How to Make a Cactus Cut-Out Vertical Garden

Can't get enough of tiny succulents? This hanging cactus planter is the perfect way to show off your green thumb and DIY skills.

Can’t get enough of tiny succulents? This DIY cactus planter is the perfect spot to show off your green thumb. Just print out the template and build!

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Can’t get enough of tiny succulents? This DIY cactus planter is the perfect spot to show off your green thumb. Just print out the template and build!

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Materials Needed

  • (1) 9" x 16" shallow craft crate
  • (1) 1" x 10" x 3/4" pine board
  • printable template
  • jigsaw
  • drill and 1/2" drill bit
  • sanding block
  • 9" x 16" piece of chicken wire
  • wire snips
  • exterior wood stain
  • flat-bristle paintbrush
  • old, clean rag
  • tape measure
  • pencil
  • hammer
  • (6-8) 1 1/2" brad nails
  • wood glue
  • drop cloth
  • Spanish moss
  • assortment of tiny succulents
  • 2' rope (optional)
  • hanging hardware (optional)

Measure + Cut

Measure your crate, then have a pine board cut to fit flush on top of the crate. (Our crate is 9-by-16 inches, so our board was cut to that dimension, too.)

Step 1- Crate & Board
Measure your crate, then have a board cut to fit flush on top of the crate. Our crate is 9x16 inches, so our board was cut to that dimension, too.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 1- Crate & Board Measure your crate, then have a board cut to fit flush on top of the crate. Our crate is 9x16 inches, so our board was cut to that dimension, too.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Print, Cut + Trace

Download, print and cut out your design (Image A). (We chose a trendy cactus.) Set the template on your board in the position you like, then trace around the template with a pencil (Image B).

Drill Pilot Hole 

Before using a jigsaw to cut out your design, use a drill with a 1/2-inch bit to make a pilot hole.

Step 4- Drill Pilot Hole
Before using a jig saw to cut out the cactus shape, you’ll need a starter hole or “pilot hole” to introduce the jig blade. Use a drill with half-an-inch inch bit to make this hole.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 4- Drill Pilot Hole Before using a jig saw to cut out the cactus shape, you’ll need a starter hole or “pilot hole” to introduce the jig blade. Use a drill with half-an-inch inch bit to make this hole.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Cut + Sand

Using a jigsaw, cut out your design. Stick as closely to the traced pencil lines as possible (Image A). Then, gently sand any rough edges with a fine-grit sanding block (Image B).

Stain Surfaces

Wipe the crate and board clean, then stain it your desired color. Brush on the water-based stain, then wipe the excess off with a clean rag. Allow the crate and board to dry before moving on to the next steps.

Step 6- Stain It 
Wipe the crate and board clean, then stain it your desired color. Brush on the water- based stain, then wipe excess stain off with a clean rag. Allow to dry before moving to next steps.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 6- Stain It Wipe the crate and board clean, then stain it your desired color. Brush on the water- based stain, then wipe excess stain off with a clean rag. Allow to dry before moving to next steps.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Fill With Moss

Place the moss in the crate, filling all the way to the top. Tuck any loose ends back into the crate.

Step 7-  Fill with Moss
Place moss in the crate, filling to the top. Tuck any loose ends back into the crate.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 7- Fill with Moss Place moss in the crate, filling to the top. Tuck any loose ends back into the crate.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Add Chicken Wire

Once the moss is tucked inside, cut a piece of chicken wire that matches your crate dimensions. Once the wire is cut, carefully tuck the cut ends down into the crate so they're secure.

Step 8- Add Chicken Wire 
Once moss is tucked inside, cut a piece of chicken wire that matches your crate dimensions. Use wire snips or strong utility scissors for this. Once wire is cut, carefully tuck cut ends of wire down into the crate so it’s secure.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 8- Add Chicken Wire Once moss is tucked inside, cut a piece of chicken wire that matches your crate dimensions. Use wire snips or strong utility scissors for this. Once wire is cut, carefully tuck cut ends of wire down into the crate so it’s secure.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Attach the Top

With the chicken wire and moss in place, it’s time to place the lid on the crate. First, run a bead of wood glue along the crate’s top edge (Image A). Then, place the top board in place and secure with brad nails (Image B).

Plant Succulents

To plant the tiny succulents, you may need to snip some of the wire here and there with wire snips. Plant the succulents tightly together, mixing up colors and textures. (Before hanging, be sure to moisten moss and plants with a spray bottle.)

Step 10- Plant Succulents
To plant the tiny succulents, you may need to snip some of the wire here and there. Plant them tightly together, mixing up colors and textures. And before hanging be sure to moisten moss and plants with a spray bottle.

DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter

Step 10- Plant Succulents To plant the tiny succulents, you may need to snip some of the wire here and there. Plant them tightly together, mixing up colors and textures. And before hanging be sure to moisten moss and plants with a spray bottle.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Add Rope/Hardware (Optional)

This vertical planter is super versatile; it can sit on a table or hang on a wall. We ran a rope through the top for a rustic look, but you could add hanging hardware to the back of the crate if you prefer.

Next Up

How to Make an Outdoor Foot Wash Station

It's easier than ever to keep little (and big!) feet from tracking mud into the house with this clever cleaning station.

DIY This Moody, Mossy Living Dead Succulent Wall Planter

Snag a thrift store frame, some succulents, moss and glue to make this upcycled, scary-meets-stylish succulent wall planter perfect for Halloween — anyone with half a head can make it.

Make Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters to Display Your Fave Succulents

Learn how to make clay pinch pot hanging planters, perfect for mini succulents, with just a few materials and this easy, step-by-step tutorial.

How to Hang Plants from the Ceiling

Learn the correct steps to securely and safely hang plants from the ceiling.

How to Grow Foxgloves

Prolific blooms make foxglove a great plant for your cottage garden. Find out how to grow and care for these pretty, dramatic flowering plants.

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed Step-by-Step

Take your garden to the next level with this complete plan and step-by-step instructions for an easy raised garden bed DIY project. Your plants (and wallet) will thank you.

How to Plant and Grow Chinese Evergreen

Caring for Chinese evergreens is easy, and these pretty houseplants brighten rooms with low light, or even no natural light, with their leaves of pink, green, creamy white and red.

How to Make a Garden Fence From Upcycled Pallets

Keep critters out of your garden with this inexpensive fencing alternative that can also serve as a planter.

How to Make a DIY Hydroponic System

Get growing with your own DIY hydroponic garden system. We've got everything you need to know for getting started in hydroponic gardening.

How to Grow Jalapeños

Why do we love the fiery burn of a fresh jalapeño? Because these spicy chili peppers taste so good and are easy to grow.

More from:

HGTV Spring House

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.