Looking for an eco-friendly and affordable way to decorate your space with greenery? Using upcycled glass jars as stylish plant pots is a creative and sustainable solution. With a little care and imagination, ordinary jars can become beautiful containers for herbs, succulents, or decorative plants—perfect for windowsills, desks, or small indoor gardens.
Why Choose Upcycled Glass Jars?
Glass jars are readily available in most homes—from pasta sauce, jams, to coffee containers. Instead of throwing them away, upcycling gives them a second life. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves money on plant pots and adds a unique touch to your décor.
Benefits:
- Zero cost and environmentally friendly
- Transparent sides let you monitor root health and moisture
- Customizable through paint, twine, labels, or etching
- Perfect for small indoor plants
Best Plants for Glass Jar Pots
When selecting plants for glass jars, consider the size, root depth, and light needs. The best candidates are:
- Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, oregano
- Succulents: Echeveria, jade plant, haworthia
- Air-purifying plants: Spider plant, pothos, lucky bamboo
- Mini flowers: African violets, mini roses
Avoid large or deep-rooted plants that need more space and drainage.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare a Glass Jar for Planting
1. Clean the Jar Thoroughly
Remove any labels and residue. Wash with hot soapy water and let it dry completely.
2. Add Drainage Layer
Since jars don’t have drainage holes, add a layer of small stones or pebbles at the bottom to prevent root rot.
3. Add Activated Charcoal (Optional)
A small amount of activated charcoal helps prevent mold and odors, especially in closed containers.
4. Add Potting Mix
Use a high-quality potting mix suitable for the plant type. Cactus soil for succulents, or all-purpose for herbs.
5. Plant and Decorate
Place your plant gently in the soil. Add decorative elements like moss, sand, or labels. You can also paint the jar or wrap it in twine for added charm.
You can buy activated charcoal for plant containers here on Amazon.
Creative Ideas to Style Your Jar Planters
- Paint-dipped designs for modern aesthetics
- Chalkboard labels for herb identification
- Macrame holders for hanging displays
- Etched glass using stencils and cream
- Grouped arrangements for windowsill mini gardens
Watering Tips for Glass Jar Plants
- Water sparingly, especially with succulents
- Avoid overwatering since there are no drainage holes
- Use a spray bottle for small jars to control moisture
- Check soil moisture by pressing a finger near the roots
Final Thoughts
Using upcycled glass jars as stylish plant pots is a great way to combine sustainability with creativity. Whether you’re decorating your kitchen, home office, or bedroom, these DIY planters bring life to any space. Start collecting your jars and give your plants a unique home that’s both chic and environmentally friendly.
For another creative container idea, check out our guide on Plant Pots Using Recycled Aluminum Cans.
[…] Want a creative way to display your new plants? Check out our guide on Upcycled Glass Jars as Stylish Plant Pots. […]