Repurpose A Thrifted Candle Holder Into A Stunning Succulent Wall Planter

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Few things scream unoriginal home decor than those stock-standard wall prints purchased from a state or nationwide big box retailer. If you want unusual pieces of wall art that will add a unique touch to your home, you generally have to get a bit creative, either by becoming an artist yourself (the long road) or taking somewhat of a shortcut and getting crafty with thrifted objects and houseplants. Making your own ornate succulent wall planter on the cheap is surprisingly simple. First, find an enormous metal medallion wall decor in a local thrift store. Next, remove the glass cups designed to hold tealight candles and pop mini terracotta pots filled with soil and your favorite succulent species in their place.

As the headline suggests, this works best for your budget (and the planet) if you thrift your candle holder. Can't find one? Get the same look using an IOTC Iron Wall Medallion for about $30 paired with a 12-pack of KvyusFlourish 4 Inch Flower Pot Holder Rings for almost $26. Any teeny terracotta pots you have lying around will work, so long as they fit the glass candle holder ring. Just remember to clean them with warm soapy water and sanitize them with a 1:9 bleach to water solution; wear gloves, and wash them off thoroughly with fresh water after. Alternatively, pick up the pots new — a 10-pack of GANAZONO 1.7 Inch Small Terracotta Pots with Drainage Hole costs about $24. Measure the rings before you buy your pots to determine the diameter size you need.

Give your thrifted medallion wall decor a good scrub with some warm, soapy water to remove any dust or grime. Leave it to dry completely. If you went with the DIY option of new medallion and holder rings, you'll need to screw the rings to the wall decor at alternating heights so trailing succulents don't crowd each other. Paint the wall planter to coordinate it with your existing decor or match the hues of your current favorite aesthetic. If you don't have paint already, the Montana Black 400ml Complementary Colors Mural Spray Paint Set of 12 gives you lots of colors to play with for a bit over $100. Once the paint is dry to the touch, insert your terracotta pots into the rings. The pots have a thick cuff; make sure the bottom of the cuff sits snuggly atop the ring to ensure the pots don't slip out when full of soil and plants.

Fill each pot with a growing medium that ensures good drainage. A simple option you might already have on hand is one part potting soil mixed with one part sand, or you can buy a 4-quart bag of Rosy Soil Cactus and Succulent Organic Potting Soil Mix for about $18. If you want to fill your wall with greenery quickly, plant the terracotta pots with fast-growing succulent plants to consider growing like purple-stemmed little pickles (Crassothonna capensis), vibrantly blooming ice plants, and creeping turtle vine (Callisia repens).

Not a fan of the burnt orange color of terracotta clay? Don't be afraid to paint the pots sleek black (or any solid hue, really) or add inspirational words to a white base when you paint the wall decor. If you're struggling to thrift one large metal wall-mounted candle holder for this DIY, buy multiple candle scones instead. You can group them together on the wall in any way you prefer for a highly bespoke succulent planter arrangement — side by side in a perfect horizontal line, stacked one upon the other vertically, or staggered haphazardly to bring a bit of chaotic energy to your space. We like the nature-themed Sziqiqi Vintage Wall Sconces Candle Holders — about $27 for a set of two.

No matter how you've crafted your succulent wall planter, remember to remove your pots from the rings and give them a drink in your kitchen sink to avoid making a mess while watering your houseplants (your floors and walls will thank you) and keep your metal holder free of rust. Make sure there's no more water dripping from the drainage holes before putting the pots back into their holders. While succulents are very low maintenance plants, they benefit from a reduced dose of all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer when they're growing the most. Turn the pots in their holder from time to time, too, to expose all sides of the plant to light and encourage even growth.