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DIY Succulent Centerpiece Planter

If you’ve known me for long, you know that I love anything that grows, and anything old or holding a story. My heart has long since been taken by succulents. So, what better combination for me than succulents and old barn wood? mmm… Today I’m sharing how this set of mini crocks got me started on an adventure to create a DIY succulent centerpiece. Stay with me now…

Set of Mini Crocks from the Thrift Store | prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Aren’t they cute?? I just had to have them. My first thought was to plant succulents in them, but then I decided to do something a little more fun. First, I made these cuties into candles using my beeswax and wicking. I have a thing for beeswax as I use it in my furniture wax as well as my natural body products.

Natural Homemade Beeswax Candles in Mini Crocks by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

It can’t be easier…just melt up the wax in an old slow cooker, pour into prepared container that has suspended wicking, let cure. Also, no parafins or junk in the to pollute your home, just pure, sweet, honey-scented goodness. I prefer to source the beeswax from my local apiary to support them. One thing I don’t do is burn store-bought candles…too toxic. However, I do have a few of the LED battery-operated types too.

DIY TIME

While the wax is curing, let’s get our build on to make this fantastic planter. Feel free to use fresh or faux, or any plant of your choice. The centerpiece would look fabulous in weddings, any special occasion and everyday use indoor or out. Mine will be on my dining table through the winter months.

Rustic Farmhouse Style Succulent Planter with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I built mine using reclaimed barn wood and old pallets, but you can build yours from new stock too. Here is what you’ll need to make your own DIY succulent centerpiece.

DIY Succulent Centerpiece Supplies by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

TERMS OF USE: when you create this planter, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. This planter design can not be used as decor in a store either online or brick and mortar. Thanks for complying!

Materials:

  • 2 – bin pulls
  • 1 – 1″ x 8″ x 30″ board
  • 2 – 1″ x 4″ x 30″ boards
  • 2 – 1″ x 4″ x 8″ boards
  • 3 – 1″ x 3″ x 25″ boards (or shorter if you prefer more soil space)
  • 2 – 1″ x 3″ x ? (you will measure this as you build)
  • 4 scrap pieces of wood for feet
  • 1½” screws
  • 1½” brads
  • ¾” crown staples
  • black plastic sheeting – a 38″ x 22″ piece
  • 5 votive candles or DIY candles
  • assorted fresh succulents, or any kind of plant
  • small gravel or stone
  • succulent soil
  • sheet moss (or moss of your choice)
  • stain or paint (optional)

Tools:

  • miter saw or circular saw or jig saw
  • table saw
  • nailer
  • stapler
  • drill / drill bits
  • tape measure
  • quick square
  • utility knife
  • pencil
  • garden trowel
  • garden gloves

When visualizing this planter, think of it as you’re building a box within a box. The smaller one is upside-down inside the larger one. Make sense?

Succulent Centerpiece Diagram by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

For my inner box, I used pallet wood which is thinner. Therefore, your dimensions may need adjusted to fit if you are using new wood. Simply adjust the length to give you ample space to plant your succulents. Also, I added feet to my planter using some bits of scrap wood to create air circulation since it will be exposed to the elements. Whether you add them or not is totally up to you.

Step 1

Once you have your boxes built, center the smaller one inside the larger one and trace around the smaller perimeter.

Tracing Planter Box | prodigalpieces.com

Step 2

Remove the inner box to reveal your tracing. Next, using your drill and bit, make holes just inside the traced line so that they will be centered in your box sides.

Drilling Centerpiece Holes | prodigalpieces.com

Step 3

note: You may want to read Step 4 before proceeding in case you are using back-mounted hardware. First, using your screws, get them started into the holes on the back side of your centerpiece. This will make attaching the smaller box easier. You may need a buddy for this next part. Then, lay the large box on its side while holding the smaller box in place, and sink in the screws to attach. I did it by myself, so it isn’t super hard.

Step 4

Attach your hardware to the ends. I chose these gorgeously rustic cast iron bin pulls.

Rustic Brands Rusty Metal Bin Pulls for Centerpiece by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

However, this hardware was front mounted. So, if your hardware requires attaching from the back, you may want to do that before attaching your inner box.

Attaching Rustic Brands Wrought Iron Bin Pulls | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 5

Take your piece of black plastic sheeting and lay it over your planter. This is the same sheeting I used in my other DIY planters, so one roll goes a long way.

Black Plastic Sheeting for DIY Planter | prodigalpieces.com

Using your utility knife, cut the plastic from one end of the other starting and stopping ½” before the ends. Then, make two diagonal cuts to each corner as shown below. However, you may prefer to use scissors if you don’t want to score your wood. I didn’t care as my wood is rustic anyway.

Cutting Plastic Sheeting | prodigalpieces.com

Step 6

Pull the plastic down over the inner box as shown. There will be excess plastic, but we’ll take care of that in a minute.

Plastic Lining in DIY Succulent Centerpiece | prodigalpieces.com

Step 7

Fold the plastic to the back side of each side to line up where you like it and staple. You’re almost done with your DIY succulent centerpiece! woot, woot.

Nailing Lining with Ryobi AirStrike Nailer | prodigalpieces.com

Step 8

The fun part – time to fill!! {{applause}} First, begin by adding your gravel of choice. I used our limestone as I have a 5 ton pile on my driveway for our upcoming fire pit makeover. However, feel free to use whatever you want, just be sure to add some. In addition, succulents do not like wet “feet” (soggy roots), so be sure to put your stone in first, then fill the rest with your soil.

Filling Centerpiece with Soil | prodigalpieces.com

Step 9

Last, fill with your choice of succulents (fresh or faux), flowers, even just use rocks if you would rather skip the plant part. So many possibilities at this point. Then, once your plants are in, take your moss and tuck it in here and there. Not only does it add texture, but also helps the soil retain moisture.

Adding Moss Around Succulents | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

And your DIY succulent centerpiece is done!

Reclaimed Barn Wood and Succulent Centerpiece with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Rustic Succulent Planter for Your Indoor or Outdoor Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The candles add that special ambient lighting that I adore and the scent is oh so good. As for upkeep, I typically plant my succulents in a terra cotta container, but these will do fine in this environment. Just poke a finger in to check for moisture and keep it more on the slightly moist side.

Homemade Beeswax Candles in Succulent Centerpiece by Prodigal Pieces | prodgalpieces.com

Additionally, this was such fun to create and I can’t wait to watch it fill in and grow. Also, the added bonus to succulents is how easy they are to propagate. Just pinch off a leaf and lay it on potting soil and watch it go! So fun to share with friends and neighbors.

Hens & Chicks Succulents in DIY Centerpiece by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, my DIY succulent centerpiece is getting us ready to reveal to you our latest backyard makeover coming up next week. We have much to do and can’t wait to share! See our latest addition using pallets in this post.

PATIO FUN

Doesn’t everyone need a 12 ft table to seat family and friends? We love it. If you haven’t seen our patio makeover from the start, be sure to stop over and see. It’s a great DIY read! (see the start HERE)

Patio Dining Table with DIY Succulent Centerpiece by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Funny to think this all started with me finding those cute mini crocks. Me thinks I should stay away from the thrift store, eh? hahaha…NEVAH.

In addition, do pin and share this DIY succulent centerpiece to inspire others to DIY too. Not only is this a versatile piece, but you can do so many things in your home. Thank you!

Get your build on with this simple, yet gorgeous DIY succulent planter. Use it for weddings, indoor, and outdoor decor. Plans here at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next, our firepit is next on the hit list. mwahahaha… See the after HERE.

Top View of Messy Fire Pit | prodigalpieces.com
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more projects like my DIY succulent centerpiece:

Easter Cross Made from Repurposed Parts and Turned Succulent Planter by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comCreate Curb Appeal with this easy-to-follow build plans for a farmhouse planter. Video included! Head to Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Karen says

    I love it. I have succulent plants I couldn’t decide where to plant. Now I know! Live the candles too. Thanks

    • Larissa says

      I know the feeling as I love to stick them everywhere. Yay! Thanks, Karen.

  2. Susan says

    I have never had luck with succulents but LOVE the beeswax candles idea 🙂 This centerpiece is so cute – maybe I could use other small plants…

    • Larissa says

      They can be tricky, but oh-so-easy too. You most definitely can use other plants or even just fill with rocks. So many possibilities!

  3. Carole says

    I love this! Think I may try to build a smaller version for my table! Great idea!

  4. susan says

    Just wanted to thank you for the happiness and inspiration your posts have meant to me over the years! Now, please channel some ENERGY to me so I can fulfill and use my creativity, OK?
    See, I even believe you can do that since your positive energy shines through…

    • Larissa says

      What a blessing you are, Susan! So many have left me negative comments on social media for various reasons and I get burn out on it. Thank you for being a light.

  5. Paula says

    So cute! All that’s left is to plan the party! I appreciate your natural sensibilities (i.e. beeswax –also “scentsibilies” ha ha). I adore that mantel on the side of the house. Me thinks you will be telling us about it in your backyard reveal (unless I missed it in a previous post). If that is actual campfire wood storage I’m going to squeal with delight. If not, it’s still soooo charming. Love it!!

  6. Judy says

    Love the succulent planter but love the pergola with hanging globe more. Did you guys build the pergola? It would be perfect over my patio.

    Judy

  7. Ginny says

    Larissa.,
    I love all your projects! This too is a keeper! Your outdoor space is really wonderful and so inviting! I am a huge fan of faux fireplaces ( I have 2 in my home) . And yours is hot, hot, hot! Great job!

    • Larissa says

      They are so fun to add to indoor and outdoor to add texture. Great minds build fireplaces alike! 😀

  8. Becky says

    This is GORGEOUS!!! The candles, the box, the plants… I love it! Count me in for a copycat version, haha! Thanks for thinking this all out and sharing it!

  9. Kelly Mahan says

    I’ve always wanted to make a succulent centerpiece, but somehow I would always postpone it thinking it was too hard. Thank you for the tutorial, it’s actually way easier than I thought!!

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