How to Make a Succulent Frame

Vertical gardens and living walls are a trend that won’t be going away soon. As homeowners become more environmentally conscious while spending time at home, bringing nature indoors has never been more important. What’s especially beneficial about vertical gardens and living walls is that they can be works of art just as much as living plants. Here are instructions and ideas for turning a collection of your favorite succulents into DIY wall art.

What You’ll Need

Picture frame
4 pieces of hard wood the same thickness as the frame
Plywood or plastic backing
Hammer and nails
Screwdriver and screws
Wood drill
Wire mesh with holes about 1-2 inches square
Staple gun and staples
Spray bottle or mister
Cactus/succulent potting soil
Succulent cuttings

How to Assemble

1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame by carefully taking it apart. If your frame is already empty, you’re one step ahead.

2. Measure and cut the wire mesh so that it fits inside the frame with a little extra overlap. You’ll need the overlap in order to staple it to the frame.

3. Turn the frame face down and attach the mesh. Try to pull it tight as you go so it doesn’t sag.

4. Take the extra wood cut in the same dimensions of the frame to form a rectangle. Nail or screw the pieces together so they are secure.

5. Attach the wooden shadow box frame to the back of the frame using nails or screws.

6. Measure and cut a piece of plywood or plastic to fit the shadow box. Just like with the mesh, leave a little overlap so you can attach it to the frame.

7. Turn the frame over so it is facing up. Pour an even layer of succulent soil through the mesh. Keep adding soil until it fills the shadow box and touches the wire mesh.

8. With a spray bottle, mist the soil so it’s just slightly damp.

9. Take your succulent cuttings and start adding them into the holes in the mesh. Begin with the larger plants and fill in the space with the smaller cuttings. Make sure they’re planted closely together so there aren’t any gaps.

10. Hang your frame in a sunny spot and watch the magic happen.

Depending on the type of succulents you planted, it might take a few weeks to see any growth. However, as the plants develop, you’ll have a lush vertical garden and wall art all in one amazing DIY piece.