Simple and Easy DIY Orchid Planter Ideas for Your Home

Do you find yourself drawn to the beautiful, unique look of orchids? If so, why not take matters into your own hands and create a DIY orchid planter that will bring a touch of charm and personality to your home decor?

With just a few inexpensive supplies and some creative thinking, you can design a custom-made orchid planter for any room in your home!

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I used to think that orchids were not for me.

Correction…I used to think that they were too “fussy” about how you care for them.

But they are so pretty! I love the look of the on a living room coffee table, the dining room table, on top of the piano, or on a kitchen island.

Then one day, I took a bold step and bought my first orchid at Trader Joe’s…and kept it alive with very little care from me.

I was hooked!

Now I am always on the lookout for decorative pots and ways to create my own DIY orchid containers.

Let’s Display Orchids!

But before we start talking about creating a gorgeous orchid arrangement, we should talk briefly about some requirements for healthy orchid blooms in your floral arrangements. 

What is the Best Potting Soil for Orchids

When it comes to planting orchids like a pro, choosing the best soil is key to their success. Orchids have unique needs (aka, they don’t like to “get their feet wet!”) and that’s why they require a special type of soil. 

If you are like me and purchase orchids at the grocery store, your orchids will already be planted in the correct orchid media. 

If you are purchasing your own orchid soil, you’ll want to go for a well-draining orchid bark mix that’s specifically formulated for these beauties. Look for a mix that contains ingredients like bark, sphagnum moss, or perlite, as they allow water to flow freely, preventing those dreaded waterlogged roots. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees, so they thrive in airy and well-ventilated environments. This special mix provides them with the perfect balance of moisture and airflow for growing orchid roots.

Orchid Containers

When it comes to growing orchids like a pro, clear plastic orchid pots with decorative outer pots are our secret weapon. Let me tell you why they’re absolute winners! 

With a transparent plastic orchid pot, we’re giving our orchids the VIP treatment they deserve. Extra drainage holes in the bottom and sides allow the roots to soak up all the goodness from light and air, which is a total game-changer for our epiphyte friends. You see, orchids need that extra dose of oxygen and light for respiration and photosynthesis – they’re like the rockstars of the plant world! 

Keeping an orchid in its clear plastic original pot is ideal. But that doesn’t mean we can’t put that clear pot into a decorative container! As long as there is space for the roots to breathe, you are good to go with keeping your orchid in its original container and placing it in another larger pot.

DIY Orchid Planter Ideas

Now that your orchids are nestled in their clear plastic pots with orchid bark, we can come up with all sorts of ways to create the perfect centerpiece with a pretty DIY orchid planter!

Porcelain or Ceramic Planter

This is a great way to create orchid planters as well as the easiest way to display your orchids.

You might choose a ceramic pot, an old vase, or even various wicker baskets. Just make sure that you choose deep pots with at least a few inches of space between the orchid and the sides of the pot.

Place some small rocks or stones in the bottom of the pot and place the orchid on top. Fill in the pot with some sphagnum moss as well as around the base of the orchid. 

Glass Apothecary Orchid Planter

Using a glass container like an apothecary jar is a great way to create a simple orchid planter that is beautiful and elegant.

First, find a beautiful apothecary jar that measures fairly wide, speaks to your style, and complements your decor. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your orchid’s pot and roots comfortably. 

 Add a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the jar to promote good drainage for your orchid. 

Next, place your orchid (still in its transparent pot) in the center of the jar. 

Next add a light layer of Spanish moss around the orchid, continuing to fill in empty spots as you go. Avoid packing the moss too tightly as there needs to be good air circulation for your orchid. You can, however, add a little moss to the top of the pot so you are covering the soil at the base of the plant.

Finally, place your apothecary jar orchid planter in a well-lit spot with indirect light, and watch your orchid bloom in style. It’s a lovely way to display your orchids while adding a touch of elegance to your space.

This white orchid is the star of our dining room!

DIY Tile Orchid Planter Box

Do you have leftover floor or wall tiles from a home project? Put them to use with this fun and easy Tile Planter Box project!

All you need are 5 square tiles and some very strong glue. Perfect for orchids, these tile boxes are also fantastic for other plants!

You can see a full tutorial with step-by-step instructions HERE!

Repurposed Candle Jars

As a candle addict, I have a large inventory of candle jars that once burned brightly with my favorite scents. Once the candle has burned down to the bottom of the jar or bowl, remove the wax and re-use the container!

With so many large-scale candles on the market, there are so many potential orchid planters available!

This citronella candle finally burned itself out…

…and makes a lovely DIY orchid planter!

Make One of These Wooden Orchid Baskets!

I love all the fun crafting uses for wood slices that can be found online or at local craft stores. These little beauties became part of this DIY orchid planter idea. Here is a simple tutorial and the supplies you will need:

Supplies

• wood slices in large and small sizes (My wood slices had tiny screws on the top. I removed them by simply screwing them out with some pliers.)
• a balloon, blown up and tied off
• low-temp glue gun, and glue sticks

Set your blown-up balloon in a bowl for stability. Take two wood slices and glue the sides together using a low-temp glue gun. Place them on top of the balloon while the glue cools. Let the disks bend slightly so they follow the curve of the balloon. 

Continue to glue wood slices by applying glue at the touchpoint between the slices. You are not gluing the slices directly to the balloon but rather using the balloon as a rounded guide for shaping a curve. Be sure to let the glue completely cool and dry before you add the next slice. This will ensure the strength of the connection points.

Don’t worry…the low-temp glue sticks will not pop the balloon! (I tested it!)

Continue to glue wood slices to create a dome over the balloons. You will find that larger spaces will occur when the wood slices don’t fit perfectly. To fill in these spaces, glue smaller-sized disks into those spaces. Continue to cover the balloon with the disks. As you reach the underside of the balloon, flip the balloon over and add some smaller-sized slices along the top edge of the dome.

Now for the best part! Once you have all the disks where you want them and the glue has set, pop the balloon!

I styled my new wood slice bowl by laying some moss on a tray and nestling the wood slice bowl on top. Then I added a beautiful pink orchid for a stylish kitchen display.

ORCHID FAQS

What Kind of Light Do Indoor Orchids Need?

Orchids do like a good dose of light each day but don’t do well in direct sunlight. They will love the bright indirect light of a window sill but might need a little shade from the late afternoon sun.

The best way to tell if your orchid is getting the right amount of light is to look at the leaves. If your orchid display continues to have bright green, glossy leaves, you have found the perfect location!

How Much Water Does An Orchid Need?

I used to use the ice cube method and had relatively good results. However, after some research and good advice, I now make sure my orchids have the right amount of water by using the “plunge method.”

Once a week, I remove the orchid (in its plastic orchid pot) and plunge it into a bowl of water. Lift the orchid out of the water and let the excess water drain away. 

Then it is back to bed it goes as I tuck the orchid back into its decorative orchid planter for the week!

When Should I Fertilize My Orchids?

During the peak growing season (spring and summer), you will want to fertilize your orchids about every two weeks. During the winter months of dormancy, you can fertilize just once a month.

What is the Best Fertilizer for Orchids?

Organic, liquid fertilizers specifically for orchids can be purchased online or at local garden centers.

However, there are several ways to fertilize orchids with homemade fertilizers.

• Crushed egg shells (grind them as small as possible)
• Crushed dried chicken bones (again, grind them as small as you can)
• Used tea bags (open the used bag and sprinkle the tea around the orchid.)
• Use coffee grounds.
• Water that brown rice has been boiled in.

Growing orchids doesn’t need to be intimidating; by following a few simple steps, you too can keep an orchid alive and blooming. Experiment with different materials and designs when it comes to creating your own DIY orchid planters. 

And don’t forget: with the right care, your indoor oasis can continue blooming for years! So don’t be afraid of growing orchids in your home – display them proudly in beautiful DIY orchid planters and know that you are taking care of a beautiful, living thing!

Cheers!

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