How to Make a Succulent Moss Pillow Planter
Going through some of our old posts, I realized that we’d shared a bucket load of planters tutorials on the blog. Everything from eco-friendly branch mug planters to floating teapots and even large gabion planters. It’s no wonder since we have a huge collection of succulents that are always looking for a new home. So forgive me if I share another planter tutorial with you all. A succulent moss pillow planter that will add a little fairytale magic to your garden.
Isn’t it just beautiful? I’m over the moon with how easy it was to make and how it turned out.
Okay, before I get to the tutorial, please do me a favor and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need:
- Chicken Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Newspaper
- Coconut Fibre/Coir Basket Liner
- Succulents, and Soil
- Moss
I used spagnum moss (peat moss) or my pillow, but fake bath sponge moss will work too.
How to Make a Succulent Moss Pillow Planter
Figure out how big you want your moss pillow planter to be and cut a piece of chicken wire that’s twice as long and 4 cm (2″) wider. Fold the cut piece in half length wise.
It should already have a pillow-ish shape.
Oh by the way, see that grimy plaster.
Yeah, that one. Just so you all know, that’s not a DIY injury. It’s a nasty cut from chopping up carrots. Cooking is way more dangerous than DIY could ever be 😀 And don’t worry; I get tetanus booster shots every few years so I can travel in Africa, so I’m basically “rust immune” 😉
Anyhoos, to complete the outer casing for the pillow planter, fold the side edges over twice to form a pocket. It’s just like sewing seams in a real pillow.
Once you have the outer casing of your moss pillow cut and sewn over, it’s time to start stuffing that little baby.
How to Stuff the Moss Pillow
Place a layer of coconut fibre on the bottom of the chicken wire pillow casing.
Add a layer of newspaper, and then add a second layer of coconut fiber. The newspaper helps stop the two layers of fiber from sticking together.
Add moss in between the coconut fiber and the chicken wire.
Don’t you love how gorgeous that rust looks against the moss?
Once the pillow has been sufficiently lined with coconut fiber and moss, remove the newspaper.
Stuff the pillow firmly with soil. Make sure you compact the soil really well to prevent the pillow from sagging.
To finish the pillow off, join the top edges together by bending the wires over each other. Cut a small hole in the moss pillow and use your fingers to make a hole in the soil. Carefully tuck a succulent or two inside the hole, and close the hole around the succulent to secure it.
And that’s it; the succulent moss pillow planter is ready to add to your garden.
We put ours on a park bench we rescued from the dump many years ago.
And I think it looks magical 😉
What do you think? Would you make a mossy pillow for your garden?
If you like the idea of making a succulent moss pillow planter, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Sharing is caring 🙂
BTW, if you enjoyed this magical mossy pillow planter, then you’re going to love these ideas:
- Gorgeous succulent mushrooms that are guaranteed to wow
- Striking gabion planters to create a statement
- A small window planter with faux, rusty window frames
- Unique and “oh, so stylish” broken wine glass planters
- A leprechaun-approved mossy boot planter
- A tin can repurpose that our Gypsy fairies love
- And finally, our rustic, eco-friendly branch mug planters
And if you have moss and coconut fiber left over after making your pillow, why not make a few of these adorable moss creatures? They’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Wow, I am now in shock just from what I saw! This is unrealistically cool! In general, I am in shock from your blog, I want to repeat here everything that you did, but this pillow is simply unrealistically cool, it is especially cool to surprise guests who walk into my backyard with a mossy pillow. Thank you very much for your ideas, you are a real master of your craft! Continue in the same spirit! And I’ll go buy everything I don’t have for this pillow!
Thanks so much, Robin and I hope you have loads of fun making the mossy pillow and that your guests love it as much as you do.
Oh Michelle this pillow is beautiful and so unusual. Perfect for an outdoor garden bench. I love how you added the succulent up in the corner. You always come up with the best ideas! Can’t wait to see what other fabulous ideas you come up with this new year.
Awww Linda, thank you. We have some awesome projects planned for next year and I’m really looking forward to sharing them with you all.
What a lovely idea. I know this would look perfect in my Aunts garden, I’m going to send her the link. She has a large garden with lots of nooks and crannies and benches.
Gardens with nooks and crannies are the best place for the mossy pillow 😉
This. THIS. Is the pillow I’ve needed on my front porch bench forever! How fabulous and so unexpected!
😀 Thanks so much Donna
You always create the most unique and beautiful pieces of art. I just love this!
Awwwww Carolann, thank you for that. I really appreciate it ❣
This is just so clever! Love how the pillow turned out and the fact that it’s outdoor decor! It truly does look magical 🙂
Thank you, Tiffany. That little spot in our garden under the trees is quite magical on its own but the pillow does add something really special.
beautiful and eco- friendly pillow.
Thanks so much Varun
Love this idea! So totally cool, and I love it on your rescued bench!
Isn’t she so pretty? I’m really glad we found and took the time to replace all her slats with wood that will last many, many years.
THIS is my kind of craft! Everything from the moss, succulents, and the pillow, it’s everything I love.
Definitely pinning for future reference.
Somehow moss and succulents go so well together, even if you hardly ever see them together in nature 😉
What a creative idea! It goes perfectly with the bench. I love it! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Kim
This is just too adorable, I wish I had thought of it first. We must be on the same wave length because I made a similar planter this week but no where near as cute. I ordered moss after your last tutorial but mine was rubbish all the green dust just keeps falling off. ??
Oh no, so sorry. They probably didn’t package it nicely and it got all squished up and crushed while shipping. Maybe you can try one of the bigger garden centers in your area? Plant Ranch here in South Africa sells moss, so I’m assuming it would be the same in Australia. Oh and I’m really keen to see what your planter looks like to Anita.
You never run out of amazing planter ideas, Michelle. This is such a fantastic idea! My arbor could use one of these next Spring. Thanks for planting the seed.
That makes my heart happy to know Marie. Thank you ❣
OOOOh, I love how this turned out! Pinned for next season. LOVE it!!!!
Thanks so much, Libbie
Oh Michelle! You’ve totally inspired me! This would be so so good on a Christmas porch!! Beautiful job as usual!
I’m so happy to hear that Lori. We’re going to have to find you a pretty pink succulent to go with the gorgeous front door of yours 😉
Are you kidding me?? Is there anything you can’t do? I’m in awe every time I pop in…and yet, not surprised by your creativity and artistry anymore. Lovely…
❤ Thanks so much, Kim
Gorgeous natural outdoor decor. I love GREEN so this one is perfect for me. I have to make one too. Pinning!!!
Hugs,
Kippi
Thanks so much, Kippi, and have fun making yours. They really are super easy to do
It does look magical and no need for forgiveness; I LOVE your planter posts 🙂 Hope to see a lot more too!
Yay, coz I have a few more planned 😀