Tired of the same old planters for your succulents? Get ready to unleash your creativity and give your hens and chicks (Sempervivum) a home they truly deserve!
From vintage typewriters to hollowed-out pumpkins, we’ve curated a list of 14+ unconventional and eye-catching planter ideas that will transform your succulent game.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a plant newbie, these unique containers will not only showcase your green thumb but also become conversation starters in their own right.
Ready to turn everyday objects into extraordinary gardens? Let’s dive into a world where imagination meets horticulture, and discover how to give your little succulents the most stylish and unexpected homes they could ever dream of!
Shallow Trays
Create a charming succulent display using hens and chicks (Sempervivum) in a shallow tray.
These hardy plants thrive in full to part sun, need good drainage, and are drought-resistant. Perfect for beginners, they’re easy to propagate and can survive harsh winters with proper care.
Get creative with repurposed containers for a unique touch. Plant in potting soil mixed with sand, add moss and small rocks for decoration, and enjoy watching your miniature garden flourish on your porch or deck.
Vintage Muffin Tins
Transform a cupcake or muffin tin into a charming miniature garden for hens and chicks.
This unique planter is perfect for outdoor tables, balconies, or decks. Drill drainage holes, line cups with landscape fabric, and fill with a well-draining soil mix.
Arrange different varieties for visual interest, alternating colors and sizes. Place in partial sun and water sparingly. T
his low-maintenance, drought-tolerant display is ideal for weekend homes or busy gardeners. Overwinter by sheltering from harsh winds and insulating with leaves.
Old Boots or Shoes
Transform outgrown shoes into charming planters for hens and chicks.
Use leather or canvas shoes for longevity, and arrange them on white rocks for contrast.
Add seasonal decorations like pumpkins in fall. This sentimental garden idea preserves memories while creating a distinctive outdoor space.
Perfect for busy gardeners, this shoe garden proves that unconventional planters can thrive and last for decades.
Related Post: Unique Succulent Planter Ideas
Rustic Wheelbarrow or Toolbox Succulent Garden
Transform an old wheelbarrow or vintage toolbox into a charming planter for hens and chicks.
These rustic containers add character to your garden while providing the perfect environment for succulents.
Drill drainage holes if needed, fill with well-draining soil, and arrange various Sempervivum varieties for visual interest. Wooden toolboxes offer a cozy, vintage look, while metal wheelbarrows create a farmhouse-style focal point.
These low-maintenance planters are ideal for sunny spots and add a touch of nostalgia to your outdoor space.
Old Wagon Wheels
Transform an old iron wagon wheel into a stunning circular planter for hens and chicks.
This unique garden feature adds rustic charm and creates an eye-catching focal point. Secure the wheel horizontally, then fill the spaces between spokes with well-draining soil.
Arrange various Sempervivum varieties in a visually appealing pattern, alternating colors and sizes. For added interest, consider placing sedum in every other spoke.
This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant display combines history and horticulture in a beautiful, space-saving design.
Rock Gardens
Create a stunning rock garden featuring hens and chicks alongside other succulents and cacti.
This drought-resistant paradise combines various textures and colors for a captivating display. Arrange rocks of different sizes to create levels and pockets for planting.
Intersperse Sempervivum with low-growing sedums, echeverias, and small cacti. Use gravel or crushed stone as mulch to improve drainage and enhance the desert-like appearance.
This low-maintenance garden thrives in sunny spots and adds year-round interest to your landscape.
Hollow Logs or Stumps
Transform hollow logs or tree stumps into enchanting natural planters for hens and chicks.
These organic containers add rustic charm to your landscape while providing an ideal environment for succulents. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes if necessary.
Fill with well-draining soil and arrange various Sempervivum varieties, creating a miniature forest-floor ecosystem. The wood’s natural crevices and textures enhance the display’s visual appeal.
This low-maintenance option blends seamlessly with outdoor settings, offering a unique and sustainable way to showcase your succulent collection.
Artificial Driftwood Planter
Create a natural-looking succulent display with this artificial driftwood planter.
Measuring 14.6″L x 4.3″W x 5.1″H, this resin container mimics a real tree stump, perfect for hens and chicks. The durable, weather-resistant material withstands outdoor conditions, while drainage holes ensure plant health.
The large opening allows for easy planting and maintenance. Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, this unique planter adds rustic charm to any space.
Group multiple planters for a striking woodland-inspired arrangement of Sempervivum and other succulents.
Get yours from Amazon here.
An Old Toaster
Repurpose an old toaster into a whimsical planter for hens and chicks. This unexpected container adds a touch of retro charm to your indoor or outdoor space.
Remove the electrical components and drill drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the toaster slots with well-draining soil and arrange small Sempervivum varieties to resemble “toast” popping up.
Place on a sunny windowsill or patio table for a conversation-starting display.
This creative upcycling project combines vintage flair with low-maintenance succulents for a truly unique garden feature.
Vintage Typewriter
Give new life to an old typewriter by turning it into a succulent planter. This creative use of a vintage item combines history with modern gardening, making it a unique centerpiece for any room.
The contrast between the rigid structure of the typewriter and the soft, living succulents creates a visually intriguing display.
Ideal for a study or office, this planter also adds a touch of nostalgia and a conversation-starting element to your decor.
Animal Planters
Add a touch of playful charm to your succulent display with these adorable ceramic animal planters.
Available in six delightful styles (fox, panda, zebra, sheep, cow, and elephant), these high-quality pots are perfect for small hens and chicks.
Each planter features a drainage hole and is ideal for windowsills, desks, or as eye-catching centerpieces.
These versatile containers make great gifts for plant lovers and add a modern, fun element to any indoor or outdoor space. Mix and match for a captivating menagerie of succulents.
These planters are available from Amazon here.
Old Bricks
Transform old bricks into charming mini planters for hens and chicks. This creative recycling project adds rustic appeal to your garden or patio.
Choose bricks with holes or drill your own. Fill the cavities with well-draining soil and plant small Sempervivum varieties. Arrange the planted bricks in interesting patterns to create a unique living wall or border.
This low-maintenance option is perfect for small spaces and adds architectural interest to your outdoor area. The porous nature of bricks provides excellent drainage, ideal for these drought-tolerant succulents.
Pumpkin Planter
Create a stunning autumn display by using a hollowed-out pumpkin as a unique planter for hens and chicks.
This seasonal container combines fall charm with hardy succulents.
Choose a firm pumpkin, cut off the top, and scoop out the insides. Drill small drainage holes, then fill with well-draining soil. Arrange various Sempervivum varieties inside, creating a living “lid” of succulents.
This eye-catching centerpiece lasts several weeks and can be composted afterwards, making it an eco-friendly and festive gardening project.
Teacup Planter
Transform vintage teacups into delightful miniature planters for hens and chicks.
This whimsical idea adds a touch of elegance to any windowsill or tabletop.
Choose teacups with interesting patterns or colors, and drill a small drainage hole in the bottom. Fill with well-draining cactus soil and arrange tiny Sempervivum varieties to create a living bouquet. Group several teacup planters on a matching saucer or tray for a charming display.
These dainty gardens make perfect gifts or additions to your indoor succulent collection.