Knowing how to wire succulents properly is essential if you are planning to include them in a wedding bouquet or other type of floral arrangement.
If you have never used succulents as cut flowers before, then you’ll want to check out this step-by-step guide by garden photojournalist Debra Lee Baldwin, the author of “Succulents Simplified.”
It takes you by the hand and shows you a simple technique you can use to wire succulents and prepare them for use.
Even if you’ve never worked with succulents before, this short video will get you up and running quickly. It also addresses some of the questions that you might have about working with succulents.
I hope this video was helpful. Keep in mind that this method of wiring succulents is not the only way that will work.
If the succulent you are using is heavy and needs more support, you could run a heavier gauge wire up the center of the stem into the head itself about a 1/3 of the way, then cross-wire them and tape them to a wooden pick or hyacinth stake.
Or use an artificial flower stem instead if you want something bendable. Check out this video for more wiring tips.
Why Try This Technique?
Succulents are incredibly forgiving plants that add a touch of modern elegance to any space.
Unlike cut flowers that wilt within days, succulent arrangements can last for weeks or even months with minimal care.
Plus, the techniques you’ll learn here can be applied to other floral crafts, expanding your DIY repertoire!
Materials You’ll Need
- 22-gauge floral wire (craft wire from any craft store works too)
- Floral tape (green preferred, but any color works)
- Succulents with stems
- Supports: chopsticks, pruned rose stems, or straight twigs
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Optional: floral foam or pot with soil for the final arrangement
Budget-Friendly Substitutions:
- Instead of floral tape, you can use washi tape or even thin strips of fabric with a bit of craft glue
- Garden prunings can replace store-bought supports
- Repurpose wire from old electronics or packaging (just ensure it’s bendable but firm)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Materials
Gather all your materials in a clean workspace. Trim any excess leaves from the lower part of your succulent stems, exposing as much of the root as possible for better anchoring.
2. Create Support Picks
- Cut a piece of 22-gauge wire about 6-8 inches long
- Bend the wire into a U shape
- Place your support (chopstick, twig, etc.) in the center of the U
- Bring the wire ends together and twist tightly to secure
3. Apply Floral Tape to the Support
- Hold the support with the wire attachment in your dominant hand
- With your other hand, anchor the floral tape at the top of the wire
- Stretch the tape slightly as you wrap it downward along the support
- Keep tension on the tape while wrapping (this activates its adhesive properties)
- Continue wrapping until the entire wire and upper portion of the support is covered
4. Attach Your Succulent
- Position the succulent stem alongside the prepared support
- Start wrapping with floral tape at the base of the succulent head
- Use your non-dominant hand to pinch and twist while applying tape
- Maintain tension throughout the wrapping process
- Continue wrapping down the entire length of the stem and support
5. Secure and Finish
- Make sure all components are tightly bound together
- Check that the succulent head is stable and doesn’t wobble
- Trim any excess tape or wire at the bottom
- Your supported succulent is now ready to be arranged in foam or soil!
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips:
- Floral tape only sticks when stretched – always apply with gentle tension
- For heavier succulents, use multiple supports or thicker wire
- Work with the natural direction of the succulent’s growth
- Always expose enough root for proper anchoring
- Practice the pinch-and-twist technique for secure binding
Common Mistakes:
- Pre-stretching the floral tape (it loses its stickiness)
- Not maintaining tension while wrapping
- Insufficient support for heavy succulent heads
- Rushing the process (take your time for better results)
- Not securing the base of the succulent firmly enough
Creative Variations
Different Plant Combinations:
- Mix succulents with air plants for varied textures
- Add small dried flowers for pops of color
- Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for fragrance
Display Ideas:
- Create a living wreath with a circular arrangement
- Design a cascading bouquet for special occasions
- Make mini arrangements in teacups or vintage containers
- Craft wedding boutonnieres or corsages using this technique
Seasonal Themes:
- Add pine cones and evergreens for winter arrangements
- Incorporate seashells for summer coastal vibes
- Use fall-colored accents like small pumpkins or colored moss
Where To Buy Succulents For Wedding Bouquets
In the video, succulent plants are used, rather than precut ones. A great selection of different varieties and sizes can be found at Amazon.
If you don’t want to play around in the dirt, you can find cut succulents at Flower Explosion and BloomsbytheBox. These are suppliers I know who carry them and that I’ve had experience with.
Whenever I plan to use succulents in multiple wedding bouquets, I buy them precut. I want to make sure the variety and the size are consistent in order to maintain a consistent look in each bouquet. If that’s not something you’re concerned about, you can buy them assorted as well.
If you only need a few (fewer than 10) succulents, buy them locally. Almost everyone who sells plants stocks them. I suggest checking with a local florist, garden center, or nursery in your area.
You Can Do This
Remember, your first succulent arrangement doesn’t need to be perfect! With each creation, you’ll develop more confidence and skill.
The beauty of working with succulents is their forgiving nature and striking appearance, even in simple arrangements.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and combinations. Your unique touch is what makes handmade arrangements special.
And the best part? If something doesn’t work out, you can always take it apart and try again!
Happy arranging, and enjoy the calm, creative process of bringing these beautiful plants together in your signature style!
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