Free Succulent SVG and Cactus Template Files

Try making your own cactus arrangement with these super easy to use paper succulents templates that can be used with the Cricut or made just by hand.

I was originally going to make this project with felt but then had some trouble cutting some of the designs with the rotary blade so I reverted to using cardstock instead.

(In case you are curious, the problem with the rotary blade is it doesn’t turn for sharp corners all that will and sometimes just cuts off the stem altogether. I didn’t have a really sharp fine point blade on hand so didn’t give it a try with that but that might have worked better. I did eventually alter the template slightly to create a set for felt. Here is the tutorial for felt succulents if you are interested.)

Living in California, I see succulents growing everywhere. They are actually quite a few different varietals. They make for beautiful vegetation that works both indoors and out.

My favorite are the cabbage like succulents that line the front of our housing complex. It looks relatively easy to maintain so I’ve been meaning to break off a piece and taking it indoors.

In the meantime, I created some even easier to maintain indoor succulent decor with this paper version. They are actually really simple to make and assemble and they last forever!

free succulent svg

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Materials for Paper Succulents

Cardstock – I just pulled green cardstock from various packages I already had. My only recommendation is to use cardstock with a colored center. Here are the different packages of cardstock I used.

  • Assorted Starter Pack – Basic assorted colors, great starter pack, perfect weight for most papercraft projects
  • Cricut Joy Insert Card Packs – You don’t have to use these with the Cricut Joy, they are nice material kids for cardmaking.
  • Cardstock Warehouse Brand on Amazon – I love the quality of all the matte-colored cardstock with Cardstock Warehouse. It is my go-to brand for individual matte colors that I might need
  • Poptone Assorted Variety Pack – This is the perfect peppy assortment of colors of heavy cardstock. It’s a heavy cardstock assortment with colors I actually use frequently for cardmaking.
  • Seasonal Assorted Variety Pack – This is a slight variation on the Poptone assortment and has a quite few neutrals that complement almost any accent color.
  • Stardream Metallics Line – For paper crafts, the Stardream line is the go-to for a metallic shimmer finish. It is the perfect sheen to make any project pop. The core is also colored is which hard to find for metallic paper.

Cutting Machine – I use a Cricut. Check out my recommendations for Cricut machines and accessories for beginners for more info.

Succulents Patterns Template – I’ve included my free succulent SVG files along with the paper succulent template PDF file in my resource library.

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    How to Make Paper Succulents Flower

    Step 1: Cut out the succulent templates

    Start by cutting out all the pieces from the template. I like to use my Cricut cutting machine for this step and it makes things go much faster. For not so intricate patterns, I like to use a blue light grip mat because it makes clean up much easier. I simple just cut each succulent in a different shade of green.

    This pattern isn’t so complicated that you can’t cut it by hand. That works as well with a pair of scissors although it might take a bit longer.

    free succulent svg

    Step 2: Curling the succulent petals

    Curl all the petals with a scraping tool or a credit card in a pinch. I just do a quick swipe with the scraper.

    For other flowers, I like vary up the direction of the petals. However, for succulents, I keep them all going in the same inverted direction.

    succulent svg free

    Step 3: Glue the layers

    For a more cupped flat succulent, just glue each piece from the largest to the smallest starting with the base piece.

    Be sure to offset the petals. For other layered flowers, sometimes I like add a little foam tape between the layers to add more elevation. While I don’t think it is necessary for succulent, it is really up to you if you want more of a 3 dimensional effect.

    succulent svg free

    To add even more of a 3D effect, I like to flip over a few of the curled pieces to add elevation to the plant. The base layer then just sort of acts a little stand for the rest of the plant.

    diy paper succulents

    Giant paper succulents

    This template works for making really large paper succulents as well. They look great as a wall backdrop.

    For really large paper succulents, especially if you are going to put this up on the wall, I would skip adding elevation to the layers because it might be hard to keep that in place.

    The Tacky glue is surprisingly strong once it has dried and work to hold up the layer flower. The only slight problem is if you make it too big, the layers become a bit heavy and might require some additional handing structure to stay on a wall.

    For a shorter duration, I actually just use some painters tape and make a little loop. Painters tape doesn’t damage the wall and is sticky enough to keep the flowers on.

    diy paper succulents

    While I wouldn’t add elevation between the layers, I would consider adding depth by coloring the tips. I like to use Metallic Oil Patels and just outline the tip of each leave and then smearing it in with a q-tip. It’s ok if it doesn’t look perfect, it will mostly be covered by all the tiered petals.

    I’ve also used soft pastels to color petals but that rubs off sometimes and for bigger projects like this, I don’t want the color to be getting all over the walls.

    3D Succulent SVG Templates

    3D succulent SVG templates are perfect to make your own paper houseplants from scratch. Typically, each mini cactus plant stands a few inches tall. Of course, you can always scale up your 3D succulent SVG templates if you want to make a larger plant.

    In addition, DIY paper succulent crafts are great to give to friends and family as well. For example, these make great no-maintenance house-warming gifts. They’re sure to brighten up any work desk, college dorm, or kitchen table! You can also use these free succulent templates to make DIY cactus cake toppers, wall art, and homemade succulent cards. To get started, sign up for my newsletter for your free download!

    Related Articles:

    All Rolled Paper Flower Templates

    All Bouquet Paper Flowers

    All Giant Paper Flowers

    paper succulent flower template
    free succulent svg files
    free succulent flower svg file for Cricut
    paper succulent template

    I understand that not everyone has the time to take care of plants. Although succulents are a pretty low-maintenance type of plant, they still require care and time. But, if you are living in a fast-paced place like California, this type of commitment could be challenging.

    Some of us really wanted to take care of plants. We have various reasons why. Others came from a family that has a ton of plants growing up. Some wanted a new look for their indoor space. Or, you may be one of the people who wanted some succulents to make your home lively. However, as mentioned, not everyone got the break to water these plants. We don’t want to see them wither, right? Can we get the best of both worlds – having plants without spending too much time? I got you! Regardless of your reasons, this DIY paper succulents will be a great project for you!

    There are different succulents. They vary from look to colors. And that makes succulents amazing and great indoor plants. As for our DIY paper succulents, you can easily place them in your living room or bedroom. It will give your space a fresh look. It is also a great decoration for your tiny space desk in your office.

    If you think these DIY paper succulents are only great for decor, you are wrong! You can easily give this as a sentimental gift for a friend or family. Make sure to attach a letter or note with it. 

    20 thoughts on “Free Succulent SVG and Cactus Template Files”

    1. Suzanne Shipley

      How do I get the password to get to the succulent free template? Please help

        1. rochellesoule@gmail.com

          Trying to get the templates for free flowers, but no link to be found ?

        2. Elf @DomesticHeights

          Hi,
          Please drop us an email on: info@domesticheights.com with the name of the SVG you want, and we’ll respond 🙂
          Happy Crafting!

    2. Andrea

      How do I sign up for your newsletter.

        1. Tiffany

          Has this worked for anyone? I really just would like the “free” template. I signed up for the newsletter, and would appreciate the next steps for this template. Thanks.

        2. ilyssa.norda@domesticheights.com

          Hi there! All the templates are in my free resource library (see link in menu bar)

    3. You don’t need to pay, it’s just an offer. You should have received an email with all the info regardless.

    4. Stacey Puga

      I can’t find the succulents file in the resource library

    5. Stacey

      Hi, your succulents are beautiful, but there are so many links on this page,I’m not sure which one is the actual file to download and I don’t want to download any extras..

    6. Cynthia

      Hello! is the felt and the paper template the same one? I can’t seem to find the paper succulent template. thanks

      1. Hi there! I believe I made some minor alterations for the felt template. The felt ones are in the decor section and the paper one is in the flowers sections. Hope that helps! Thanks for your patience!

    7. Ghada

      Hello, you are sooo generous and your tutorials are impressive and easy to follow . Thank you for sharing
      Ghada

    8. Amelia Lit Strutz

      Requesting the password for free resource, please.

    9. liz

      hi love the paper succulent designs, i tried signing up for your newsletter few times & says unsuccessful, wont let me sign up?

      1. Elf @DomesticHeights

        Hi Liz,
        You are subscribed to our mailing list. Please check your junk or spam folder – the emails may have landed there. Please mark as not spam and move to your inbox so you can easily receive emails directly in your inbox.
        For further assistance, please write to us at info@domesticheights.com

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