Make pretty ceramic TILE PLANTERS
Upcycle decorative ceramic tiles to create this original DIY project
There are so many useful things you can do with a plastic bottle before you recycle it and these unique planters are a great example of giving them another purpose. Patterned tiles can be ordered new online or bought from your local DIY store, or you might well have some you can salvage from a home renovation project. Even if you have leftover tiles that are currently not so pretty, use tile paint and stencils to give them a makeover in no time. In fact, decorating your own tiles will add an extra layer of fun and creativity to your project.
YOU WILL NEED
Empty 2ltr plastic drinks bottle (or smaller to fit your tiles as necessary) Patterned tiles All-purpose glue Small succulent plants and cacti Houseplant compost and grit Small pebbles or gravel Scissors
Bradawl tool
1 MEASURE UP
Ensure that the width of your tile is no smaller than the diameter of the plastic bottle. If you are using smaller tiles then opt for a smaller plastic bottle. The bottle will be acting as a container for the plants, which will sit inside your mosaic tile pot, so you will need one bottle per planter.
2 SCRUB UP
Thoroughly wash out the plastic bottles with soap and water and allow them to dry completely.
3 ASSEMBLE A PLANTER
Take four tiles and position one on a flat surface with the right side down. Apply all-purpose glue along two opposite side edges and stick a tile to each side at a 90-degree angle. Glue the fourth tile on top to create the planter. Allow to dry.
4 MAKE THE INSERT
Measuring from the base of your plastic bottle against the height of your tiled container, cut the bottom off the bottle, about 1cm shorter than the height of your planter to ensure it won’t be visible once placed inside.
5 MAKE DRAINAGE
Make small holes in the base of the bottle with a bradawl. These are for drainage but you could also remove the pots from the tile surround when watering to prevent waterlogging.
6 NOW THE PLANTS
Fill the bottle with houseplant compost mixed with 30% extra grit, position your small plants and lightly water them in. Succulents and cacti are a popular choice due to their drought resistance and architectural shapes. Unlike a lot of houseplants, they love the dry air and warmth of central heating. Of course, they’re not indestructible, but they do need less water than most and tend to be slow growers so they are the ideal for busy lifestyles.
SUCCULENTS SUCH AS ECHEVERIA CAN LIVE OUTSIDE IN SUMMER, WHILE HARDY SEMPERVIVUMS AND SEDUMS CAN SURVIVE OUTSIDE ALL YEAR
7 THE FINAL TOUCH
Sprinkle the top with a thin layer of gravel as a decorative finish. Position the planted bottle base inside the tile planter and place on a windowsill, or outdoors if using hardy plants. Check the plant labels for watering and light requirements to ensure your plants get the conditions they need.
Succulents and cacti make great indoor plants if you don’t have outdoor space. They’re relatively inexpensive, too, so it’s easy to build up a collection