Succulents are easy and rewarding to grow, and all you need to start is a few cuttings. Using bricks as tiny planters gives your display a rustic, organic look and is a great way to repurpose old materials. The project is straightforward, though it can get a little messy—so prepare a workspace and some cleanup supplies before you begin.
Materials and tools:
- Bricks — used, weathered bricks add character, but clean bricks work well too
- Drill
- Carbide-tipped masonry hole saw bit
- Clamp to secure the brick
- Succulent cuttings
- Potting soil suitable for succulents
1. Secure the brick. Clamp the brick firmly to your work surface so it won’t move while you drill. A stable setup improves accuracy and safety.
2. Prepare your hole saw. Install a carbide-tipped masonry hole saw bit on your drill. Choose a diameter that will leave enough wall thickness in the brick while creating a roomy cavity for soil and a succulent.
3. Drill while keeping the bit cool. Begin drilling slowly and steadily. Have a water bottle handy and periodically pour water on the drilling area to cool the bit and reduce dust. The water helps the hole saw cut more cleanly and prevents overheating.
4. Remove the core. Once you’ve cut most of the way through, use a chisel or a flat screwdriver and tap gently to break away the inner section of the brick. Take care to preserve the surrounding brick walls, creating a neat cavity for planting.
5. Repeat as needed. Flip the brick and drill a second hole if you want a deeper or dual-chamber planter. Repeat the same cooling and chiseling process to shape the interior to your liking. Clean out loose dust and fragments before planting.
6. Plant your succulents. Add a well-draining succulent mix or a blend of potting soil and coarse sand or perlite to the cavity. Place your succulent cuttings into the soil, firm lightly around them, and water sparingly to avoid overwatering. Brick planters provide good drainage and a charming, natural aesthetic for indoor or outdoor displays.
Tips for success:
- Choose succulents that suit the size of the brick cavity; smaller varieties and offsets work best.
- Allow cuttings to callous for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rot.
- Position your brick planters where they’ll receive bright, indirect light or morning sun, depending on the succulent type.
- Water sparingly; succulents prefer the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Wear eye protection and a dust mask while drilling to protect against debris.
With a few simple tools and materials, you can transform ordinary bricks into eye-catching, low-maintenance planters that showcase your favorite succulents. Enjoy the process and experiment with different brick arrangements and plant combinations to create a personalized succulent display.