Your houseplants deserve better than the plastic nursery pot they came home in, and these 27 DIY indoor planters are the cutest fix. Turn a dollar store disco ball into a sparkly succulent pot, cut a moon planter from an empty laundry pod tub or set up a test tube propagation station for all those cuttings. There are tabletop planters for desks and windowsills, a picture frame mini greenhouse, hanging pinch pots and a modern wood plant stand. Most of these take an afternoon or less, so start with one and watch your shelf turn into a little jungle! Planting outside? Browse these DIY outdoor planters.
1. Modern Tree Stump Planter
A modern tree stump planter gives a fallen tree a second life, and those skinny hairpin legs make it look like it came from a design shop. Level the top of a dried stump, then drill a starter hole and cut a circle around the edge with a jigsaw for a clean opening. Bore down with a big drill bit and pry out the chunks with a chisel until it’s about 6 inches deep. Drill a drainage hole, seal the inside and bottom, then screw on three legs.
Get the full tutorial at Not Just a Housewife.
2. Simple Berry Basket Succulent Planter
Got a plastic berry basket with no holes in the bottom? This simple berry basket succulent planter turns a $1 basket into a tiny tabletop garden. Run a gold leaf pen or gold acrylic paint around the top rim for a fancy band, and paint the handle too if you like. Once it’s dry, fill the basket with potting soil and tuck in baby succulents. Here’s a money saver: pull small offshoots from one bigger plant, because they’ll root on their own, so a couple of plants can fill the whole basket.
Get the full tutorial at Simple as That.
3. West Elm Inspired Wooden Plant Stands
West Elm inspired wooden plant stands give plain pots a designer lift for under $10 each, and you don’t need big power tools to build them. Cut four legs from 3/4 inch square hardwood, about as tall as the pot. Then cut 1×2 pine into an X shaped platform, join it with wood glue and dowel pins, and drill pocket holes to attach the legs. Size everything to the widest part of your pot. A coat of dark walnut stain makes cheap pine look like a $125 catalog stand.
Get the full tutorial at Hey There, Home.
4. DIY Pig Planter From a Plastic Bottle
Don’t toss that empty plastic gallon jug! This DIY pig planter turns it into the cutest garden buddy, and the bottles are free. The gallon becomes the body and four small bottles make the feet. Cut the jug carefully and smooth any sharp edges, then give everything a coat of primer, caps and gaps included, so your paint goes on smooth and lasts. Paint it pink, orange or any color you love, add the face details and fill it with flowers or herbs. Make a whole herd for the yard.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
5. DIY Copper PVC Wall Planter
This DIY copper PVC wall planter looks like modern art, but it’s really just plumbing parts from the hardware store. Ask the store to cut 1/2 inch PVC pipe into short lengths, then press them together with elbows, two crosses and a red valve, no glue needed. Spray it with metallic copper paint in a well ventilated spot, about three coats, and it’ll pass for real copper at a fraction of the price. Hang it with large nails and tuck in small plants with short, narrow roots.
Get the full tutorial at CraftBits.
6. DIY Light Bulb Mini Planter
Replaced a light bulb lately? Don’t throw it out! This DIY light bulb mini planter uses the round glass part as a tiny pot. Carefully separate the glass from the metal base, then paint it, adding a second coat if you need one. POSCA pens make easy work of the little flowers. For the stand, cut 8 to 10 sticks to about 2 inches, hot glue them into A shapes, then join the pairs into a slanted ring. Fill it with a small succulent, faux greens or paper grass.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
7. Rustic Modern Copper Planters
Rustic modern copper planters can run $225 in stores, but you can fake the look for far less. Wrap thin copper sheets around a plain planter or an empty paint bucket and fasten the seam with rivets for that warm, industrial feel. Want something smaller? Try short lengths of copper pipe as mini pots. Copper looks great with snake plants and other upright greens, and it works in a big house or a small apartment. Group three sizes up the porch steps for the most impact.
Get the full tutorial at ManMadeDIY.
8. DIY Soda Bottle Kitty Cat Planters
DIY soda bottle kitty cat planters are pure fun for cat lovers! Peel the labels off one large and one medium bottle, then draw a cat outline on the bottom third: two ears in front and a little tail in back. Start the cut with a craft knife, then finish with scissors. Spray paint the back first, then the front, and use pink and black paint pens for ears, a heart nose, whiskers and sleepy eyes. Drill drainage holes or add gravel before planting.
Get the full tutorial at Salty Canary.
9. Brass Succulent Planter DIY
This brass succulent planter DIY uses black PVC drain caps from the hardware store, wrapped in brass colored aluminum sheeting, and three planters cost under $20. Paint the caps black if they’re white, then drill drainage holes in the larger ones. Measure the circumference and height, cut the metal to size with a craft knife, and wear gloves so you don’t leave prints. Spray the back with permanent adhesive and wrap. Stack a planter on a smaller cap as a pedestal that catches extra water.
Get the full tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
10. Decoupage Tin Can Planters
Decoupage tin can planters cost almost nothing, since the cans come straight from your pantry. Peel the labels off two soup cans, wash and dry them, and pick cans without sharp top edges. Measure each can’s height and the distance around it, then cut scrapbook paper to match. Brush Mod Podge on with a foam brush, wrap the paper around, and seal the outside too. Plant tiny succulents in cactus soil, since they’re hardy and stay small. They’re perfect for dorm rooms and apartments.
Get the full tutorial at Freebie Finding Mom.
11. Towel Seashell Planter
Yes, this seashell planter starts as a bath towel! Fold the towel lengthwise, cut a curved line on each end, then soak it in cement. Drape it over a balloon set on a tall can, pinch the center into a clam shape and trim the excess. Once it hardens, brush on more cement, pop the balloon and finish with primer and spray paint in any color. Fill it with pebbles and small succulents. Perfect for a coastal shelf or a beach lover’s desk.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
12. Hanging Pinch Pot Planters
Tiny succulents need tiny homes, and these hanging pinch pots are adorable! Squeeze a small ball of oven-bake polymer clay, press your thumbs into the center and pull up the sides into a little bowl. Lumpy edges are welcome here. Smooth it with a brush dipped in rubbing alcohol, poke three holes with a skewer, paint it and bake. Cut cotton twine about six times the hanging length, thread it through and knot it onto a small wooden ring. Perfect for a sunny window!
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
13. Picture Frame Mini Greenhouse
Dollar store picture frames turn into a mini greenhouse, and it’s every bit as charming as it sounds. Pull the backing from 8×10 frames and glue the glass in place, keeping one frame empty as the center support. Square wooden dowels painted black become the window panes, and E6000 and hot glue hold it all together. Add a pitched roof and hinges on the front if you want it to open. Pop your favorite houseplants inside. Perfect for a shelf, sideboard or plant lover’s gift!
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
14. Gold Moon Planter
Who knew an empty laundry pod tub could become a gold moon planter? Peel off the labels, trace a crescent with a 7 inch pot lid and cut it out with a craft knife and scissors on both sides. Wipe away the marker with rubbing alcohol, sand everything for texture and paint it gold. An empty masking tape roll, painted to match, becomes the stand. Hot glue it on and add a succulent. Perfect for a modern shelf or a moon-and-stars kind of room!
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
15. Dollar Tree Disco Ball Planter
A disco ball planter is pure fun, and it starts at the dollar store! Spray paint a base first, store-bought or upcycled, and let it dry. Then pluck the mirror tiles off the top of the ball with tweezers and carefully cut the exposed section away with a serrated knife. Smooth the edges, set it on the base and tuck in your plant. The waiting and the cleanup are the hardest parts. Perfect for a party-ready bookshelf or anyone who loves a little sparkle!
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
16. Glass Jar Clay Planters
Old glass jars get a gorgeous textured makeover with air dry clay and a fork! Roll the clay out, wrap it around the jar and smooth the seam, trimming the top and bottom. Press in a pattern with the fork, then let it set for about 24 hours. Paint it any color, seal it and glue small wooden blocks on the bottom as little legs. Drop in a potted succulent. Perfect for a windowsill or a desk that needs some color.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
17. Tin Can Face Planters
These tin can planters have so much personality! Peel the label, spray paint the can and draw on brows, eyes and a big grin with marker pens. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, then thread rope arms and legs through bottle caps for little hands and feet. The bottom of a plastic bottle becomes a base, held with hot glue and zip ties. Fill with soil and flowers and hang them in a sunny window. Perfect for a kid-friendly craft day!
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
18. Beaded Plant Hanger and Lantern
Two projects in one piece of fishing line? Yes! This beaded hanger holds a small potted plant one week and a jar with a candle the next. Fold four five-foot lengths of fishing line through a small wooden ring, then string 8 and 14 millimeter glass beads until the strands form a cradle. Knot all eight strands at the bottom, drop in your jar or planter and hang it. Painter’s tape keeps the strands tidy while you work. Perfect for a boho corner or a handmade gift.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
19. Modern Wood Plant Stand
A low plant stand lifts your pots off the floor and looks so modern doing it! A 10 inch poplar circle sits on a cross base made from two 6 inch pieces and one 12 inch piece. Cut with a jigsaw, sand everything so the stain soaks in evenly, then glue the base together and glue the circle on top. A gray stain finishes it. It takes about 45 minutes. Set a waterproof tray under the pot to protect the floors. Perfect for a snake plant in the corner.
Get the full tutorial at Alice and Lois.
20. Concrete Succulent Pots
Concrete succulent pots look like boutique buys, but the molds are just recycled plastic containers! Grease them well with cooking oil, mix quick-setting concrete in a small batch and pour, tapping out the air bubbles. After about 15 minutes, smooth the edges with a little water. Let them dry overnight before popping them out. Concrete is alkaline, so soak the pots in a 4 to 1 water and vinegar bath before planting. Wear a mask and gloves while mixing. Perfect for a set of desk succulents.
Get the full tutorial at Wildflowers and Wanderlust.
21. Kitchen Wall Herb Garden
Fresh herbs right on the backsplash, and no drilling required! This kitchen wall herb garden hangs four terracotta pots from 4 inch ring hooks stuck on with Sugru, a moldable adhesive that grips tile and glass. Mark level spots in pencil, press a dab of Sugru on the wall, then push the hook’s flat back into it and wipe off the extra. Tape the hooks in place for 24 hours while it sets, then drop in your pots. Perfect for renters and small kitchens!
Get the full tutorial at Fall For DIY.
22. Air Plant Hangers
Air plants don’t need soil, so why not float them on the wall? These hangers are square basswood dowels cut into three pieces, each hung from a length of suede lace knotted at both ends. Wrap wire around the plant base and the dowel about three times, then weave the lace through the leaves to steady it. It will hang a little off-center, which is half the charm. Mist the plants two or three times a week. Perfect for a blank wall that needs some green!
Get the full tutorial at Homey Oh My.
23. Terrazzo Clay Planters
Terrazzo is everywhere right now, and this planter fakes it with oven-bake clay and an empty can! Roll a base sheet about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, scatter small slices of colored clay over it and roll until flat. Cut the pieces a little small, since they spread. Trim the sheet a bit larger than the can, wrap it around and seal the seam. Punch drainage holes for live plants, then bake at 275°F for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch. Perfect for basil on a sunny counter.
Get the full tutorial at Persia Lou.
24. Test Tube Propagation Station
Too many cuttings and not enough jars? A test tube propagation station keeps them all tidy and on display. Scrap walnut about 3/4 inch thick is cut into two 2×14 inch boards and two 2×4 inch ends. Drill 1 inch spade bit holes through the front board and halfway into the back so the tube bottoms sit in little wells. Countersink the pilot holes so brass screws sit flush, assemble and rub on oil. Add hangers to the back to mount it. Perfect for pothos and monstera cuttings!
Get the full tutorial at Reality Daydream.
25. Wood Slice Plant Shelves
Got a tall, narrow wall with nothing on it? These wood slice plant shelves were made for it, and they cost about $5! Saw a third off three 13 to 15 cm wood slices so each has one flat edge and one bark edge. Sand an old floorboard or pallet strip, finish everything with clear wood wax and attach the slices with small angle brackets. Spray the brackets copper if you like, then screw the board to the wall. Perfect for a column of small potted plants.
Get the full tutorial at Pillar Box Blue.
26. Gold Ring Hanging Planter
Need a quick win? This gold ring hanging planter comes together in about 30 minutes! Two 19 cm gold rings and one 9 cm ring are bound with gold floral wire into a cradle that holds a 4 inch terra cotta pot snugly. Wrap the wire, tuck every sharp end inside the wrap and shape the rings so the pot sits level. Hang it from brass chain and an S hook. A solid black or white pot makes the gold pop. Perfect for a trailing fern in a bright corner.
Get the full tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
27. Candle Planter Centerpiece
Flowers and candlelight in one pot make the prettiest table centerpiece! Nest a small terra cotta pot inside a large one and fill the small pot with white crushed stone. Pack soil tightly around it, then trim the root ends of your flowers so they fit and plant them all the way around. Set a candle, LED candle or hurricane glass on the stone in the center. Calibrachoa spills over the edges beautifully. Perfect for dinner on the table or a bright windowsill display.
Get the full tutorial at The Navage Patch.
