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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.
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.)
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).
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
Tomas Espinoza
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.
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).
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
Tomas Espinoza
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.
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.
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.
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).
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
Tomas Espinoza
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.)
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.
Tomas Espinoza
Tomas Espinoza
Tomas Espinoza
