cold air because they are susceptible to both extreme cold and drafts. Succulents thrive in environments with moderate humidity levels; nevertheless, excessively dry rooms may require additional misting on occasion, particularly when indoor heating is being used.
After-Holiday Care
Your succulent Christmas tree can grow and flourish even after the holidays are over. Move the plants into pots with soil that is suitable for succulents if they get too crowded or start to overrun the moss foundation. This will ensure the longevity and health of each plant by giving it more room to grow and individualized attention.
If you take good care of your succulent Christmas tree, it will not only look great during the holidays but also last for many years as a permanent addition to your collection of indoor plants.
Customization Ideas for Your Succulent Christmas Tree
Creating a succulent Christmas tree offers a unique twist on traditional holiday decor, providing a versatile canvas for personal expression and creativity. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist design or a vibrant showpiece, there are numerous ways to customize your succulent Christmas tree to reflect your personal style and the spirit of the season. Here are some inventive ideas to make your succulent Christmas tree truly one-of-a-kind:
Choose a Color Theme
Selecting a specific color palette can transform the look of your succulent Christmas tree. For a traditional feel, incorporate red and green succulents such as Echeveria ‘Ruby Blush’ or Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’. For a more subtle, sophisticated look, opt for succulents in shades of blue, silver, or pale green, like the ghost plant or silver dollar plant. Sticking to a color theme can give your tree a cohesive and striking appearance.
Incorporate Varied Textures
Mix succulents that offer different textures to add depth and interest to your tree. Pair smooth, rounded succulents like pebble plants with spiky varieties such as aloe or agave. This contrast in textures can make your succulent Christmas tree more visually engaging and tactilely inviting.
Add Festive Decorations
Beyond the natural beauty of the succulents, adding small, festive ornaments can enhance the holiday spirit of your tree. Use lightweight baubles, tinsel, or even small figurines that complement your theme without overwhelming the delicate balance of the succulents. Miniature LED lights are especially effective, providing a warm, cozy glow that highlights the colors and shapes of the succulents on your Christmas tree.
Experiment with Tree Toppers
Instead of the traditional star or angel, top your succulent Christmas tree with something unconventional. Consider a large, dramatic succulent, a bouquet of dried flowers, or a handmade ornament that ties in with the overall theme of your tree. This custom touch will catch the eye and personalize your tree.
Play with Scale
Who says a succulent Christmas tree has to be small? If space allows, build a full-sized tree by scaling up your materials and using larger succulents. Conversely, a collection of miniature succulent trees can serve as a charming holiday display on a mantel or as a centerpiece on your dining table.
Thematic Styling
Tie your succulent Christmas tree into the rest of your holiday decor by choosing a specific style or theme. For a rustic look, use natural materials like burlap and wood as accents. For a more glamorous approach, incorporate metallic elements and crystal decorations that reflect the light beautifully.
Incorporate Aromatic Herbs
For a tree that smells as good as it looks, intersperse aromatic herbs among the succulents. Rosemary, thyme, and lavender can thrive in similar conditions as succulents and add a delightful fragrance to your tree. This aromatic approach not only enhances the sensory experience but also contributes to a lush, green aesthetic.
Educational Theme
For families with children, turn your succulent Christmas tree into an educational project. Label each type of succulent with its name and care instructions. This not only helps in maintaining the tree but also teaches children about the diverse world of plants.
Reflect Cultural Influences
Customize your succulent Christmas tree to reflect your cultural heritage. This might mean using specific colors, patterns, or decorations that are significant to your culture or family traditions. This personal touch can make your tree a more meaningful centerpiece during the holiday season.
Eco-Friendly Focus
For those passionate about sustainability, emphasize eco-friendly practices in your tree’s decoration. Use recycled materials for decorations, and highlight the environmental benefits of a succulent tree over traditional Christmas trees. This can be a conversation starter and an expression of your values.
Interactive Elements
Make your succulent Christmas tree interactive by adding elements that guests can rearrange or adjust. This could be as simple as magnetic ornaments or clips that can be moved around the tree, allowing visitors to personalize it when they visit.
Each of these ideas can help you create a succulent Christmas tree that not only stands out for its beauty but also for its personalized touch. By exploring these customization options, you can ensure that your tree perfectly reflects your personal style and enhances your home’s festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Creating a succulent Christmas tree offers a unique, eco-friendly alternative to traditional holiday decorations, blending the natural beauty of succulents with festive flair. This DIY project allows for endless customization, ensuring that your tree perfectly matches your personal style and home decor. With just a bit of care and creativity, your succulent Christmas tree can become a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come.
