Upcycled Succulent Planters - Trash to Treasure

Hello! My name is Anthony and I’ll be your instructor for this workshop! I’ve been hosting succulent workshops for over four years. I started in high school when my succulents began to overrun my backyard garden; so I came up with a solution. I would host succulent workshops where I could give away surplus succulents and share my love for gardening with others!

Except… I had one issue. I had lots of succulents and backyard soil but no extra planters. A couple days later the solution came to me. I had finished eating some canned fruit and I was about to throw the empty can in the trash when I realized it could be a pot!

Without further ado, I’ll show you how to create your own upcycled succulent planter.

Supplies

Cans
Nail and mallet
Succulent cuttings
Well-draining soil

Step 1: Upcycle Cans to Planters

Save your cans; don’t throw them in the trash!
Wash the interior thoroughly to remove sugars (unless you want to attract hordes of ants. I’ve got to admit, I’ve made that mistake before).
Remove the can label to expose the beautiful aluminum.
Use a nail and a mallet to poke drainage holes through the bottom of the can. Three is sufficient but the more the better.

Step 2: Add Succulents and Soil

Choose succulent cuttings that have begun to develop roots. They are the easiest to propagate; for alternative methods of propagation, check out this blog: https://needlesandleaves.net/blog/2013/5/31/propa... If you don’t have succulents, ask friends; they would be glad to share.
Fill the upcycled planter a quarter of the way to the top with well-draining soil, or cactus soil.
Start adding succulents and soil little by little. Arrange succulents so that there’s variety in species and sizes.
Take care of your succulents by providing them with:
- Bright but indirect sunlight
- Water when soil is dry ~ once a week

And there you have it! Beautiful upcycled succulent planters at no cost.