Learn how to make these adorable, Halloween-themed pumpkin planters in just a few easy steps.
Halloween is almost here! Looking for some last-minute décor for that party you’re throwing? Trying to think of a fun Halloween activity for the kids? We’ve got you covered with these adorably cute and shockingly easy Pumpkin Planters!
What You’ll Need.
· Mini pumpkin(s) from the grocery store.
· 3” – 4” succulent(s) – these can be purchased at some grocery stores, your local greenhouse, or your local flower shop. If you’re getting more than one, be sure to have fun with the variety and colors that you choose!
· Paring knife or floral knife.
· Pipe cleaners in the color of your choosing.
· Kitchen spoon.
· Newspaper, old tablecloth, or any other item you can lay down below your workspace to keep the it clean.
· Spray paint (optional) – we used black and gold spray paints here, but choose whatever color screams “Halloween” to you!
· Permanent marker (optional).
Instructions.
1. Pumpkin Prep.
Scrub your mini pumpkin clean of any excess dirt or textured elements and place it on the table. If spray-painting your pumpkin, carefully do so now, in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean out the Pumpkin.
Once the spray paint has dried, take your knife and very carefully cut a 5” wide hole on the top of your pumpkin. Place the cut pumpkin top to the side – you won’t need it. Scoop out the insides of the mini pumpkin with the spoon. (We recommend saving the seeds for a delicious post-craft snack!)
3. Succulent Prep.
Cut your succulent out of the plastic grow-pot it came in. Shake off any excess dirt from the roots of the succulent, and then carefully trim the roots all the way down.
4. Soil.
Scoop the dirt out of the plastic grow-pot your succulent came in, and place the dirt inside the cut pumpkin. You will only need to fill the pumpkin about ¾ of the way with dirt.
5. Plant the Succulent.
Very gently place your succulent in the pumpkin. Its little head should peek out of the top. Scoop a little more dirt and pat it down to cover the base of the succulent. Do you see your pumpkin planter starting to take shape?
6. Spider Legs.
To add a particularly “Halloween” touch to these planters, we’re going to turn them into little spiders! To do this, you’ll need to take your pipe cleaners and cut them into strips about 5” long. Then cut four small holes on either side of the pumpkin, closer to the top. Carefully place a pipe cleaner strip in each hole. Bend and fold the strips at the bottom so that they look like little spider “feet”.
8. “Face” Time!
Your spider pumpkin planter is almost there! Now all you need to do is add a little spider face – you can do this by cutting eyes with your knife, like we did, or by spray-painting a face on. Depending on the color of spray paint you used, you could even draw on a face with permanent marker!
Your Pumpkin Planter is officially complete! These are perfect for Halloween displays or as cute Halloweeny gifts for friends.
Happy Halloween from Rachel Cho!
Note: These planters are for decorative purposes only – if you’d like your succulent to keep growing, simply repot it in its plastic grow-pot, or plant it in your garden.