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May 31, 2018 in Easy Garden DIY· Handmade· Succulents & Cacti

DIY  reclaimed wood succulent & cacti planters made from driftwood & logs

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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Reclaimed wood. Just google it to see its popularity for yourself. I’m not sure when reclaimed wood became such a “thing” but it sure did. Everything from mirrors to headboards to bookshelves is made out of reclaimed wood these days. Such wares are then sold in the hundreds to thousands of dollars range online. Hard to believe! So let’s claim some of this wood by making DIY succulent and cacti planters to enjoy! After all, you are coupling two of the biggest trends circling now. Reclaimed wood + succulents. You can’t loose. While out and about to various nurseries and garden centers this past week, I discovered that retailers manufacture fake logs containing fake succulents. But I can’t go there. Tacky to my taste. I prefer the real deal with real plants nestled into real wood. Do you agree? And many thanks to Altman Plants who supplied all the stunning succulents and cacti for this post. Altman Plants are dreamy. No doubt because they’ve been in the plant business for 40 years! So lots of pictures today for eye-popping visual stimulation. Besides, you know how vain succulents are! Always doing selfies. Such posers. Boasting their brilliance on Instagram. But I digress. Let’s get started.

Dream dream dream…where to get wood for your wood planters?

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Do you ever go for a walk and just go into “the zone.” The baby loves being carried in a backpack and the exercise keeps my brain fresh. While strolling, I always keep my eyes peeled. Sometimes it’s garbage picking on my mind, other times juices start flowing for creative projects I’d like to tackle.

These days, I’ve been scoping out pieces that would be a good host to my succulent plants. My focus was on wood because wood is so trending right now. Especially reclaimed wood, can’t say it enough!

Two ideas came to mind. Hollowed out logs and driftwood. Since we burn wood, we have lots to choose from. You might have a pile to sift through, too. Or, you can check the neighbors stack of wood. Or just ask your mom.

Driftwood popped into my brain as a second unique option for a succulent planter or centerpiece. Especially with the summery cottage vibe in the air. Living fairly close to Lake Ontario the pickings are prime for us. Hopefully you have access to a Lake or waterfront that will yield your own driftwood for free. Or maybe you know someone who has Lake or beach access who can bring you back a piece. You can buy driftwood online fairly cheaply as well.
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These two pieces of driftwood yanked at my heartstrings. I knew these were the right pieces for me! You’ll feel the exact same way when you spot the wood you’ll use for your DIY succulent planters and centerpieces. Such character and charisma! 

Keep in mind, that you’re free to use these showstoppers inside or out. Perhaps both for some bold excitement! This bigger piece of driftwood would have been far too large to consider bringing inside by any means. I struggled to move it by myself! The smaller one would could have worked indoors, but I found an idyllic spot for it in my perennial bed so there she stays.

Most succulents have shallow and fibrous roots making them very easy to dig up and replant. Take your time when replanting, even a day or more to allow the roots to heal over before being watered. Their shallow root system is what allows them to be planted in such vessels at all. 

Hollowed be thy name….

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You can always use a tool to manually hollow out a log to use as a planter. But if you can find one with an existing trench even better! This log was born to be a succulent planter with its trench that’s not too shallow or too deep. Ideal for succulents! Just the rustic flare I was hoping for!

I used a special soil formulated for cacti and succulents when I repotted mine into the driftwood and wood logs. But overall, you’re just looking for a sunny location with well-drained soil. Generous amounts of coarse drainage material such as sharp sand, pumice, grit, or small pebbles are ideal for encouraging aeration of the roots. Never let succulents get waterlogged!  

 Hole in a log makeover – Before

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Got an empty hole? As long as it’s not in your head, fill it with a succulent. This perfectly circular hole in this found log just “spoke to me.” Spot-on for the string of pearls succulent that’s feeling spiffy in its new home. Just add a little potting soil or the soil formulated for cacti and succulents. Either way, the plant won’t fuss too much as long as you don’t overwater!

Hole in a log makeover – After

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Log planters and myself are just two peas in a pod! Or should I have said two pearls in a pod? Nevermind. Seriously, this string of pearls succulent is stunning snuggled into my forget-me-nots. Like most succulents, string of pearls need bright light, infrequent watering and well-draining soil. I know they can product a long, elegant and string-like trailing stem, up to 3 feet! Fingers crossed here! I have found that water is the biggest issue with this plant, it does not like to be overwatered. The best sign that your string of pearls wants water is that the leaves will start to look a little shriveled. Don’t wait until they are 100% shriveled as that might be too late. They can tolerate direct light, but this log is in bright, but indirect light. The trees provide it afternoon shade. 
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Most landscapes remind of a lame game of duck duck goose but instead it’s bush bush tree. Boring! It should be bush, tree, wood planter, rain chain, driftwood art. Let’s add some popping pizzazz to your yard and landscape with rustic wood appeal. Spice up that garden. Individualize this space and make it different than your neighbors. Time to get off the beaten path. My lone Johnny-jump-up is just melting my heart! 
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I call this my bridge shot. That wood bridge just tops off my succulents so nicely. The front plant is called Key Lime Pie and consequently I don’t think a cuter name is even possible! Those plump, fan-shaped leaved edged with crinkles get my heart thumping every time I gaze at it. I was pleased to read that it does well indoors as its far too cold in my climate to leave succulents out all winter. 
I water this plant when the soil is dry and the leaves start to shrink a bit, never before as I’ve noted Key Lime Pie does NOT like to be overwatered, even a bit. Don’t want those roots to rot!
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This driftwood piece in particular makes a lovely table centerpiece. Kitchen table or dining room table, your choice! Bring it in for a party or use it on your outdoor table for some serious succulent swag. Regardless, you have yourself a solid conversation piece! No more excuses for awkward silences when company visits. 
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It’s not that I don’t see the weeds (because I do!) It’s just that I’ve decided to embrace the Japanese art form of Wabi-sabi. It’s so easy to appreciate this new hands-off approach to gardening so there’s hope for us imperfect gardeners. Tom and I welcome the Wabi-sabi concept to our garden that accepts this natural cycle of growth, decay, and death. Natural elements like wood and stone are central to this going with the flow theme. So no sweat over the weeds because this is laid-back gardening. Non-fussy plants like succulents snuggled into wood. The overgrown forget-me-nots fit right in my perfectly imperfect garden. 
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The small chewed up holes give this piece of driftwood such special character. The shape almost reminds me of reindeer antlers. Pieces of succulents fell off during the “filming” of this post. It happens. Waste not because luckily succulents are easy to propagate, especially those that form offsets of smaller plants. Let the offset sit for a day, so the stem forms a callus before potting. 
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Not all succulents are created equal. Time has taught me that some are most definitely easier to grow and less fragile than others. The very bottom plant in this collection is called a watch chain. Perfect name! It’s my first time growing a watch chain and what a wonderful experience. Altman plants certainly sent me a lovely specimen to enjoy! 
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Even without the succulents I’d love this log of driftwood sitting in my garden. More like showcasing a unique art piece. But the succulents are the icing on the cake. Keep in mind that if you live in an area with frost, most succulents need to be moved indoors for protection during the cold months. Place them on a cool, sunny windowsill or sun porch. 
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Two happy logs. That’s my affectionate nickname for this shot. They are just so happily situated in my back perennial beds that there’s no other way to phrase. it. Rustic and woodsy gardening at its best! The green and red plant on the first log to the left is called Sedum “Firestorm.” Prior to receiving my shipment of succulents and cacti from Altman Plants, I had wondered if the plants would look like the pictures, or would just look vaguely familiar from the pictures. Hardly recognizable from stock photo’s. I was pleasantly surprised! This plant looked exactly as I was hoping, full fiery red color and lots of fleshy leaves. Wonderful! 
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I love looking at my pieces in the garden for lots of reasons, one of which is that depending on the angle, I get a unique perspective. From this vantage point, the driftwood nestled into my perennial bed looks like some sort of bird. A fierce bird even! At any moment, it seems like the bird might launch an attack! But at other angles, this piece looks like an elegant swan. It’s all about your perspective. I can’t end this post without telling you about the kalanchoe to the right in the photo. It’s appropriately named flapjacks, perfect….right? This succulent is sure to stun so I’m giving one last shout out to Altman plants. My plant was nicer than the stock photo used on their website. And I know that succulents are slow growing but I already have two new leaves at the top. Awesome plant!  Probably my favorite of the bunch. I know…I know mom’s don’t have favorites! 

What makes your garden special and unique? Do you have a favorite succulent or cacti plant?

Secret code – twix

91 Comments

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Comments

  1. DAVID+FARRELL says

    June 26, 2021 at 7:32 pm

    great idea hadn’t thought of it

    Reply
  2. katie says

    June 26, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    For our garden, I think it is unique because it’s only one of a few in our area that has native plants to our area. I don’t have a favorite succulent or cacti but I do love monkey flowers and apricot mallows in our yard.

    Reply
  3. Chad Boyd says

    June 26, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    I love these! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Tina says

    June 26, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    great ideas

    Reply
  5. Phyllis Skoglund says

    June 26, 2021 at 8:04 pm

    I worry about termites so I remove old wood or logs.

    Reply
  6. Larry Carli says

    June 26, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    These ideas are very helpful.

    Reply
  7. Vicki Davis says

    June 26, 2021 at 8:44 pm

    Love planting, waiting & watching…anticipation ❣️

    Reply
  8. Sherry McCarthy says

    June 26, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    The String of Pearls was always my favorite! I’ve been wanting some driftwood for my rock garden, love all these ideas.

    Reply
  9. Crystal Abel says

    June 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

    I love this idea! Now to go get me some driftwood.

    Reply
  10. Liz Kilcher says

    June 27, 2021 at 3:59 am

    what pretty designs, great idea!!

    Reply
  11. Lynn Chaidez says

    June 27, 2021 at 9:30 am

    We are redoing our front yard into a desert theme and I learned a lot from this post.

    Reply
  12. Brittany Gilley says

    June 27, 2021 at 9:34 am

    love this idea!

    Reply
  13. Belinda Rowden says

    June 27, 2021 at 9:36 am

    Great idea, I love succulents.

    Reply
  14. Rena Walter says

    June 27, 2021 at 10:47 am

    This is unique! I will pass the information on.

    Reply
  15. Rena Walter says

    June 27, 2021 at 10:48 am

    What a great idea!! I will pass the information on.

    Reply
  16. Kathy says

    June 27, 2021 at 11:02 am

    Not a fan of succulents, need taller plantings

    Reply
  17. Yona Williams says

    June 27, 2021 at 11:08 am

    This is a clever way to use reclaimed wood. My nephew just brought home his first succulent…I’m so proud that he took an interest in them (like me). He named her ‘Nairobi.’

    Reply
  18. Bradley Marquis says

    June 27, 2021 at 11:08 am

    cool

    Reply
  19. Jennifer Keating says

    June 27, 2021 at 11:26 am

    These are soooo cool! Wish I lived closer to a place I could find some authentic drift wood. Maybe next time we go to Delaware or Myrtle Beach I can do some hunting!

    Reply
  20. Tara Enright says

    June 27, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    I love succulents you never have ton water them.

    Reply
  21. Debbie Welchert says

    June 27, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    These are so cool. I would love to make some of these for my yard.

    Reply
  22. Dawn Mielke says

    June 27, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    Good idea but I’d have to remove the wood due to bug gathering

    Reply
  23. Amber Lee Kolb says

    June 27, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    I love the look of this! We can find a lot of driftwood down by the river.

    Reply
  24. john carrabino says

    June 27, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    love it

    Reply
  25. Heidi says

    June 27, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    I love succulents. My favorite is an ox tongue that I have had for more than 10 years. It has grown a baby plant and it flowered this year.

    Reply
  26. Jennifer Phillips says

    June 27, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    I love love love this idea. It is gorgeous and it would really add a lot to some areas of my garden. Bookmarking this page definitely

    Reply
  27. Elaine+Pitenis says

    June 27, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Such lovely plants!

    Reply
  28. kathy m says

    June 27, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    this is an outstanding idea! Our front bed is full of succulents and this would add a nice touch to change things up. Guess it is time to go down to the river and expand my vision and look for some pieces to add. thanks for the awesome advice!

    Reply
  29. Lisa Cress says

    June 27, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    These are so nice! Thank you for the blog post!

    Reply
  30. Irina says

    June 27, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Just started working on my garden to make it beautiful

    Reply
  31. Lori Byrd says

    June 27, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    Great ideas. Thank you.

    Reply
  32. Janis C says

    June 27, 2021 at 8:50 pm

    Beautiful combination of wood and plants!

    Reply
  33. Jennifer George says

    June 27, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Very cool!

    Reply
  34. Cathy C McInturff says

    June 27, 2021 at 10:48 pm

    I love driftwood!!

    Reply
  35. Betsy Pauzauskie says

    June 27, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    I’ve always loved driftwood, both integrated with living plants, as well as striking pieces of individual artistry. Over the years I’ve predominately paired our succulents with rocks having sizeable planting holes. And, looking back over many years our gardens have been dependent upon our planting zone; a backbone of trees & shrubs; some specially selected perennials; with additional vines, annuals and wildflowers. My possibly unique garden goal has always been to have something blooming each month of the year; a more difficult task in the Midwest (although I did achieve the goal there), than here in SE Texas where multiple plants bloom each month; and, one plant has blooms every day of the year.

    Reply
  36. Sam says

    June 28, 2021 at 1:01 am

    I like string of pearls, but we never seem to have much luc with them

    Reply