Do you know the easiest way to add texture, visual interest, and that extra-special kind of calm to your home? Add plants. Seriously! As I mention in my new book, houseplants are at the top of my list for decor solutions because they’re the ultimate multitaskers. They clean the air inside your house and engage our senses, all while adding beautiful, organic life to our spaces. What’s not to love?  

Plus, tending to them is a major mood-booster, and helps to hone skills like empathy and patience—especially in our little ones. It’s true! Putting our hands in soil has documented increases in serotonin, and improves the immune system to boot. (It’s no wonder we basically lived in the garden during those early days of Covid!) 

Bringing nature into the home is always a win, and this DIY combines the benefits of greenery with the powerful surge of can-do energy you get from making something beautiful with your own two hands. Let’s get started! 

You’ll Need 

Glass or plastic bowls:  I used these glass bowls from Amazon, and they were really inexpensive. You can use plastic bowls, but glass gives the final product a more high-end feel!

Glass or plastic candlestick holders: I found mine at a Joann Fabric Store, but you can get them just about anywhere.

E6000 glue:  Your vases will be top-heavy once you’re finished, so you’ll need  a really strong glue for this project. Make sure you get the clear kind! 

Sand:  I chose three different, natural colors, so I could get a little more creative when it came to the design part of the project. The contrast it creates is so worth it! 

Plants:  Succulents tend to work best for the project because they thrive in sandy soil, and they’re easy to care for. Select a fun variety from your local plant store. 

Rocks:  A larger rock helps to add even more dynamic visual interest. I added lava rocks from The Sill  because lava rocks drain water. But this is your project, so have fun with it!

Funnel or a thick piece of paper: This will make layering the sand MUCH easier, trust me 🤣

How To DIY a Succulent Planter

Step 1 

Start by adding glue directly to the top of the candlestick, and place the glass bowl firmly on top. Don’t be afraid to set your bowl at a jaunty angle, just make sure that the bowl connects to all points of the candlestick! Press both pieces together, and let it sit upside-down for at least one hour. You may choose to do this the night before and allow it to dry overnight.

Step 2

Once your vessel-turned-planter is dry, add your preferred combination of succulents to the center of the bowl, keeping the potting soil intact around the root system. This looks best when you use a few succulents of varying sizes, shapes, or colors to create depth. 

Step 3 

Using the funnel to help direct the flow of sand, start to pour the sand around your succulents. Do this in layers, alternating between colors to add contrast! Keep an eye on the sides of your bowl to visualize the thickness of each band, and fill the planter until the potting soil is completely covered. Add a few larger pebbles to the top to complete the look! 

Caring for your Succulent Planter 

This pretty, plant-forward DIY is perfect to take on with kiddos who are home for the summer. Natalie and I had so much fun making them together, and her favorite part was pouring the sand. (Who’s surprised? 😂) The best part is that succulents won’t require much additional care to continue thriving—just a little water every-other-week. 

When watering, remember: they don’t need a lot! It’s always better to underwater rather than overwater, especially because these planters don’t have drainage holes. Just make sure the sand is completely dry before watering again, and display them in a beautiful bright spot near a sunny window for all to enjoy. 

 

Happy Day!

Anita