Don't Throw Out Your Old Birdbath — Use It For Houseplants Instead

Got an old birdbath that's collecting moss and dirt at the back of your garden? Before you abandon it on the curb or bring it to your local recycling center, consider other ways to upcycle and reuse it in your home. With a bit of creative thinking, your old birdbath can be transformed into a wonderful stand to display your favorite houseplants.

The idea is to use this birdbath as a stand to place houseplants. Once cleaned up, some birdbaths can work great with indoor houseplants, especially with large, vine-like species draped over the sides, like pothos and philodendron. Some delicate vintage birdbaths fit beautifully indoors, especially those made of metal with curved lines and ornamental details, such as faux leaves. Or, consider modern birdbath designs to fit with more contemporary interior decor styles.

If you're dealing with a birdbath that you think would look better outdoors, like a large stone one or a DIY birdbath made of nursery pots, no worries. You can keep these outside and use them as stands for potted outdoor plants like caladiums, pansies, or azaleas. You can even use the birdbath as a stand for potted herbs you need to access often for cooking, like basil, mint, or thyme. This is a great way to avoid bending your back while gardening.

To turn an old birdbath into a cool plant stand, the first step is a thorough deep clean. Birdbaths can accumulate algae over time, especially if the water isn't changed regularly enough. Luckily, a common pantry staple can help remove algae from a birdbath: vinegar. It's an all-natural way to get rid of the green residue so that you can safely repurpose the birdbath for your plants. Just mix three parts water with one part vinegar (white or apple cider) and use a hard-bristle brush to scrub the green buildup before rinsing. 

Once it's clean, your birdbath is ready for its second life. Bring it indoors to brighten up a room, or place it on your porch, terrace, or in the garden for some interesting outdoor display. You can fill the bowl with assorted small pots for a cool layered look or go with a single statement plant in a larger pot that fits the entire basin.

One thing to remember, however, is that the birdbath's basin doesn't have any drainage holes. Whenever you water your plants, the excess water will go into the birdbath without any way to get out. You'll want to avoid any stagnant water for a few reasons, mainly to avoid root rot, algae growth, and to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there. Therefore, make sure to empty out the birdbath if any water accumulates, or take the pots out of it before watering them.