Don't Toss That Old Towel—use This Hack To Instantly Elevate Your Potted Plants
You've probably walked past a pile of old towels in your linen closet and thought, "This is trash." But before you toss that faded, frayed towel, know that it might be the simple secret to giving your potted plants an upgrade. If getting your plants to sit at the perfect height has been a struggle, simply bundle up an old towel inside a planter. It will add just the right amount of lift and showcase your greenery at the level you want. What's more, this little trick helps you stabilize plants inside pots.
Many plant lovers wrestle with the everyday dilemma of creating a perfectly curated plant display. You'll find them buying pricey plant stands or stacking old books underneath pots only to have their plant slide off or sit at the wrong height. This tips the plant dangerously when nudged. Store-bought planters are often too deep. They leave plants sitting too far below the rim, reducing sunlight exposure, or require mountains of soil to fill them. Using a towel, you can level out the base and ensure the plant stays upright, all without spending a dime. So don't toss old towels. Reuse them to DIY a hack that makes caring for your plants easier.
How an old towel can lift your potted plants
There's a handy purpose old towels can serve when it comes to keeping potted plants happy. One clever trick is to use a towel as a hidden filler inside the pot. Simply fold the towel and tuck it at the base of the plant. Once it's in place, disguise it by adding a layer of soil on top. It'll instantly lift the plant, giving it more height and sun exposure. Your plant becomes a standout feature in your room again. Beyond adding height, the towel serves another, equally valuable function as a mini sponge that absorbs excess moisture. It may also help your plant stay hydrated between waterings. This reduces the risk of both over- and under-watering, giving you one less thing to worry about in your busy day.
Another genius way to reuse an old towel is to improve balance. Plants lean toward the light due to a process called phototropism, and sometimes they sit unevenly in planters due to their weight. Wrapping a towel around the base or nestling it strategically can provide just enough angled support to get your plant growing straight once again. With a little old towel tucked in the right spots, you can solve multiple plant woes at once: better hydration, enhanced stability, and a neat, effortless display that feels professional but costs nothing.