fun and easy succulent projects for kids to try

Fun and Easy Succulent Projects for Kids

1. DIY Succulent Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass container or jar
• Small pebbles or stones
• Activated charcoal
• Succulent soil
• Mini succulents
• Decorative elements (like figurines or stones)

Instructions:

1. Layer the Base: Start by pouring a layer of small pebbles into the bottom of the glass container. This acts as drainage to prevent overwatering.

2. Add Charcoal: Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the air fresh inside the terrarium.

3. Add Succulent Soil: Pour in the succulent soil, enough to give the roots of the plants plenty of space to grow. Make sure the layer is even.

4. Plant Succulents: Create small holes in the soil and gently place the succulents in the holes. Be sure to pack the soil around the base of each plant.

5. Decorate: Encourage kids to get creative by adding small decorative items. Use tiny figurines, colorful stones, or shells to give personality to the terrarium.

6. Water Sparingly: Show kids how to water their new terrarium lightly, explaining the importance of not overwatering succulents.

2. Painted Rock Succulent Markers

Materials Needed:

• Smooth, clean rocks
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Clear sealant spray (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pick Rocks: Let kids choose smooth, medium-sized rocks for painting. This adds a fun natural element to the project.

2. Design: Use acrylic paints to create fun patterns or faces on the rocks. Kids can design different styles, like smiling faces, flowers, or geometric shapes.

3. Labeling: Once the paint has dried, kids can write the names of the succulents they’ll be growing using paint or a permanent marker.

4. Seal the Design: If desired, spray a clear sealant over the painted rocks to protect them from the elements if they will be displayed outdoors.

5. Placement: Once completed, these rocks can serve as cute plant markers in succulent pots or garden beds.

3. Succulent Wreath Craft

Materials Needed:

• Grapevine or foam wreath base
• Succulent cuttings (real or artificial)
• Floral wire or hot glue
• Decorative ribbon

Instructions:

1. Choose the Base: Decide on a wreath base. Grapevine wreaths offer a more natural look, while foam bases are easier for kids to work with.

2. Prepare Succulent Cuttings: Gather various succulents. Kids can use cuttings from existing plants or purchase small ones from a store.

3. Attach the Succulents: Using floral wire or hot glue, affix the cuttings to the wreath base. Encourage the kids to arrange them creatively, clustering similar plants or contrasting colors.

4. Add Decorative Ribbon: Once the succulents are in place, tie a decorative ribbon around the top of the wreath.

5. Display: Hang the completed succulent wreath on a door or wall for a pop of green.

4. Succulent Jar Garden

Materials Needed:

• Small glass jars or containers
• Potting soil
• Small pebbles
• Mini succulents
• Spray bottle for watering

Instructions:

1. Layer Pebbles: Begin by adding a layer of small pebbles at the bottom of each jar. This will help with drainage.

2. Fill with Soil: Add potting soil on top of the pebbles, ensuring it’s enough to accommodate the root systems of the succulents.

3. Plant Succulents: Kids can make small holes to place their succulents. Help them press the soil around the plants carefully.

4. Water: Use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the soil without soaking it.

5. Decorate the Jars: Kids can personalize their jars with stickers, ribbons, or sand to make them unique.

5. Succulent Ice Cube Planters

Materials Needed:

• Ice cube tray (silicone works best)
• Potting soil
• Succulent seeds or cuttings
• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tray: Use a clean silicone ice cube tray for this project, which will allow easy removal later.

2. Add Soil: Fill each compartment of the ice cube tray with potting soil.

3. Plant Seeds or Cuttings: Kids can plant seeds or cuttings into each compartment, pressing down gently.

4. Water It Darkly: Spray or lightly water the soil to keep it moist, being cautious not to oversaturate.

5. Growth: Once plants show growth, they can be removed from the tray and planted in larger pots or gardens, creating a fun transition for kids to experience.

6. Succulent Mobile

Materials Needed:

• Hanger or branch
• String or twine
• Mini succulents in small pots
• Decorative beads or hanging items

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hanger: Use a sturdy hanger or branch as the base for the mobile.

2. Cut String: Cut pieces of string to desired lengths for hanging pots.

3. Attach the Succulents: Tie the pots to the strings and then attach them to the hanger. Ensure they’re spaced out evenly.

4. Decorate with Beads: Kids can string decorative beads onto the remaining parts of the strings for added flair.

5. Hang It Up: Find a cheerful spot indoors or outdoors to display the mobile, allowing for beautiful natural decor.

7. Succulent Planting Party

Materials Needed:

• Various pots (terracotta, ceramic)
• Succulent soil
• Mini succulents
• Small gardening tools
• Optional decorations (paint, stickers)

Instructions:

1. Pot Selection: Gather different pots for a variety of plantings. Children can express their creativity with their choice of colors and materials.

2. Soil Preparation: Fill each pot with succulent soil. Allow kids to pack the soil down lightly.

3. Plant Succulents: Let kids choose the succulents they want to plant and guide them in making holes to place their plants.

4. Decorate Pots: If desired, let kids paint or use stickers to decorate their pots, personalizing each one.

5. Care Instructions: Teach kids how to care for their new plants, explaining the sun and watering requirements.

8. Succulent Puzzle Planter

Materials Needed:

• Old wooden puzzle pieces or blocks
• Soil
• Succulent cuttings
• Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Collect Puzzle Pieces: Use an old puzzle or wooden blocks to create unique shaped planters.

2. Paint (Optional): Kids can paint the wooden pieces to give them a unique look before planting.

3. Add Soil: Fill the pieces with soil, making sure there’s enough depth to support the succulents.

4. Plant Mini Succulents: Invite kids to plant small succulents in the holes they’ve created.

5. Display Together: Arrange the puzzle pieces creatively on a shelf or windowsill, creating a playful nature display.

9. Succulent Gift Jars

Materials Needed:

• Small glass jars with lids
• Succulent soil
• Mini succulents
• Ribbon for decoration
• Gift tags

Instructions:

1. Fill Jars: Each jar should begin with a layer of soil suitable for succulents.

2. Add a Succulent: Have each kid choose a mini succulent to put in their jar, packing the soil around it carefully.

3. Decorate Jars: Use ribbons to tie around the jars and allow kids to attach gift tags, labeling the plant names or writing a special note.

4. Gift Giving: Encourage kids to give their succulent jars to friends or family as thoughtful, living gifts.

10. Succulent Printmaking

Materials Needed:

• Succulents with interesting leaves
• Paper or canvas
• Paint
• Paintbrushes

Instructions:

1. Choose Succulents: Select a few types of succulents with unique shapes.

2. Prepare Paint: Pour a small amount of paint onto a palette or plate.

3. Printmaking: Kids can brush paint onto the leaves and then press them onto the canvas or paper to create prints.

4. End Result: Allow the paint to dry, creating beautiful succulent-inspired artwork that can be hung or given as gifts.

These projects blend creativity and nature, making succulents accessible for kids while teaching them valuable skills about planting and caring for plants. Enjoy exploring the fun world of succulents with your children in these hands-on activities!