Don't Toss Old Lids From Jars & Containers, Reuse Them For A Clever Houseplant Hack

It's all too easy to build up a collection of jars and containers — used yogurt pots, coffee canisters, and old Tupperware, just to name a few. Sometimes, you end up with a bunch of stray lids or mismatched lids and containers in your collection. Rather than tossing the lids into the recycling bin, you can repurpose them to make your houseplants happy. One of the most common complaints when it comes to caring for houseplants is that watering them can cause a mess without having the proper drainage in place. Ideally, pots need holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain. So you also need something to sit underneath the plant pot to catch the water, and an old container lid will do just that. 

Without some sort of tray underneath, you could find yourself in a messy situation when you water your houseplants. The result is water spilling all over the surface, causing a mess that needs to be cleaned up immediately. This lid hack will prevent this from happening, and what's better is that it doesn't cost a thing if you've already got the container lids lying around. It also saves them from ending up in landfill!

This hack really couldn't be simpler. Once you've got your houseplant in it's perfect pot with holes in the bottom, you just need to find an old lid that's going to be the right size for the pot to sit on, leaving enough space for the water to collect around the edge. The container lid doesn't have to be circular — a square lid will do just fine. You also want a lid that has a substantial lip around the edge to hold enough water to avoid it spilling quickly. Sturdy lids are easier to empty as they won't bend as easily when you pick them up to drain the water.

Are you concerned that the recycled lid will be unsightly and won't suit your aesthetic? This is your opportunity to get creative and upcycle it to suit your personal style. You can use waterproof paint to paint it a different color, or choose a unique pattern to paint to make your houseplant stand out. 

One of the possible obstacles you should consider with this houseplant hack is the risk of root rot. If you don't regularly drain out the water that sits in the lid, then this can lead to the plant getting waterlogged, which can cause root rot. This is easy enough to do if you've only got a couple of houseplants at home, but if you're a houseplant enthusiast and have a vast collection, this may end up being an arduous task.