7 Creative DIY Houseplant Projects for an Afternoon

No snake plants or fiddleleaf figs here—just seven fresh DIY projects from Houzz to enliven your home with plants in an afternoon or less.

1. Mini Moss Terrarium

Moss usually plays supporting roles, but Baylor Chapman makes it the star. A fuzzy green patch on rocks brightens any space—and moss is praised for calming qualities.

Getting started: Small stones, horticultural charcoal, moss types layered in a glass vessel. Add collected rocks or figurines for uniqueness. With proper light/water, lasts long.

See how to make this moss terrarium

2. Petite Dinosaur Planter

Spray-painted dinosaur planters—playful indoors or out. Featured with succulents/cacti, but herbs work too.

Getting started: Hollow plastic dinos (or any animal), drill, utility knife, spray paint, soil, plants, household tools. Quick but requires drill, knife, spray paint.

See how to make these mini dinosaur planters

3. Driftwood and Succulent Centerpiece

All-natural materials showcase resilient succulents as table centerpiece or wall art. Designer made many for a wedding, but great for everyday.

Getting started: Driftwood (or interesting-shaped wood), succulents, air plants, potting mix, sphagnum moss. Electric drill with varied bits + safety gear. Can hang vertically once rooted. Succulents last 6+ months; can be transplanted later.

See how to make this long-lasting centerpiece

4. 'Kokedama' String Garden

Japanese-inspired hanging garden (bonsai variant). "Kokedama" = "moss ball." Floral designer Mandy Grace wraps a succulent/small fern in soil, moss, and string, then hangs it.

Getting started: Succulents/small ferns, peat soil, cactus soil, clay mud, sphagnum moss, cotton thread, packing string, household tools. Straightforward but messy. Water regularly.

See how to make a string garden

5. Teacup Planter Pot

Repurpose a lone teacup or thrift-store find for kitchen herbs or small succulents.

Getting started: Unused cup+saucer, 6mm tungsten-tip diamond drill bit for drainage (masking tape prevents slipping). Indoor/outdoor depending on plant/light.

See how to make teacup planter pots

6. Fantastic Fairy Garden

Whimsical container planting with accessories to lure fairies. Endless creativity.

Getting started: Container (enamel pan, tray, crate, wagon, terra-cotta pot), light planting mix, small plants, fun accessories (paths, furniture, fairy house).

See how to make this succulent fairy garden

7. Star Wars Terrarium

Adrian Weinberg's miniature landscape under glass—complete with Star Wars figurines on a recreated Endor. More specialized gear, slightly higher cost.

Getting started: Exo-Terra terrarium, daylight plant globe, horticultural charcoal, sphagnum/peat moss, seiryu rocks, gold vine wood. Let nursery staff know you're building a terrarium for plant recommendations.

See how to make a Star Wars terrarium