Why Plant Lovers Should Always Thrift A Keurig Cup Holder

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If you're an avid plant parent constantly running out of space for all your leafy new additions, there's one overlooked gem on your local thrift store shelves that might just hold the answer: the Keurig cup holder. Originally made to organize coffee pods, this kitchen accessory can turn into a surprisingly functional plant stand, perfect for holding a variety of greenery, from ferns to succulents. If you frequently scroll through "Plant Tok" looking for stunning DIY planter ideas to house your growing jungle, this is one upcycle you should definitely try.

Repurposing a K-cup organizer into a home for tiny plants is a budget-friendly, compact solution. Why? Many of these holders feature a rotating base, letting you easily access any plants on the shelf or rotate them toward sunlight while taking up minimal space on the countertop, window ledge, or shelf. However, you can use a stationary coffee capsule holder and place it on a lazy Susan to add the same function. If you have a collection of small plastic nursery pots to reuse, a coffee pod holder can fit them snugly and securely. 

Plus, these towers often have sleek, black or silver metal frames, which lets you embrace industrial chic design, but you can quickly shift them into whimsical decor with a vibrant pop of color. And perhaps the best reason to do this, besides having room for more plants, is that this swap is an eco-conscious buy that just might keep a thrift store regular from heading to the landfill. Here's how you can use it to create your new mini garden.

Once you've picked up your secondhand Keurig holder, it might need a little prep, especially if it has been sitting on a dusty shelf. Wipe it with a soapy rag and rinse, or spray it with your preferred disinfectant, then let it dry. You can leave it as-is for an industrial vibe or give it a glamorous makeover. Consider coating it with a glimmering gold sheen courtesy of Rust-Oleum Specialty metallic spray paint. You could also try bright pinks, blues, or even a sunny yellow, depending on the look you want. Does the carousel have a wide base? Use colorful washi tape to brighten up the trim. You could even embrace a plant design theme with a strip of Tropical Greenery Washi Tape along the bottom.

While you can easily fit 2-inch plant pots into the K-cup holder, don't stop there. Anything of a similar size could work, including shot glasses from a party or unused votive candle holders. Just wash the containers before you plant in them. As for what works best in this clever, space-saving plant setup, mix and match your favorite little blooms. Try a handful of options like the Zebra cactus (Haworthiopsis fasciata), hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum), and Mother of Pearl (Graptopetalum paraguayense). You could also make this into a seed starter or herb station for your kitchen, growing chives, basil, oregano, or thyme. Be sure you place a drip tray underneath to catch any water drips. Whatever plants you choose, you'll have a plant stand that will let you add even more green into your home.