Have you ever spotted a stunning succulent-topped pumpkin and thought, “How do they make that?” Well, wonder no more! Today, I will show you just how simple it is to create your succulent pumpkin centerpiece in less than an hour! And the best part? I gathered all the succulents from my garden, so I only had to buy the pumpkin.

A decorative pumpkin used as a planter holds an arrangement of succulents and greenery. The display is set on a wooden surface with a rustic background, including a mirror and hanging items.

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What is a Succulent Pumpkin?

A succulent pumpkin is a natural or faux pumpkin that serves as a base for an arrangement of succulents. Unlike typical pumpkin decor, these creations aren’t carved, meaning the pumpkin stays intact, lasting much longer throughout the season. Succulents are arranged on top of the pumpkin, using moss as a base to hold the plants in place. The result is a striking combination of textures and colors, with the lush greens and vibrant tones of succulents complementing the earthy, warm tones of pumpkins.

Let’s dive in and craft some gorgeous fall decor!

List of Supplies to Make a Succulent Pumpkin

One Cinderella pumpkin (You can use real pumpkins or faux pumpkins)
Green sphagnum moss, Spanish moss, or sheet moss
Succulent cuttings
An assortment of dried seed pods
One natural dried pumpkin stem
Spray adhesive
One pencil
Hot glue gun (low temperature)
Glue sticks
Spray bottle of water
One natural pumpkin stem
Leaf shine spray
Garden clippers

You can typically shop for your supplies at a local craft store or pick up a pumpkin at your local grocery store.

A table with crafting supplies, including a large can of leaf shine, a smaller can of spray adhesive, a glue gun with glue stick inserted, a pair of pliers, and some paperclips. A moss-covered box and potted plants are in the background.

A large collection of bright orange cinderella pumpkins arranged in neat rows. Each pumpkin has a distinct shape and texture, with stems still attached. The image captures the abundance and variety of pumpkins in a sunny outdoor setting.

A display of natural elements including a dried lotus pod, pine cone, cinnamon sticks, acorns, and textured seeds arranged on a bed of moss in a decorative setting.

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

I’ve been teaching this class for several years, and I absolutely love making succulent pumpkins during pumpkin season. You can use any type of pumpkin you like—whether it’s large, small, mini, orange, white, or something unique like a green or tiger-striped pumpkin.

Clean your pumpkin thoroughly with soap and water and allow it to dry completely.
If you are going to use your succulent arrangement outside, spray the pumpkin with hairspray to ward off any critters in the garden.
You don’t need to carve the pumpkin! This makes the process quicker and the pumpkin longer-lasting.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Choose a Cinderella pumpkin, as it allows you a larger space on top to create your arrangement.

A large, orange pumpkin sits on a wooden table adorned with decorative items, including a mirror, a wicker vase with autumn leaves, and a stack of books. The scene is completed by a smaller white succulent pumpkin and the warm glow from the bright window in the background.

Step 2: Prepare the Succulent Cuttings

You can clip a variety of succulent plants from your garden or purchase some from your local garden center.
Wash your cuttings and get rid of any dirt.
Allow cuttings to dry for a couple of days to avoid rot on the succulent stems.

A close-up of various succulents, including rosette-shaped, spiky, and small rounded leaf varieties, displaying different shades of green. The plants are densely clustered, showcasing their diverse textures and forms.

A close-up of a vibrant green echeveria succulent surrounded by other green succulents. The echeveria has thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Dewdrops are visible on the leaves, and they are placed on a mossy surface.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Choose a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of succulents to create interest in your arrangement.

Step 3: Attach Moss to the Pumpkin

Apply a layer of moss to the top of the pumpkin using a hot glue gun.
Spray this layer of moss with spray adhesive.
Add another layer of moss.
Continue this process until your moss mound is about 4″ tall.

A large Cinderella pumpkin with moss on top is displayed on a wooden table. In the background, mirrors reflect a wicker vase with dried leaves and a smaller white pumpkin, creating a rustic, autumn-themed setting.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Spray your cuttings with Leaf shine to give them a fresh look.

Step 4: How to Arrange Your Succulents

Here are a few points to think about when arranging your succulent centerpiece.

Focal Point: Place your largest succulent in the center or off-center as the primary focus.
Vary Heights: Place taller succulents in the center and shorter ones around the edges to create depth and dimension. For extra flair, add trailing plants cascading down the sides of your pumpkin to enhance the overall look.
Mix Colors & Textures: Combine different colors and textures to add visual interest. Play with greens, yellows, reds, and smooth or spiky leaves.
Balance the Arrangement: Spread succulents evenly or go for an asymmetrical, organic look by clustering smaller plants around larger ones.
Use Fillers and Dried Flower Pods: Add extra moss, smaller succulent cuttings, or dried elements like Lotus pods, pinecones, or mushrooms for added texture and interest.

A large orange pumpkin is used as a planter, filled with moss and greenery. It sits on a wooden table with decorative items, books, and a mirror in the background.

A rustic Cinderella pumpkin centerpiece contains various succulents and dried seed pods. It's set on a wooden table in front of a vintage mirror, surrounded by eclectic decor and greenery.

Step 5: How Do You Plant (glue) Succulents on Top of Your Pumpkin?

Create a hole using a pencil in the moss.
Add a small amount of hot glue to the succulent stem using a low-temperature glue gun. (The hot glue will not hurt the new plant).
Place the stem of the succulent into the hole in the moss. You can also use floral pins to help hold the succulents in place if needed; be sure not to pierce the pumpkin.
Repeat this process, arranging the succulents and dried flower pods with my tips in step four. (Watch the attached video to see how I did this.)

Watch it Here!

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

use a low-temperature glue gun to avoid damaging the plants. Apply a small glue dot to the succulent’s base, then gently press it into the moss. The low heat prevents the succulent from getting scorched while still securing it in place.

Other Creative Finishing Touches

Try using faux succulents for a more permanent decoration.
Add some fresh curly willow to your pumpkin. This will dry and last months in your succulent planter.
Add other elements like small gourds, ribbons, or dried leaves to personalize your arrangement.
Add some fresh flowers in vials for a special occasion.
Use mini pumpkins to create small succulent arrangements that your guests can take home as a thoughtful gift.
Add a small cornucopia first and small succulents for a Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

A decorative arrangement featuring various succulents and seed pods is artfully displayed on top of a small, orange and white tiger pumpkin. The background consists of a rustic, weathered wooden surface.

Yield: 1 Succulent Pumpkin

How to Make a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece

Easy DIY: Succulent pumpkin centerpiece. Transform a plain pumpkin into a festive fall table decoration that will last for months.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $10-$20

Materials

One Cinderella pumpkin (You can use real pumpkins or faux pumpkins)
Green sphagnum moss, Spanish moss, or sheet moss
Succulent cuttings
An assortment of dried seed pods
Spray adhesive
A pencil
Glue sticks
Spray bottle of water
One natural pumpkin stem

Tools

Hot Glue Gun
Garden Clippers