Branch Mug Planter – Eco-Friendly DIY

We’re always looking for new and unique ways to show off our growing succulent collection. And if you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know we have a lot of them. They seem to make babies all the time. Kinda like my laundry, except I like these babies. The laundry ones, bleh, not so much. Anyhoos, we had to cut down some of our trees a few months back and saved the stump to make this planter and fairy swing. We used a few of the branches to make rustic candle holders. Today I’d like to share how we turned one of the thicker branches into this branch mug planter.

 

It’s unique, eco-friendly, and the perfect way to display succulents or any other plant for that matter. You could even use this nature-inspired mug as a one-of-a-kind stationery holder 😉

 

Not only will the branch mug add a unique rustic touch to your decor, it’s also great gift idea. And with Christmas only a few months away you can whip up a few in no time.

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What you need

• A dried tree stump or thick branch
• Rope
• Two screws
• Chicken wire
• Coconut fiber
• Suitable plant

 

Tools

• Jigsaw or handsaw
• Drill and long drill bit
• Rubber Mallet

How to Make a Branch Mug Planter

This little planter is a really quick project to add a little eco-friendly love to your home or to give someone special as a gift. Start by cutting your branch to the right size with a handsaw or jigsaw. The size and height of the planter will depend on your branch.

 

Draw a circle that’s about 1.5 cm (3/4″) smaller than your branch. Use the longest drill bit you have to drill holes downwards into the branch. Drill the holes as close as possible all the way around the circle.

 

Depending on the length of your drill bit you may have to drill from both the top and bottom of the branch. Place your jigsaw blade inside one of the holes and cut between them. Flip the stump over and repeat if necessary.

 

Use a rubber mallet or hammer to smack the inside cut bit out.

 

If it feels like the middle bit doesn’t want to move, use the jigsaw to cut around the circle again. To finish the mug off, cut a piece of rope, and tie a knot on either end. Screw the knotted ends in.

 

And that’s it, the eco-friendly branch mug planter is ready for those succulent babies. Cheers 😉

 

Adding the plants

There are two ways to add plants. The easiest is to find a potted plant that slips inside the mug. We have a huge collection of succulents that give us loads of babies. Unfortunately, we don’t have a huge collection of plastic pots, so I used a piece of chicken wire and a layer of coconut fiber to create a bottom for the mug. You can also screw the lid of a tin can on the bottom. Just make sure to add drainage holes.

 

Secure the chicken wire to the sides with a few nails and fill her up with soil and a pretty succulent.

 

I planted a Gasteria offshoot in this one. The little ones we planted in the fairy tree stump have grown up and made their own babies. She’s such a rewarding little plant.

 

To make the planter a little more special, I used a craft knife to carve a heart into the branch.

 

Would you believe me if I told you it’s the first time I’ve ever tried doing that? I always felt so sorry for trees that have initials gouged into them. But hey, this is a branch that we chopped off, so I’m guessing it’s okay 😀

 

Our new planter fits right in…..

 

Even the little meerkat family seems to approve 😀

 

If you like the idea of making a branch mug planter, don’t forget to pin it for later.

 

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉

 

And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY then perhaps you’ll enjoy these.

 

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit. Stay Safe