14 Gorgeous Ways to Display and Decorate with Succulents

My Mom and I are both notorious plant killers, which puzzled the older generations of women in our family, who had decorated their homes in the 1970s when plants and macrame plant hangers and all that jazz was trending hard.  Although house plants will always be a mainstay of interior decor, there's definitely been an intense plant craze that has swept the decorating world once again.  Mom and I resisted for awhile - in the interest of plants everywhere - but it's impossible not to get caught up in the frenzy because plants really make a house feel homier.  Now I'm up to nearly twenty plants, some of which I've propagated myself!

Aside from a large snake plant and a pretty substantial jade plant, most of my house plants are shrimpy little guys.  I really want a trendy, giant cactus but I can't seem to find any around here.  Succulents, however, are abundant and widely available.  Looking to find new ways to display and care for succulents, I started a Pinterest board full of plants (and house exteriors) to help encourage my green thumb, both indoors and outside.  In the process, I've stumbled across some insanely gorgeous and inventive ways to display succulents, so I wanted to round up my favorites for all of my reluctant plant-lovers out there...

P.S. my planter is vintage McCoy but this one is so similar!

Pop a Succulent in a Wall Pocket:

These Umbra Trigg hanging planters are so modern, plus they're such a great way to position those light-loving succulents where the lighting situation is ideal.  In a small house, I really don't have that many surfaces where the light is suitable, so I'm seriously tempted to pick up a couple wall pockets (although this set of four wall pockets has a more mid-century feel, I think):

Let a Succulent Chill in a Hanging Planter:

The glaze on these hanging planters is so rich - of course I love that teal on the right, but I'm also pretty smitten with the softly faceted shape.  As an added bonus, they're handmade!  An un-glazed edge and hemp cord enhance the earthy, boho feel without a stitch of macrame.

Corral a Group of Succulents in a Table Top Garden:

I fell in love with this image of a cactus garden and I can't stop thinking about making a succulent or cactus garden of my own.  I've gone so far as to track down a great deal on a lot of baby succulents, but the perfect container (and spot to put them!) eludes me.  I do love this Mkono ceramic succulent planter because it has a drainage hole to keep those plants healthy, plus the white ceramic is classic and timeless.

Plant a Bevvy of Succulents in a Bar Cart:

I have been pining for that popular turquoise Ikea RASKOG cart for years, but have no where to put it (and no reason to buy it) so I couldn't justify the impulse purchase.  But people are SO inventive - here it's used as a mini succulent garden on wheels.  It's a great way to make sure the succulents are always positioned in a window with the best light.

Stack Succulents in a Tiered Planter:

When I first spotted the Living Art Vertical Garden, I immediately started to ponder a DIY version - and I'm still considering making one.  There was one in shades of mint and turquoise that I loved, but it's sold out.  This one is on sale for $15 (from $50), so I think it would cost way more to buy the supplies.   

Grow Succulents on an Indoor Wall:

For inside, this mini succulent wall is so perfect - and that rustic wood frame is such a great complement to a lush collection of plants.  Another genius way to make use of vertical space in a home and make room for more plants!
 

Place Succulents on an Outdoor Wall:

This DIY outdoor succulent wall is made with handrail you can buy from the hardware store, which makes it a fairly simple DIY project.  This is a great way to keep succulents - or herbs - away from curious critters.

Enhance Succulents with Copper Planters:

There is something about copper that makes me look twice when it's used as a planter - I just love the lush color combo of vibrant green plants with that warm metallic hue.  I spotted an adorable collection on The Glitter Guide and just went totally nuts for them! 

You can re-purpose copper finds from the thrift store (some companies in the 1970s made sets of drinkware in gorgeous hammered copper with matching trays - I'd love to score a great set like that for an arrangement), or you can just pick up a copper planter online.

Protect Succulents in Terrariums:

I honestly thought the terrarium trend would be played out by now but it's still going strong!  I love this brass geo terrarium because it's so elegant (although this house-shaped one is pretty darn cute too):

Add a Shocking Dose of Gravel to Succulents:

I just love when a succulent is topped with gravel - it adds such a fun punch of color (like this grouping of pink topped succulents and the pink gravel terrarium below):

I tracked down some turquoise gravel on Amazon so, of course, now I'm really into the idea! 

Invite a Succulent to the Office with a Multi-Purpose Planters:

Phone dock desk planter.  How awesome is that?    

Treat a Succulent to a Found Object Planter:

I have been obsessed with the rotary phone planter idea and I even snagged an old phone from my grandparents.  Hubby, on the other hand, thinks it's the weirdest idea ever and is totally unconvinced.  That's okay!  I might have an even wackier idea for that phone, anyway.  But now I'm keeping my eyes peeled for unique objects that can find new life as a succulent planter...

Arrange Succulents on a Wreath:

I spotted a gorgeous, rainbow succulent wreath on Instagram and pinned it to my Crafts and DIY board - and it's now one of my most re-pinned pins!  People LOVE this wreath - seeing the reaction has been so interesting.  I'd really love to make one for my front door, but I think this is a DIY that will really add up unless you have access to super inexpensive succulents (these are pretty cheap).  If you're interested in giving it a try, this succulent wreath tutorial is SO thorough (or you might want this mesh succulent wreath form as a solid foundation).

 
Try Succulents as a Table Runner:

Also filed under, "I probably can't afford this, but I love it so much": succulent table runners!  If I attended a wedding or event with a succulent table runner, I'd be stuffing my pockets like crazy.  Look how gorgeous!

Have you tried any unique ways to style or display succulents?  I'm still a "place gently in planter with good drainage and hope for the best" kinda gal, but I'm thinking about branching out...

P.S. If you're looking for a great resource for caring for succulents, check out Succulents and Sunshine - her guide to watering succulents has been so helpful!

How to Paint Terracotta Planters so They Don't Look Painted

Did you know that you can spray paint terracotta planters to give them a modern finish that looks like ceramic?  I've inherited quite a few plants and they can't all go in $200 planters so I purchased a few terracotta planters in various sizes and gave them a makeover!  Read on for my tips and tricks for painting terracotta, and also why my first attempt looked terrible... 

After updating a plant stand my papa made by refreshing it with paint and adding DIY walnut shelves, I also spruced up the plant stand that came with my Whoville plant (I keep forgetting his actual name, but to me he looks like he belongs in Whoville):

You'll probably think I'm bizarre, but that janky terracotta planter was all I could see when I sat at the dining room table.

I replaced it with a new terracotta pot,. but didn't love the look of them au naturel.  A lot of DIY tutorials, however, suggest just brushing on the paint and I don't love that look, either.

Instead, I gave mine a few coats of Rust-Oleum Tremclad Oil Based spray paint in Harbour Blue.

And I hated it.

The colour is gorgeous and so glossy, but in the living room it stuck out like a sore thumb, making every colour look dull by comparison (and that is no small feat in my colourful world).  I gave it a light sand and repainted the terracotta planter in Rust-Oleum Universal Enamel Paint + Primer in One - Gloss White, the same colour as the stand. 

Now it looks fresh and modern - I love the crisp white with the green.

Sometimes it's better to keep things simple.

Emboldened, I decided to paint a larger terracotta pot for the enormous Jade plant I also inherited.  Worried about leaking, I crammed him and his terracotta pot into this slightly larger pot (without drainage) for the 1600km journey:



Unable to salvage his old pot, I picked up a really large pot at Canadian Tire - did you know the terracotta pots sold there are made in Germany?

Here it is with a brand new paint job:

I was amazed at how well the terracotta planters took the paint!  Unfamiliar with most anything related to plants, I assumed the terracotta would be super porous, but the paint went on like a dream. 

Because I used spray paint, they look factory finished - my Mom was actually convinced they were ceramic (which would have cost me a lot more for this size).  Plus, because the paint finish is glossy, both planters can be washed and wiped down easily!

The little spikey plant on the wall unit is yet another inherited plant - he was living with the Whoville plant but I moved him into a sweet little vintage McCoy pot.

With almost all of my new plants re-homed, the lakehouse is feeling a lot greener.  I'm so nervous about keeping all of these plants healthy (especially the orchids and the Jade - the last plant that bid farewell to the world in my care was a Jade)...

UPDATE (May 27 2016): Readers were curious about how the paint would hold up and whether it would peel or flake off.  My planters still look brand new and there has been absolutely no flaking or peeling.  I think the secret is using a primer + paint in one! 

Huge thanks to Rust-Oleum for providing the spray paint for this and many other DIY projects!

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Is the Modernica Case Study Planter Worth $200+?

I recently splurged on a case study planter from Modernica.

It was $189 USD, which is about $250 Canadian (yikes), but at least the shipping was free!  Because I live on a part of Lake Superior that is close to the US/Canadian border, I have access to a US address for parcels, which makes shopping online a lot easier because I can have things shipped within the States or Canada.  When I cross the border on my way back, sometimes I have to pop into the CBSA office and pay HST (although they usually wave folks by if the value of goods is under $100).  This time I had to pay tax and as I walked out with my receipt I was kind of stunned by the final price.  I only made it a little way up the road before turning the truck around and marching back in, certain they'd made a mistake calculating my HST.  They had not.  When the border guard I was harassing showed me the exchange rate for the day I actually blurted an expletive and he had a difficult time keeping a straight face.  When I drop an f-bomb with my 12 year old voice, it tends to be more amusing that combative.  Thoroughly embarrassed, I informed everyone who was eavesdropping that I have a PhD, and then I quickly egressed. 

All this to say that I experienced some serious sticker shock making this purchase.  When the dust settled, I paid around $282 CAD for my planter.  Despite that staggering sum, I actually saved $100 by ordering direct from Modernica and using my US shipping address, because to order from a Canadian retailer is $384 CAD.    

So, what possessed me to drop nearly $300 on a planter?

Truthfully, I'd been lusting after the case study planters from Modernica for awhile, but the price was too steep for me, even though I have been very happy with the two side shell stools and trio of bubble lights I'd purchased from them.  The stools and lights are functional pieces that see daily use, while a planter seemed like a bit of an indulgence.  I ultimately decided that I didn't deserve one because I'm terrible to plants.

As you know, though, I recently inherited some very precious plants.  You already saw me caring for the orchids by making over a plant stand, so they can bask in the perfect light, and then spending major bucks on fancy orchid pots.  In addition to these orchids, I also inherited a snake plant and I decided that it, too, deserved a fancy new habitat, especially after it spent two days in a bumpy, stuffy, over-packed u-Haul trailer.  I'd seen some really great DIY case study knock-off tutorials, but I really liked the actual ceramic planter Modernica sells.  The walnut frame would be easy to duplicate, but not the pot (Kim and Scott, from Yellow Brick Home, had a tough time finding a large, cylindrical pot for their cool, globe-turned-plant stand project).

I decided that I didn't want to hunt for the right planter and reasoned that this plant, of all plants, is special enough to warrant buying the real deal.

Was it worth the price?

I don't regret buying it at all (and I can say this having already paid the credit card bill with this purchase, so that's saying a lot!).  I've been really thrilled with the quality of the bubble light and side shell stools we purchased.  We experienced a bit of sticker shock with both of those purchases too but, almost two years later, we still love the looks and the quality.  So far, this planter is what I expected too.  The structure of the base is very simple (the legs just slide together for assembly), but the walnut is beautiful - no stain can hold a candle to genuine walnut.  The ceramic pot is very substantial (it must cost a fortune to ship) and it was flawless when it arrived.  I wish that the timing could have been better - only a few years ago the CAD and USD were at par - but I didn't want to wait.

If I ever stumble across a planter with the same shape and look of this case study planter, you better believe I'm going to take a stab at a knock off, but for now I'm super thrilled with my purchase.  

I read about some plants dying in the case study planters, but I suspect that might have something to do with a lack of drainage so I filled the bottom with large rocks before adding my soil and re-potting the snake plant.  Hopefully that helps keep the roots from getting soggy, but I'll also take care not to over water this fella.  After hauling rocks from the shore and completing the messy task of re-potting, I read about someone using packing peanuts, which seems infinitely lighter and easier (but is it good for plants to have that synthetic material near them?).  I'm not sure which method is better, but if you have any tips I'm all ears!

For now, at least, the snake plant seems happy with its new home.



The greenery that you can see from the kitchen, dining and living room really adds some more life to the lakehouse -  I've missed having plants!

 

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Walnut + White Metal Plant Stand Revamp

I recently inherited a lot of plants, which has been stressing me out because I am a notorious plant-killer and these leafy new friends of mine are deeply sentimental.  They help me feel connected to the loved one who passed, so I want to keep them thriving.  I think about her whenever I tend to them, so it will just crush me if they don't make it.  Among the ten or so new plants that now call Lake Superior home, there are five (!) orchids.  Many other orchids were re-homed, so I really only got part of what was an outstanding collection.

I wanted a nice spot to grow them, so I scooped the perfect plant stand from my grandfather, the welder.  The simple welded plant stand he made fits the spot to the right of our wall unit perfectly, but it needed a little TLC.  The glass shelves had broken long ago and the white paint job was a bit dingy and rusted.  In a pinch, I grabbed a leftover piece of old melamine shelving and placed it precariously on top.

Such a good look, right?

I didn't want to pay to have new glass shelves cut, so I used some walnut-veneered plywood left over from my DIY modern walnut storage boxes.  Despite my constant nagging to buy one, Hubs and I don't have a table saw.  Both of our Dads have one though, and this time my Dad got the pleasure of helping me (and feeding me - I timed my visit for pizza night).  He cut two pieces to fit perfectly into the plant stand and then we did a little work reflection.  I thought I might need two pieces per shelf, laminated together with wood glue and edge-banded, but one shelf does the trick and because it's inset, you don't see the edges at all.  So we agreed that less work is always better and called it a day!

I just love it when a DIY project is easier than anticipated, because that's such an anomaly.  Normally it's just a lot of hair pulling and I end up covered in paint or glue.  I hurried home with my new shelves and, after a couple of applications of Danish Oil, the walnut was a beautiful, rich hue (on the right):

The plant stand got a light sand and a few coats of Rustoleum Universal Pure White Gloss (I love a primer + paint in one).  This spray paint is good for metal and plastic (in addition to wood, glass, concrete, wicker, etc.), so I even sprayed the plastic feet.  I like them better white than black.

The plant stand just looks fresher now that it's about ten shades whiter and I loooove the walnut shelves (thanks Dad!)

The living room definitely has more life with some beautiful plants and I'm enjoying the leafy new additions - which is good, because there are many more (not pictured) that have been spoiled with fancy new pots and refurbished plant stands.

Having plants is a lot of work!

You might have noticed my funny little orchid pots?

When I brought them home, the orchids were in an assortment of plastic and terracotta pots, one of which Szuka had already knocked over and cracked.  I wanted to replace the hodgepodge with five identical plants and I did a lot of research about the kind of pots orchids like.  I learned that a pot which offers a lot of ventilation and good drainage is ideal.  This orchitop carousel pot seemed really innovative and I liked the modern look - plus the 5.25" size fit the planter shelves perfectly - so I ordered five in the pearl finish (it comes in aqua too!)  They are available on Amazon, but I ordered mine right from Repotme.  They are pricey (especially when you need five), but they seem to function really well.  Plus they're so pretty!

The bottom tray clicks off easily, so I water them in the laundry room without the trays and let them drain a bit in the laundry sink before putting on the trays again.  So far, no water on the walnut shelves and the orchids seem to be doing okay.  Plus, if Szuka decides to do her best Bull in a China Shop routine, hopefully the plastic will withstand the fall...

Although I'm still a little apprehensive about the responsibility of caring for these orchids, I'm also excited for the remaining orchids to flower - apparently one of them has an amazing scent.

Wish me luck!

Disclosure: thanks to an ongoing friendship with the folks at Rust-Oleum, I've received cases of spray paint and other Rust-Oleum products to use and review on the blog.  I continue to be completely satisfied with the quality and coverage of Rust-Oleum paint, but I was not prompted or paid to provide a positive review.  I just have a spray painting addiction, and Rust-Oleum is my enabler ;)

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