12 Charming DIY Planters You Can Make Using Old Tea Cups

The garden is a wonderful place to reuse materials. From unexpected bathroom items you could be repurposing outdoors to utilizing old wood, cans, and even plastic bottles for tasks like watering and planting, the possibilities truly seem endless. However, there is one common kitchen item that can actually be used to great effect in the garden, yet it is often either left to gather dust or simply thrown away instead. Meet: the humble teacup.

While a small, delicate teacup may not seem like the best material to use for indoor and outdoor gardening, these charming vessels can actually make delightful planters, perfect for a range of different plants and designs. Whether you're looking to create a much-needed herb garden in the kitchen or want some whimsical decor for your patio, repurposing old teacups can often be an inexpensive solution. Creating these planters is super easy, too, because you generally only need the teacup itself, some drainage materials such as gravel or charcoal, and your chosen plant. So, if you've been looking for a simple yet effective DIY to transform your windowsill, balcony, or garden, why not dig out some of those old teacups and give these clever planter ideas a go?

Are you an avid cook who loves fresh ingredients or a newbie gardener looking to start a simple growing project? If you fall into either of these categories, then turning your old teacups into a mini herb garden could be the DIY project for you. First, simply collect a few different cups — mismatched ones are great if you prefer a more eclectic, whimsical vibe — and add a layer of small rocks or gravel for drainage, followed by some well-draining soil in each one. Then, plant herbs such as rosemary or lemon balm, and water them to get their growth started.

Succulents are well-known for being easy to care for and hardy in various conditions. This makes them perfect for planting in teacups, as they can typically grow in smaller containers and be placed in multiple locations — such as kitchens, bathrooms, and patios — to add some sweet, living decoration. Remember that succulents prefer soil that drains well, so it is important to either add drainage holes or use plenty of pebbles or sand at the bottom to allow the water to drain out of the soil, preventing the roots from resting in stagnant water.

Looking for a memorable DIY to do with your kiddos? Old teacups can actually be turned into character pots using a little color and some creativity. Just paint the teacup with ceramic or porcelain paint (or acrylic if it's a clay cup) to cover the existing design, and then fill in an amusing face to give the planter some extra personality. Make sure to coat the cup with a waterproof sealant or Modge Podge Outdoor Sealer if you want to put it outside. Finally, pick a fuzzy, non-toxic plant to emulate the character's wacky hair on top.

While you may only know the decorative china version of teacups, there are actually a variety of styles you can choose from to create a personalized planter. These include storybook sets, flower-shaped designs, and even animal-themed collectibles, such as the 1980s Tom Hatton Tea Cups from RustedLoveCo on Etsy. Grab a unique piece from the thrift store and have it host a sweet little cactus. Cacti like dry soil with good drainage and infrequent watering. If your mug has a funky shape, don't forget to fill those pockets with well-draining soil so the cactus has plenty of stability.

This project involves a few additional steps, but the result is certainly worth it. Start by finding an old chandelier in your attic or at a local thrift store. Next, remove all the old wiring and shades, and turn the ends upward so each one can hold a teacup on top. Carefully drill a hole in each teacup for drainage, making sure to wet the drill bit frequently to stop it from overheating. Then, glue the cups onto the chandelier arms using E6000. Once dry, tuck in your plants, and you've got a stunning garden centerpiece.

It can sometimes be tricky to figure out where to place a beautiful trailing plant, especially if you don't like the look of most hanging baskets or want a more affordable, renter-friendly option. A teacup can make a charming planter for a small trailing plant, and since both are visually appealing and compact, you can display them on a shelf or the edge of a table where they can be admired. For extra visual appeal, try looking for a plant whose foliage complements the teacup you already own, so they appear perfectly coordinated.

Want a garden decoration that feels straight out of Alice in Wonderland? Look no further than that stack of plastic teacups you've been keeping for years. Layer the teacups at odd angles and secure them with clear silicone and hot glue. Next, glue the stack onto a plastic plate, and you're ready to plant. Add a small plant in the top teacup, making sure the soil is stable enough to keep it in place even when it rains. Then, plant larger ones on the plate and top it off with little rocks and figurines.

Containers for propagating larger plants are often ugly, likely because they're meant to stay in the shed or garden until the cuttings are ready to plant out. However, many plant cuttings can be placed directly into a charming container that is perfect for their diminutive size. For tiny sprouts just starting to grow, consider using teacups because they require very little soil, which allows the roots to fill the container and boost healthier foliage growth.

Have you ever seen a fairy garden — with its tiny accessories, miniature plants, and whimsical design — and wanted one for yourself? Well, by repurposing an old teacup, some carefully chosen plants, and a few extra details, you can DIY the perfect fairy garden for your patio, balcony, or garden. Simply collect small plants that have a woodland aspect, such as ferns and moss, and plant them in your fairy-sized teacup. Then, add acorns, rocks, sticks, and twine to build itty-bitty houses and paths, perfect for enticing small, magical creatures to come and visit.

If you like the idea of a fairy garden but want something a little more unusual, you could always repurpose an old teacup to create an under-the-sea-themed planter. First, select a few plants with a coastal feel, like cacti or small grasses, and plant them in the cup. From there, add some sand to emulate a beach and layer in suitable accessories — such as this Top Collection Miniature Mermaid Figurine – along with shells and rocks. You could even add some shimmery blue pebbles to resemble the ocean.

Looking to add some magic to your garden? Start by collecting your supplies: a bent fork or spoon, a saucer, a cream pitcher, and a teacup. Next, glue the head of the utensil to one side of the cup and the bent handle to the inside of the cream pitcher so that it is suspended above. Some people decorate the fork or spoon with fake flowers, but this could also be done with a living plant. Just make sure the pitcher is angled so it can be filled with soil, and then add a trailing plant to "spill" into the teacup.

Teacups aren't just for whimsical cottage gardens full of pastels. You can use a charming old teacup to create a planter for spiky plants like the venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula), too. Create this lovely, contrasting display by drilling a hole in your teacup or adding gravel for drainage, though venus fly traps are a little more tolerant of extra moisture due to their natural bog habitat. Then, add soil and pop your plant straight in, making sure it's positioned in full sun or part shade for the best results.