As a busy mom always looking for ways to spruce up our home without breaking the bank, I’ve fallen in love with succulents.
These low-maintenance plants are perfect for adding a touch of green to any space, and I’ve discovered that you don’t need fancy pots to display them.
In fact, some of the most charming succulent containers are hiding right in your home!
Let me share with you 36 clever ideas for repurposing everyday items into unique succulent planters.
Household Items Repurposed as Succulent Containers
1. Tin Box
Remember that pretty tea tin you couldn’t bear to throw away? It’s perfect for creating an adorable tabletop succulent display. I’ve found that using a porous potting mix helps with drainage, keeping my little plants happy and healthy.
2. Mason Jars
Those Mason jars cluttering up my pantry got a new lease on life when I turned them into succulent planters. A layer of porous mix topped with a moss sheet creates the perfect home for mini succulents. It’s a quick DIY project that adds a touch of rustic charm to any room.
3. Toothbrush Holders
Who knew old toothbrush cases could be so versatile? With a bit of succulent mix, they’re perfect for hanging plants like string of hearts or string of pearls. It’s a great way to add some greenery to small spaces, like a bathroom or kitchen window.
4. Vintage Books
As a book lover, I couldn’t resist this idea. Hardcover books make surprisingly charming planters, especially for a study or reading nook. Just be sure to choose a book you’re willing to part with!
5. Lego Bricks
My kids’ outgrown Lego bricks have found new life as tiny, colorful succulent planters. It’s a playful way to display small plants and adds a pop of color to any shelf or windowsill.
6. Plastic Toys
Speaking of toys, those old plastic animal figurines make for whimsical planters. I’ve created mini jungle scenes that never fail to make guests smile. It’s a fun way to combine my love of plants with a touch of childhood nostalgia.
7. Metal Colanders
Old colanders are perfect for succulents, thanks to their built-in drainage. I’ve hung a few in my kitchen, creating a unique vertical garden that’s both functional and beautiful.
8. Old School Finds
Vintage items from flea markets or grandma’s attic can become charming succulent homes. I love mixing in some pebbles for added visual interest.
9. Ladles and Soup Spoons
Who would have thought kitchen utensils could make such cute planters? I’ve hung a few ladles filled with small succulents on my balcony, creating a quirky vertical garden that always catches the eye.
10. Rain Boots
Those outgrown rain boots? They’ve found new life on our front porch, filled with cheerful succulents. It adds a touch of whimsy and Southern charm to our entryway.
11. Disco Balls
This one’s a showstopper! By carefully creating holes in an old disco ball and adding crushed pebbles for drainage, you can create a glittery, eye-catching succulent display. It’s perfect for adding some sparkle to a room.
12. Salt and Pepper Shakers
I’ve repurposed some cute salt and pepper shakers into miniature planters. They make for an unexpected and delightful addition to our dining table decor.
13. Classic Tea Cups
There’s something undeniably charming about a succulent nestled in a vintage teacup. It’s a lovely way to display small plants while adding a touch of elegance to any space.
14. Measuring Cups
Old measuring cups, with a few drainage holes added, make for uniform and visually appealing mini planters. They’re perfect for creating a neat, organized display of various succulents.
15. Wine Corks
With a pocket knife and a steady hand, wine corks can become tiny planters. They make for unique, conversation-starting paperweights on my desk.
16. Berry Baskets
Those little baskets that strawberries come in? They’re ideal for small succulents, providing good airflow and a rustic look.
17. Vintage Crates
An old wooden crate on the windowsill makes for a charming succulent garden. I’ve planted a variety of types, from Sansevieria to Haworthia, creating a diverse and interesting display.
18. Soup Cans
Upcycling soup cans into planters is an easy way to reduce waste and add some greenery to your space. They’re easy to customize with paint or decorations to match any decor.
19. Plastic Easter Eggs
This is a fun seasonal project. By cutting plastic Easter eggs in half and adding drainage holes, you can create whimsical, colorful planters for tiny succulents.
20. IKEA Trotting Bowls
Those small IKEA bowls that seem to multiply in the cupboard? They make perfect modern planters for succulents. It’s a great way to repurpose items you already have.
21. Gumball Machine
This one’s a bit more involved, but the result is worth it. A disassembled gumball machine becomes a unique, eye-catching planter that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
22. Woven Bead Containers
Plain pots get a bohemian makeover with the addition of colorful beads. It’s a fun craft project that results in a one-of-a-kind planter.
23. Water Pitchers
Old ceramic pitchers make for elegant succulent planters. They add a subtle tropical vibe to any room and are a great way to repurpose items that might otherwise be discarded.
24. Ceramic Eggs
Ceramic eggs are ready-made planters for the tiniest succulents. They’re perfect for creating Easter-themed displays or adding a touch of whimsy to a shelf or tabletop.
25. Tea Kettles and Cups
An old tea set can be transformed into a charming succulent garden. I love combining these with vintage clocks and candles for an eclectic display.
26. Rolling Succulent Cart
An old rustic cart becomes a mobile succulent garden. It’s perfect for moving plants around to catch the best light or create different displays throughout your home.
27. Coffee Pots
Old coffee pots make for unique terrariums. They’re ideal for creating mini succulent ecosystems and add a quirky touch to kitchen decor.
28. Bowl Succulent Garden
A large terracotta bowl filled with an assortment of succulents makes for a stunning centerpiece. I like to arrange plants by size, creating a visually interesting display.
29. Upcycled Can Planters
Simple and versatile, upcycled cans make great planters. They’re easy to customize with paint or decorations to match any decor style.
30. Rustic Garden Cart
An old garden cart transformed into a large planter is perfect for outdoor succulent displays. It adds a touch of vintage charm to any patio or garden.
31. Green Typewriter
For a truly unique planter, consider using an old typewriter. Fill it with an assortment of succulents for a piece that’s part garden, part art installation.
32. Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks make for industrial-style planters that are perfect for modern or minimalist decor schemes. They’re especially striking when filled with colorful succulents.
33. Scrap Wood Centerpiece
A DIY centerpiece made from scrap wood and filled with succulents is sure to catch the eye. It’s a great way to bring a touch of nature to your dining table.
34. Crochet Planters
For a soft, handmade touch, try creating crochet covers for your succulent pots. You can even make them in cute animal shapes for added charm.
35. Vintage TV Planter
An old TV set becomes a quirky planter that’s perfect for retro-themed rooms or outdoor spaces. It’s a great conversation piece that combines nostalgia with nature.
36. Picture Frame Planter
Give new life to an old picture frame by turning it into a living succulent wall art. It’s a creative way to bring some green to your walls.
These DIY succulent container ideas have allowed me to indulge my love of plants while also decluttering and repurposing items around our home. Each one tells a story and adds a unique touch to our decor. Remember, when it comes to succulent planters, the only limit is your imagination! So take a look around your home – you might be surprised at the potential succulent homes hiding in plain sight.