What Plants Should You Put in a Teacup Planter?

Transforming a teacup into a planter is simple—just wash it, fill it with soil, and place your plant inside. You’ll need a young or small plant without much of a root system for your teacup planter, or else the cup will be too shallow for your plant to grow.

Small bulb plant varieties, such as netted irises, mini tulips, or miniature daffodils, are a solid choice for a teacup planter—at the end of the season, you can remove them and store the bulbs for next year, so you don’t need to worry about your plants outgrowing their tiny pot.

Small succulents, such as Kalanchoe or living stones, are compact, slow-growing options that you can keep in a teacup for a long time. Gardeners have also gotten creative by using teacup planters as a display for a string of pearls plant; hang your teacups at an angle, and it will look like the trailing plants are pouring out.

You can also create a gorgeous centerpiece for your dining table by using a full tea set to arrange a variety of plants. Fill your cups, creamer, and sugar bowl with tiny succulents—if your set comes with a larger teapot, you can use it as a stand for a full-size plant.

Covering the Soil in Your Teacup Planter

Since your teacups will likely be shallow, you may want to cover the soil to prevent it from spilling out. Moss is a good way to keep your soil intact, and it’ll make your teacup display look even more beautiful. You can also cover the soil with small pebbles, crystals, or sea glass. Coco coir or bark chips will make for a more organic display that your plants will love.

Can You Add a Drainage Hole to a Teacup Planter?

Those who have turned teacups into planters say a diamond-bit drill is great for adding a drainage hole to the bottom of any ceramic or porcelain mug. Turn the cup upside down; before you drill, you should cover the bottom of the cup with water. This will help prevent the cup from shattering. If you found a teacup with a matching saucer, you’ll have the perfect plant tray to catch any runoff from the new drainage hole.

For the average teacup, a single drainage hole will be enough to allow your plant’s soil to drain properly. If you’re not able to create a drainage hole, opt for a plant that doesn’t require much water, such as a succulent. Give it a small amount of water slowly, so the soil can soak it up without leaving excess moisture behind.