Succulents are a beautiful, low-maintenance choice for outdoor decor, and with creative planters, you can turn them into eye-catching features in your garden. These hardy plants thrive in unique containers, allowing you to get creative with DIY planters and turn your outdoor space into a stylish succulent oasis. From upcycled containers to living walls, here are 15 unique outdoor succulent planter ideas to elevate your garden space.
1. Repurposed Wooden Pallet Planter
A repurposed wooden pallet is perfect for creating a succulent wall display with a rustic touch.
- Use each slat as a planter shelf, filling them with small succulents and trailing varieties.
- Add moss or potting soil in each section to secure the succulents in place.
- Lean the pallet against a wall or mount it for a vertical garden effect.
Tip: This works well in small spaces, adding a vertical element without taking up floor space.
2. Vintage Tea Tin Planters
For a touch of charm, use vintage tea tins as mini succulent planters.
- Place small succulents or clusters in each tin for a pop of color and texture.
- Arrange multiple tins on a table, shelf, or outdoor bench for a whimsical look.
- Drill small holes at the bottom for drainage to keep the succulents healthy.
Inspiration: Mix different tin designs for a unique, eclectic look that suits a cottage or vintage aesthetic.
3. Hanging Macrame Planters
Hanging succulents in macrame planters adds a boho vibe to your outdoor space.
- Choose a variety of succulent types, including trailing varieties like string of pearls.
- Use colorful or neutral macrame holders depending on your style preference.
- Hang the planters at varying heights to create a cascading effect.
Tip: Place them near a wall or patio to bring greenery closer to your seating area.
4. Driftwood Succulent Planter
A piece of driftwood makes a beautiful, natural planter for succulents, blending seamlessly with any outdoor space.
- Fill small crevices in the driftwood with soil and succulent cuttings.
- Use a mix of small succulents to create an organic, textured look.
- Place the driftwood planter on a patio table or along a garden path.
Inspiration: Driftwood planters work well in coastal-themed gardens, adding an earthy, beach-inspired element.
5. Repurposed Birdcage Planter
A vintage birdcage makes an enchanting succulent planter, adding a whimsical touch to your garden.
- Fill the base of the birdcage with soil and a variety of succulents.
- Use moss or coconut liner to secure the soil and add rustic texture.
- Hang the birdcage or place it on a table as a statement centerpiece.
Tip: Choose birdcages with intricate designs for added elegance and visual interest.
6. Succulent Living Wall Frame
A living wall frame filled with succulents creates a lush, artful display.
- Use a shadow box frame or a DIY frame lined with mesh and filled with soil.
- Insert small succulents through the mesh, creating a green tapestry effect.
- Mount it on an outdoor wall to bring a pop of greenery to your patio or garden.
Inspiration: Create multiple frames in different sizes for a stunning, gallery-style wall of succulents.
7. DIY Concrete Planters
Concrete planters are modern and durable, making them perfect for outdoor use.
- Mix cement and pour it into molds of different shapes and sizes for a variety of planters.
- Place your succulents in each planter once the cement has set and dried.
- Arrange the planters in groups for a minimalist, contemporary display.
Tip: Paint or seal the concrete for extra durability and added color if desired.
8. Vintage Drawer Succulent Garden
An old drawer can be transformed into a charming succulent garden with a touch of creativity.
- Fill the drawer with soil and arrange a variety of succulents in different heights and colors.
- Place the drawer planter on the ground or on a sturdy surface for display.
- Use multiple drawers stacked at angles for a tiered succulent garden look.
Inspiration: Distress the drawer with paint for a rustic touch that complements the succulents.
9. Wine Barrel Succulent Planter
A half wine barrel makes an ideal, large-scale planter for a succulent garden display.
- Fill the barrel with soil and arrange taller succulents in the center, with smaller varieties around the edges.
- Add rocks or gravel on top of the soil for a decorative finish.
- Position the barrel planter in a sunny spot on the patio or in the garden.
Tip: This makes a great focal point for outdoor entertaining areas or garden corners.
10. Upcycled Toolbox Planter
Turn an old metal toolbox into a rugged, stylish succulent planter.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and plant a mix of succulents.
- Open the lid partially to display trailing varieties spilling over the edges.
- Place the toolbox planter on a garden table or outdoor shelf for a unique look.
Inspiration: Use toolboxes in different colors for a bold, industrial-meets-natural display.
11. Shell Succulent Planters
For a beachy vibe, use large seashells as tiny succulent planters.
- Plant small succulents, like echeveria, in each shell.
- Arrange the shells on a tray filled with sand or pebbles for a coastal display.
- Place them on a patio table or near a water feature for a beach-inspired touch.
Tip: These are perfect for adding small touches of greenery to compact outdoor spaces.
12. DIY Ladder Shelf with Succulent Pots
A wooden ladder can become a charming multi-tiered succulent shelf for your garden.
- Place small pots of succulents on each rung of the ladder.
- Use varying pot colors and styles to add visual interest.
- Lean the ladder against a wall or fence to display your succulents vertically.
Inspiration: Paint the ladder in a complementary color to enhance the look of your garden space.
13. Old Tire Succulent Planter
Repurpose an old tire into a fun, statement succulent planter.
- Paint the tire in a vibrant color or a neutral shade to suit your garden’s style.
- Fill the tire with soil and plant succulents in the center.
- Place it on the ground or hang it vertically for a unique planter display.
Tip: Tires are durable and withstand outdoor elements, making them perfect for long-lasting succulent displays.
14. Terracotta Pot Tower
Stacked terracotta pots create a unique, vertical succulent tower that’s both beautiful and space-saving.
- Place larger pots at the bottom, stacking smaller ones on top to create a cascading effect.
- Fill each pot with different succulent varieties for a layered look.
- Secure the pots with a metal rod if needed for added stability.
Inspiration: Add decorative rocks or shells on top of the soil for an extra touch of style.
15. Log Succulent Planter
A hollowed-out log makes an ideal rustic planter, bringing a touch of forest charm to your garden.
- Hollow out a section of a fallen log, fill with soil, and plant succulents.
- Use a variety of succulents for an organic, textured appearance.
- Place the log on the ground or across a garden bed for a natural, woodland-inspired display.
Tip: Choose a log that’s long and sturdy enough to support multiple succulents for a full, lush look.
Conclusion
Transforming your outdoor space with these unique succulent planter ideas will add creativity and personality to your garden. Whether you’re using a repurposed birdcage, a vintage drawer, or a modern concrete planter, these 15 succulent planters will help you craft a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor retreat. Embrace the versatility of succulents and explore new ways to display them, creating a garden that’s as unique as it is stunning.
FAQ
What are the best succulents for outdoor planters?
Some popular options for outdoor planters include echeveria, hens and chicks, jade plant, sedum, and aloe. These succulents are hardy and thrive in outdoor environments.
Do succulents need drainage in outdoor planters?
Yes, succulents need well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the roots, which can lead to rot.
How do I care for outdoor succulent planters?
Outdoor succulents need sunlight, occasional watering, and well-draining soil. Check the soil moisture regularly, especially during hot seasons, and water sparingly.
