17 Stunning DIY Planter Ideas You Can Steal From TikTok

One of the best parts of being a plant parent is picking out stylish planters. Yes, seeing your little one grow up all strong and healthy is a plus, but would you just look at that pot! Whether you're growing flowers, herbs, foliage, or trees, nothing beats a one-of-a-kind container. It's the icing on the cake (blossom on the branch?) for both your houseplants and outdoor greenery. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune to get the perfect planter. Thanks to a little help from TikTok, there are plenty of ways to make a gorgeous planter, from simple paper mache projects to concrete builds.

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The majority of these DIYs are beginner-friendly and inexpensive. Some focus on repurposing common household items you can turn into planters like glass bottles and tin cans, while others utilize dollar store items to create stunning pieces. There's a style, shape, and size for every aesthetic, whether it's to match the grand foliage of your monstera or the vintage look of the tabletop it's on. Plus, you can have a new outfit for your plant in just one afternoon. With some creativity and craft supplies, your greenery will have a beautiful home to grow in. Check out these 17 unique planter ideas from TikTok.

Rustic reed planter

For a rustic look, try a DIY reed planter. Two plastic pots create the base and top for this planter, while the body is wrapped with reed fencing. Only the rim of the flower pots will be visible, so you don't have to splurge on anything fancy — cheap pots or bowls will do. If you want a shorter reed planter, cut down the fencing before attaching the pots. Adding a wood or metal rod between the two containers is best for extra support. You could also include LED lights inside the fencing to illuminate the piece.

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Make your own concrete pot

With a couple of buckets in slightly different sizes, you can make your own planter by placing cement between the buckets and letting it dry. These statement pots are gorgeous and can be less expensive than buying one in-store. The heavy-duty material makes them ideal for outside use. Just don't forget to add drainage holes if you plan to place your soil and plants directly inside the planter. Once it cures, decorate it however you see fit. Paint it a bold color for a modern look or let the natural material speak for itself.

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Upcycle a trash can

While it's possible to DIY a stone planter with concrete, upcycling a trash can is an even easier hack to get the same look for less. Simply coat the bin with drywall texture spray to mimic the rough finish of concrete. You can also simply paint the trash cans with spray paint in whatever color you desire, or just keep them as-is if you like the color and look. Another option is to add decorative items to the exterior for more interest. Don't forget to add a few drainage holes to the bottom before planting.

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The luxurious look of marble

Anything in marble is sought after — including planters. With four large marble tiles, your plants will have a new luxurious home. Long rectangle tiles are the easiest to work with. If you want to switch things up with smaller tiles or ones of different shapes, you'll need to create a box base first with wood or MDF board before adhering the tiles. Plus, it doesn't have to be marble — use any tile color or style for this look. This is a great way to utilize any leftover pieces from your previous renovations.

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The bigger, the better

It's not everyday you see a giant bowl planter, but that all changes with this TikTok DIY. You can build a large cement pot using the base of a gym exercise ball as the mold. The technique is similar to paper mache, as you spread a thin layer of cement over the ball with fiberglass tape and fabric scraps. Additional interest can be added with rope, too. You could also make a smaller version of this planter by using the base of a balloon as the mold instead of an exercise ball. 

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Two pots are better than one

With two flower pots, you can create a large custom planter with TikTok's clever DIY. The pots are stacked bottom to bottom, forming a sleek hourglass silhouette. This is a budget-friendly upgrade — you just need adhesive to stick the containers together, caulking for a seamless merge, and paint to decorate. Use plant pots you already have on hand or buy inexpensive ones. The containers don't have to match either — use two different designs for a unique look. Any combination should work as long as the bottoms are the same size.

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Upgrade dinner bowls

How about upgrading dinner bowls? Plastic bowls from the dollar store or ceramic and glass ones from the thrift shop are ideal. Stack the dishware bottom to bottom and use heavy duty adhesive to stick them together. If leaving as-is, you can hide the seams with twine, ribbon, yarn, or something similar. Or, you can paint the entire planter and not have to worry about the seam. Give it a faux stone look with textured matte paint or a high-end design with a colorful glossy coat. Use dishware of different shapes and sizes for a unique look.

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Repurpose glass bottles

A self-watering planter made from a glass bottle? Yes, please! Empty wine, olive oil, or other thin-necked bottles are best for this DIY. You will also need a glass cutter; it is the surest way to split the bottle without any cracks. Also buy a cotton wick, which is key for the self-watering part. You'll place the bottleneck upside-down in the bottom of the bottle. The string feeds through the bottleneck, which transports the water from the bottle's bottom to the soil. These planters are perfect for your windowsill herbs or kitchen counter garden.

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Upcycle tin cans

Another great option for your tiny plants are tin cans. Containers from canned soups or paint samples are ideal to upcycle into small planters. Just add a few holes in the bottom for drainage and decorate the exterior. Ornamental napkins, wallpaper, and wrapping paper are perfect to decoupage the can's body. Paint also works for a simple look, while clay is stellar for adding texture. Just don't forget to finish with a clear coat of sealant if you're leaving the planters outside. Gallon paint cans are also great for large versions.

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Simple wood wall planters

With a simple Dollar Tree DIY from TikTok, create rustic wall planters that double as decorations. You'll use wood pieces from the dollar store to build a mini box that mounts to the wall. These containers are best for plant clippings or faux stems, as there isn't enough room for soil or growing roots. Plus, you don't want water dripping down the walls when watering. However, you can also turn this rustic planter into a tabletop one by building out the slim frame into a sturdy box that's large enough for soil and plants.

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Carve out a tree stump

For certified plant lovers, a tree stump planter might be a new favorite. The hollowed trunk adds a rustic feel that complements any outdoor space and brings a natural element to the indoors. It doesn't need to be decorated either, as its distinct look is fashionable in its own right. If you don't have a tree stump, you can purchase a faux one to get a similar look. Or, stack multiple wood round slices to mimic a trunk before hollowing at least 6-inches out of the center and adding your soil.

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A paper mache pot

If you want a stone pot for a much cheaper price, try covering the sides of a basic plastic planter with paper mache. You can keep the base uncovered so that the drainage holes still work. This is a simple and inexpensive way to make a planter that has tons of interesting texture. Once the material has dried, you can spray paint it any color you desire. Neutral colors will keep the high-end feel of this design, while choosing a vibrant shade would add a pop of color to your space.

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Create a sporty vibe

If you have an old basketball, give it new life as a planter. Just cut a hole at the top and slide your plastic pot inside. You'll need a plant stand to keep the ball from rolling away with your greenery, so feel free to make your own indoor plant stand with these creative DIY ideas. Soccer balls, volleyballs, and footballs also work, while tennis balls and baseballs are great for mini planters. Leave the pieces as-is to embrace the sporty vibe, or cover the sphere with paper mache or clay to disguise what lies underneath.

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Illuminate your planter

A light-up planter is one we didn't know we needed until we saw it. It's perfect for illuminating the backyard or creating a cozy lamp for your room. Use two white or clear bowls in slightly-different sizes and place the remote-operated string lights along the interior of the largest planter, leaving a few inches of space from the bottom so any collected water doesn't damage the wiring. You can also wrap the string lights on the outside of the pot instead. That way, the planter can be any color and the lights will still shine.

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A modern planter from foam

Transform foam wreaths from Dollar Tree into a fabulous bubble-styled planter. The 3D ridges add dimension, and you can't even tell that it's foam. This TikToker only used five rings for her planter, but you can stack more for a taller pot. Use wood rounds between each wreath or insert metal or wooden skewers through the stack for extra support. You can also use pool noodles, but you'll need to take the extra step of forming them into circles first. Cover the piece in fabric, paint, or paper mache to give it an elegant look.

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Add tiers for more plants

A wood pallet is great for many things — including housing plants. Adding bottom planks to each pallet section turns them into shelves, creating long narrow boxes that you can line with landscaping fabric and transform into flower beds. Leave the wood bare for a truly rustic look, or sand it and give the planks a coat of paint for a more artistic vibe. This planter would look stylish leaning against a wall or hanging on a fence. You could also line multiple wood pallets side-by-side to create a plant gallery wall.

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A mosaic masterpiece

Decorate a bucket, bowl, or flower pot with ceramic and glass pieces to create a mosaic masterpiece. Recycle old plates or tiles for your mosaic pieces, even adding in marbles or beads. Play with different patterns and colors to create a heartwarming scene or stick the pieces randomly. You can leave the glued tiles as-is for a 3D effect or add grout to smooth everything out and give it a more finished look. Using colorful grout is another way to add dimension to the design. It'll be a gorgeous creation for your plants to call home.

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