No Pokes About It: Create a PVC Cactus Planter
In just a few short steps, turn your backyard or pool area into the summer oasis of your dreams!


Summer is all about gathering outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Designing and decorating the perfect outside entertainment area can get very pricey, and conversation pieces often feel like an unnecessary expense. This year, save a bundle, and opt for a DIY piece that takes minimal time and is easy on the wallet.

Cassidy Garcia
Materials Needed
- (2) 2'-x-3” PVC pipes
- 1'-x-2” PVC pipe
- 1.5'-x-2” PVC pipe
- (2) 2” 90-degree street elbows
- 2”-x-3” double sanitary tee
- green spray paint
- large planter
- rocks
- perlite or sand
- flowers
Paint PVC

Cassidy Garcia
To begin, spray paint each piece of PVC with your favorite shade of green.
Assemble in Planter

Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia
Once dry, assemble your PVC cactus in a planter by first securing one 2'-x-3” pipe vertically in a terra-cotta planter with heavy rocks. Add the double sanitary tee and one more 2'-x-3” pipe on top. Place a 90-degree street elbow on each side of the tee, and connect the two remaining 2-inch pipes vertically on either side.
Add Perlite and Flowers

Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia
Now it’s time to unlock this planter’s potential. Fill the cactus with perlite or inexpensive sand, and add flowers with soil into the top of the vertical pipes. You could also find small, lipped terra-cotta pots to place in the PVC and forgo the perlite. Decorate and design to fit your style and preference.

Cassidy Garcia