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Springtime Succulents (planted in an unexpected way)

    Try this unexpected springtime arrangement: plant a succulent in an eggshell / jones design company
    Succulents are having a moment right now, and rightfully so. They are uniquely interesting, drought tolerant and rather inexpensive – a great combo if you ask me. When in Austin, Texas last month, we ate at this darling restaurant/flower shop and right away I was taken by the display of pretty succulents in brown paper. I wanted to try a similar arrangement at home, so I dropped by my local home depot and grabbed a bunch of little plants.

    succulentsOnce home, I changed my mind. The brown paper – as cool as it looks – probably isn’t very practical for watering and I wasn’t sure how to get around that issue.

    Then one day, I had this weird idea: plant the springtime succulents in eggshells! I know, strange. But I’ve seen wheatgrass grown in shells for spring and thought maybe my cute plants would be a fun twist on that idea.

    planted-succulentsThe process is a bit self-explanatory, but I took photos as we planted with a few tips. I did this one with my No.2 and it was a great Sunday afternoon let’s-get-our-hands-just-a-little-bit-dirty activity to do with him.

    HERE’S WHAT YOU’ll NEED:planting-succulents-in-eggs-suppliescracked eggs, washed out and dry / small pebbles / needle / small succulents

    STEP ONE: poke hole in bottom of egg

    poke-hole-in-egg-with-needleI just used a regular needle, but I remember doing this with my mom to blow eggs and we used a large upholstery needle. Whatever you have on hand will be fine. If you’re using a small needle, wiggle it around to open up the hole a little bit. Beware: the eggshells are thick at the bottom and so you may wreck a few while poking the holes. I suppose you don’t even have to do this step, I’m just assuming it’s a good idea for drainage. Up to you.

    STEP TWO: add small pebbles to the bottom of egg

    put-small-pebbles-in-bottom-of-eggThis will help with draining (in theory).

    STEP THREE: pull apart succulents

    planting-succulents-in-eggThe little plants usually come in groups of three or so in each small pot. Just gently pull them apart, keeping roots intact.

    STEP FOUR: place plant in shell + fill in with soil

    planting-with-kidssucculent-in-eggAnd that’s it!

    succulent-up-close

    succulents-in-egg-cartonIt was fun to try out all the different shapes and textures of plants.

    succulents-in-egg-carton2I kept the original egg carton to display them in (I just lightly water the whole thing in the kitchen sink and the egg carton does fine), and also put a few in a ceramic egg carton (from Anthropologie).succulents-in-eggdish succulents-in-eggs-close

    Cute, yes? And maybe a little odd. But I’m okay with that.

    double-line-tiny
    Succulents are supposedly very low-maintenance, but I have a way with killing most plants that I bring into our home. I did a little research and here’s what I found to help us keep these beauties happy:

    TIPS FOR KEEPING SUCCULENTS ALIVE INDOORS

    1. Keep in sunny places – they are a desert plant and thrive in sun and dry climates.

    2. Let them dry out completely before watering.

    3. Bright green plants are easier to keep alive – steer clear of the purple, grays and oranges if you’re looking for indoor success.

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    15 thoughts on “Springtime Succulents (planted in an unexpected way)”

    1. I will be doing this project with my little guy for sure!! One change though to make it a little more fun. Even though my fridge is filled with brown eggs (so surely I’ll do a few of those) I also have white…Time to get out Easter egg dye!! I’ll let him pick some colors and make a handful to brighten things up around here!

      Thanks for such a lovely idea!

      Just ordered wheat grass too, to plant in a few pretty dishes and top with cloches :)

      Spring is in the air!

    2. I never realized that the gray and purple ones were harder to keep alive. I thought it was me! I’ve replaced my pretty purple/gray succulent twice now and it keeps dying. The green ones are going strong. Of course the purple/gray are my favorite… It’s still cheaper to replace them every 4 months than to buy flowers all the time. I’m just glad to know it’s not me and my black thumb!!

    3. Love this idea. I just started collecting information and ideas on planting succulents. I sent an arrangement of these in a subtle, understated beach theme (real shells and driftwood – ) twice this year to friends who lost a loved one and found the beach a place of peace and joy. I plan to incorporate in my home.

    4. Fun idea, Emily. I planted succulents in mini pumpkins (after I had spray painted them white and added gold designs), and they were a different, unexpected way to display them too.

      On that same note, although the brown shells are a great neutral base, they sure would be fun glittered or spray-painted too.

      Oh dear. As if I needed an excuse to go to Hobby Lobby.

    5. Great idea! I never think of these things. I have this exact ceramic egg carton that sits around collecting dust; I’ll have to give this a try..

    6. What a cute display! Living in Texas, succulents are my go-to plant to withstand the blazing heat and drought conditions in the summer. Thanks for the idea!

    7. I love this idea! It looks so cute! But although the the process seems self explanatory it looks like the eggs are cracked a little different than I normally do! Lol it seems I need to be intentional to only crack open the top

    8. Finally, something to do with ceramic egg cartons, I think they are adorable, but have no idea what to do with them. It would be fun to see a follow-up in a couple months since those things are slow-growing.

    9. I can not keep them alive!! For awhile it was the plants or the kids but now I seem to be doing okay with both, just not succulents – ever! But I love the look of this – how fun! Perfect for Spring!

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