Turn an Old Laundry Detergent Pod Container Into a Moon Planter for Succulents

This trendy, DIY upcycled moon planter is surprisingly easy to make out of an old laundry pod container. No one will believe that this lunar planter came straight out of your recycling!

DIY upcycled moont planter

That's it

Now you have a trendy moon planter made from your recycling!

Photo by: Karen Kavett

Karen Kavett

Unlike a lunar eclipse, you can (and will want all your friends) to look directly at this one-of-a-kind, upcycled moon planter made from materials straight out of your recycling bin. Grab an old laundry pod container, a few basic craft materials, and voila! You and your succulents can thank us later.

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Detergent Pod Moon Planter
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Materials + Supplies

  • laundry pod container
  • craft knife
  • scissors
  • permanent marker
  • 7" cooking pot/pan lid
  • rubbing alcohol
  • paper towels
  • sandpaper
  • empty masking tape roll
  • white paint
  • gold paint
  • paintbrush
  • low-temp hot glue gun

Remove All Labels

Remove all labels from your empty laundry pod container. If they are being stubborn, try loosening them with hot water or adhesive remover (Image 1). Then pop the top plastic piece off so you’re left with just a round container (Image 2).

Trace a Circle

Trace a 7” pot lid (or anything else around the same size) to get a moon shape on the front of the container (Image 1). Feel free to draw this multiple times until you’re happy with the placement (Image 2).

Start Cutting

Use a craft knife and scissors to cut off the rim from the container (Image 1 - 3). Then carefully cut out the front of the container to reveal your moon shape (Image 4 + 5).

Trace a Circle on the Back

Trace your pot lid again on the back, lining it up so it matches the placement on the front (Image 1). Cut it out, being extra careful when cutting through the handholds (Image 2 + 3).

Remove Any Marker

Use a paper towel dampened with rubbing alcohol to “erase” the marker lines (Image 1 + 2).

Sand the Edges

Trim down any rough corners and edges. Then go over the entire thing with sandpaper. Sand the edges to smooth them down and sand the inside and outside to give the paint more texture to grip onto.

sanding the edges of DIY moon planter

Sand rough edges

Trim down any rough corners and edges. Then go over the entire thing with sandpaper. Sand the edges to smooth them down and sand the inside and outside to give the paint more texture to grip onto.

Photo by: Karen Kavett

Karen Kavett

Paint Your DIY Moon Planter

Paint the entire thing gold (or another color of your choosing), using either acrylic paint or spray paint (Image 1). You may need to do several coats to get an even finish (Image 2 + 3).

Paint the Base

Use an empty masking tape roll for the base (Image 1). Prime it with a coat of white paint (Image 2). Once dry, add 1-2 coats of paint in the same color you painted the planter (Image 3).

Glue it all Together

Once all of the paint is dry, use hot glue to attach the base to the bottom of the planter (Image 1 - 3).

Add Plants

Weigh down the bottom of the planter with rocks so it doesn’t tip over (Image 1). Then add your plant and you’re finished (Image 2).

Your DIY Upcycled Moon Planter is Done!

Now you have a trendy DIY upcycled moon planter made from materials right out of your recycling bin.

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