Upcycler Transforms A Plastic Bottle Into A Stunning Hanging Planter

A plastic bottle can  be transformed into a beautiful hanging planter with a bit of imagination and skill. If you want to skip traditional pots and planters in favor of a thrifty way to create an upcycled planter for your smaller houseplants, this clever hack might be it. It makes use of a plain plastic bottle, the type you'd throw in the bin without a second thought, adding a floral cutout detail that's beautiful. 

This project is the handiwork of Yobz T who shared the idea on TikTok. He takes a two-liter soda bottle, cuts into the plastic so that a small plant pot can fit inside the bottle, and adds twine to the cap to hang it. But that's not all. While that's the simplified version of the hack, this upcycler takes the idea one step further by cutting out a detailed floral design into the plastic, creating an intricate cut-out effect that catches the eye.

If you're propagating plants, or you find yourself constantly having to repot your houseplant collection, this hack offers a great way to display them without having to spend extra cash on a brand new plant pot. Not only that, but you'll be giving a bottle second life instead of throwing it away. The best part? This hack is completely customizable, so you can add your own chosen design. 

To recreate this idea, start by cleaning out a used soda bottle and removing the labels (but make sure you keep the cap). The TikTok creator uses a two liter bottle so that the wider circumference offers more space for the plant, but any size will work. Next, make a small hole in the bottle cap using a needle or craft knife. Create a loop from a piece of twine or clear fishing line and insert it into your bottle cap, tying a knot to secure it. This enables you to hang your planter.

If you want to replicate the floral cut-out effect, you will need to use a soldering iron to carve your design into the plastic. You can also create a simple, repeating geometric design. Draw out the pattern first if you aren't comfortable creating it freehand. Be sure to create a hole in the side of the bottle that's large enough to slide your chosen houseplant into the completed design.

Once you're finished soldering, you can then add color using a non-toxic spray paint that's safe for plants, or keep it unfinished for a natural, translucent effect. Simply add your chosen potted houseplant and voila, you have one smart way to reuse a bottle and create a beautiful custom plant hanger. Want to make the project easier? Use a craft knife or scissors to cut the bottle in half, make a few drainage holes in the bottom, and hang using string, skipping the detailed design.