Succulent Mirror Frame

Reflecting the Beauty of your Xeric Garden

How to Build a Succulent Mirror Frame

To start, find a mirror tile easily obtainable through a glass shop. They can be cut to size, but a smaller size – about 30cm square - is perfect.

Make a frame the same size or slightly larger, then another that’s about 10cm bigger to go around it.

Use any thickness of lumber to make the frames. You can adjust any of the measurements to suit the look you want.

Plywood cut to the same size as the larger square will form the base of the two squares and the mirror. Attach the squares with screws or very carefully with nails, and fit the mirror inside the smaller one. Construction adhesive or silicone will safely secure it; use small nails to hold it in – using caution so as not to break the mirror, or place wooden trim to hold it.

Fill the space between the two squares with soil, pack it well as it’s going to shrink.

Wire or plastic mesh is stapled over the two squares, leaving the mirror exposed. Fit the ends of the succulent plants through the mesh to root.

The Best Plants for a Succulent Mirror Frame

Any succulent plants that prefer shallow soil will do well. I like any that stay low growing so they don’t droop out of the shape of the frame. Try small species and varieties of Echeveria, Sedum, Sempervivum, Aloe or Haworthia.

Plant the cuttings thickly for instant gratification, and prune as needed once they’re established. You can use the cuttings for propagation, or for another frame, a succulent mosaic or succulent wreath.

Leave the frame horizontal until the cuttings are rooted – this can take a few months - then carefully hang your succulent mirror frame on a wall or fence. Sprinkle the succulents occasionally, or take the mirror down and immerse in a tub of water. Drain well before hanging once again on your wall or fence.

Use compost tea to fertilize your succulent mirror frame once or twice a season, when the plants are actively growing.

For winter, most succulent plants are too tender to leave outdoors in most areas in Canada, so find a spot in a bright place indoors either with it hanging, or you can lay it down.

Even those plants that are hardy will need protection through the cold months, so mulch well with leaves, and protect from vermin with a hardware cloth cover.

Water less during the winter months than during the summer outdoors as the succulent plants will go dormant, to awaken refreshed in the spring when you can water them again.

go to Drought Smart Plants home page

Succulent Crafts

Succulents