20 Creative DIY Succulent Planter Ideas for Desks and Tabletops
DIY succulent planters are a simple way to bring life and personality to your desk or tabletop. Instead of tossing out unused or broken items, you can transform them into beautiful planters that hold little gardens of green.
I ve always found that succulents make the perfect plants for these projects since they re low-maintenance and thrive in small containers. Old books, teacups, jars, and even bottles lying around can quickly become unique homes for your plants.
Creating these planters not only saves money but also adds character to your space. Imagine sipping coffee while glancing at a mini succulent arrangement you crafted yourself it instantly lifts the mood.
Here are 20 creative ideas you ll love trying at home.
#1 Old Book Succulent Planter
Turn a forgotten book into a charming succulent planter that looks like a hidden treasure. Hollow out the center of the pages, line it with plastic or wax paper, and add soil before placing in your succulents.
This idea works best with hardcover books that are sturdy enough to hold the plants. Keep it on a desk for a literary touch that sparks conversations. Water lightly, and your green story will continue to grow.
#2 Branch Succulent Planters
A thick, hollow branch makes a beautiful natural planter for small succulents. Cut a groove along the top, scoop out enough space for soil, and tuck in your plants. This rustic look pairs well with earthy, minimal decor.
You can place it on a desk for a woodland feel or use it as a centerpiece on a dining table. Just remember to keep the branch dry to avoid mold.
#3 Seashell Succulent Planters
Seashells are ready-made planters that bring coastal vibes into your space. Choose larger shells like conch or clam shells to give roots room to spread.
Fill with a sandy soil mix, add your succulents, and place them where they ll get plenty of sunlight. These planters look especially lovely near windows or grouped together in a tray. Spray a little water every week, and they ll thrive.
#4 A Driftwood Succulent Planter
A piece of driftwood makes a one-of-a-kind succulent holder full of character. Look for natural holes or carve shallow pockets where soil can rest. Plant small succulents that can nestle into the wood s curves.
This planter adds a raw, organic feel to a tabletop, blending nature and design effortlessly. It s lightweight, too, so you can move it around easily when changing up your decor.
#5 Tiny Clay Pot Succulent Planter
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most charming. Small terracotta pots are perfect for displaying tiny succulents on desks, windowsills, or shelves.
Paint them in soft pastels or bold patterns to suit your style. Fill with a cactus soil mix, plant your succulent, and you ve got a miniature garden in minutes. Grouping several together makes an eye-catching arrangement.
#6 Teapot And Cup Succulent Planter
Old teapots and teacups bring a whimsical touch to succulent arrangements. Drill a small drainage hole at the bottom, or add pebbles to prevent water buildup.
Fill with soil and plant succulents that spill slightly over the rim. Place the teapot on a tray with matching cups for a themed display. It s a delightful way to give old china a new story.
#7 Mason Jar Planters
Mason jars are versatile and stylish containers for succulents. Add a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom for drainage before filling with soil.
Tie twine or ribbon around the jar for a farmhouse-style finish. These planters look charming on kitchen counters or office desks. Keep watering lightly since glass doesn t allow excess moisture to escape.
#8 Unused Succulent Planter
Sometimes the best planter is simply an item you thought was no longer useful. It could be a chipped bowl, a cracked mug, or even an old tin.
Clean it up, fill it with soil, and give it a second life with a succulent inside. These pieces add character because of their imperfections. Instead of hiding them in a cupboard, display them proudly with greenery.
#9 Eggshell Succulent Planters
Eggshells create adorable mini planters that are as eco-friendly as they are cute. Carefully crack the top, rinse the shell, and fill it with soil.
Plant tiny succulents or baby cuttings inside. Place the shells back in an egg carton for a playful display. It s a fun project for kids, too, and once the plants outgrow the shells, you can move them to larger containers.
#10 Plastic Bottle Succulent Planters
Give plastic bottles a new purpose by turning them into succulent planters. Cut off the top or slice the bottle horizontally to create two planters from one.
Decorate the outside with paint or fabric for a stylish look. These lightweight planters can sit on a desk or even hang from a wall. It s an easy, budget-friendly way to reduce waste while adding greenery.
#11 Glass Succulent Planter
A simple glass container instantly elevates a succulent arrangement. Use clear vases, bowls, or glasses to layer pebbles, soil, and plants for a decorative look.
Glass lets you see the textures of the materials, turning your planter into a living centerpiece. Try adding a few colored stones for extra charm. Just remember to avoid overwatering, since there s no drainage.
#12 Wine Bottle Succulent Planter
Empty wine bottles can be cut and repurposed into sleek succulent planters. Cut the bottle lengthwise, sand the edges, and add soil and plants. This design looks modern and stylish on a dining table or office desk.
If cutting glass feels tricky, you can also use the bottle upright by planting directly inside. Pairing a few bottles together creates a unique recycled display.
#13 Bamboo Succulent Planter
Bamboo pieces make natural, lightweight planters with a minimalist vibe. Hollow out sections of bamboo, fill with soil, and plant your succulents.
These planters work well in groups, lined up for a zen-inspired display. Place them on a windowsill or a desk for a calming touch of green. Their slim shape makes them ideal for small spaces.
#14 Brick Succulent Planter
A brick with holes becomes an unexpected but effective succulent planter. Simply place soil into the cavities and plant small succulents inside. This design looks industrial yet stylish, perfect for modern spaces.
You can paint the brick for a colorful accent or leave it raw for a rustic touch. It s a sturdy piece that doubles as decor and a conversation starter.
#15 Glass Wine Succulent Planters
Wine glasses make elegant tabletop planters that highlight succulents beautifully. Fill the bowl of the glass with pebbles, soil, and your favorite small plant. These planters look stunning at dinner parties or as desk decor.
Tie a ribbon around the stem for added charm. The see-through design gives your arrangement a polished, decorative appeal.
#16 PVC Pipe Succulent Planters
PVC pipes can be cut and transformed into creative planters. Slice into small sections, sand the edges, and paint them in fun colors.
Add soil and succulents, then arrange them in clusters for a modern look. These planters are durable, inexpensive, and easy to customize. They work well for both desktops and patio tabletops.
#17 Frame Succulent Planter
Turn an old picture frame into a mini vertical succulent garden. Attach a backing with chicken wire, fill with soil, and tuck the plants into the gaps.
Prop it against a wall or let it stand on your desk for a 3D piece of art. This design is especially striking with a mix of colorful succulents. It combines creativity with a bold decorative statement.
#18 Easy DIY Concrete Succulent Planters
Concrete planters are modern, sturdy, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Pour mixed concrete into molds like cups or cartons, let it set, and pop them out once hardened.
Add soil and your succulents for a sleek, industrial-style planter. You can paint the edges in metallic or pastel shades for a stylish finish. These planters fit beautifully on desks and tables.
#19 DIY Painted Succulent Planter Box
A wooden box turns into a vibrant planter with a little paint and creativity. Sand it down, paint it in your favorite colors or patterns, and fill it with soil.
Succulents grow beautifully in shallow containers like these. Place the box on a tabletop as a cheerful centerpiece. It s an easy way to blend craft and gardening.
#20 Industrial Tiered Tabletop Succulent Planter
Stacked metal trays or industrial-style stands make excellent tiered planters for succulents. Arrange plants on each level, mixing shapes and colors for variety. This design makes a bold statement on desks, coffee tables, or kitchen counters.
You can even repurpose old baking trays or hardware pieces for this look. It s a striking blend of greenery and industrial chic.