I have a problem. Every time I buy a plant, I also buy a pot. Then I see another cute pot and buy a plant for it. It’s a vicious cycle and my apartment is becoming a jungle.
But here’s what I learned: making your own planters is way more fun than buying them, they cost less, and you end up with something unique that actually matches your vibe. Plus, it’s a great excuse to repurpose things you already have.
Let me show you some ideas that actually work.
Why DIY Your Planters?
They’re cheaper – Most DIY planters cost under $5 to make.
They’re unique – Nobody else will have the same one.
They’re customizable – Match your exact color scheme and style.
They’re eco-friendly – Repurposing things instead of buying new plastic.
They’re fun – Honestly, making planters is just satisfying.
Easy DIY Planter Ideas
Painted Terracotta Pots
The classic for a reason. Basic terracotta is cheap and becomes a blank canvas.
Paint ideas:
- Solid colors that match your decor
- Ombré effect from light to dark
- Geometric patterns or stripes
- Mermaid scales or fish scales
- Two-tone with the rim a different color
- Abstract paint splatters
Pro tip: Seal with a clear spray after painting so water doesn’t ruin it.
I have like ten of these in different colors lining my windowsill and they look so cohesive and intentional.
Mason Jar Planters
Perfect for herbs or small succulents.
Simple version: Paint the jar, add drainage holes (optional), plant directly in it.
Hanging version: Use wire or macrame to create a hanger.
Grouped version: Different sized jars grouped together on a wooden board.
Style tip: Use twine or rope around the rim for a rustic touch.
Tin Can Planters
Upcycling at its finest.
Prep: Clean cans thoroughly, drill drainage holes in the bottom.
Decoration options:
- Paint solid colors
- Wrap with rope or twine
- Cover with fabric using mod podge
- Leave natural for an industrial look
- Add washi tape patterns
Use: Great for herbs in the kitchen, small succulents, or grouped together on a shelf.
I have three soup cans painted white with herbs growing in them on my kitchen counter. Free planters that look cute.
Propagation Planters
Hanging Rope Planters
Add vertical garden space.
Basic version: Use macrame plant hangers (make or buy cheap) with any container.
DIY macrame: Learn basic knots and make your own hangers. Tons of YouTube tutorials.
Container ideas: Small pots, jars, even coconut shells.
Best plants: Trailing plants like pothos, string of pearls, or ivy.
Teacup and Mug Planters
Perfect for tiny succulents.
Find them: Thrift stores always have mismatched cups and saucers.
Drainage: Drill a hole or use as a decorative cover pot.
Display: Line them up on a shelf or windowsill, group on a tray.
Best for: Small succulents, cacti, or air plants.
I have a vintage teacup with a tiny succulent on my desk and it makes me happy every time I see it.
Basket Planters
Cozy boho vibes.
Use: Woven baskets or seagrass baskets from dollar stores or thrift shops.
Prep: Line with plastic (like a trash bag) to protect from water damage.
Size: Any size works – small for one plant, large for multiple.
Style: Natural for boho look, paint for a modern twist.
Colander Planters
Great drainage built right in.
Find: Thrift store colanders, especially vintage metal ones.
Prep: Line with moss or landscape fabric to keep soil from falling through.
Plants: Works well for plants that like good drainage.
Look: Quirky, vintage, farmhouse.
Painted and Decorated Planter Ideas
Chalkboard paint: Paint pots with chalkboard paint, label your plants.
Metallic accents: Add gold leaf, metallic paint, or foil for elegance.
Stenciled designs: Use stencils for perfect patterns.
Stamped patterns: Use stamps and paint to create repeated designs.
Decoupage: Glue decorative paper or fabric onto pots with mod podge.
Marker designs: Use paint markers to draw patterns or mandalas.
Washi tape: Quick patterns with removable tape.
Tips for Success
Drainage is crucial: Most plants need drainage holes. Use a drill bit for ceramic, hammer and nail for soft materials.
Seal painted pots: Use clear sealer spray to protect your designs from water.
Size matters: Make sure your plant has room to grow. Too small and you’ll be repotting constantly.
Consider weight: Concrete and ceramic are heavy. Think about where you’ll place them before filling.
Test stability: Make sure planters won’t tip over easily, especially for tall plants.
Line porous materials: Baskets, wood, and fabric need plastic liners to protect from water damage.
Plants That Work Best in DIY Planters
Succulents: Forgiving, don’t need much water, look cute in small containers.
Herbs: Functional and pretty, work well in kitchen planters.
Pothos: Hard to kill, trails beautifully from hanging planters.
Snake plants: Tolerant of various conditions, work in almost any planter.
Air plants: Don’t even need soil, perfect for creative containers.
My Current DIY Planter Collection
I have painted terracotta pots in various shades of green and terracotta on my shelves. Three tin cans with herbs in the kitchen. A concrete planter I made that holds my favorite snake plant. And way too many small succulents in teacups scattered around my apartment.
My next project is making hanging rope planters for my trailing pothos. I bought the rope and I’m procrastinating learning the knots, but I’ll get there.
The Best Part About DIY Planters
You can start with literally no budget. Use what you have – old jars, cans, containers – and just add a plant. As you get more into it, you can experiment with more complex projects.
And if you mess up? It’s just a planter. Paint over it, try again, or turn it into something else. There’s no pressure to make it perfect.
Your plants don’t care if their homes are perfect. They just want water, light, and drainage. The pretty container is for you.
So grab some paint, find some containers, and make your plant babies some custom homes. They’ll look way better than those basic plastic nursery pots anyway.