Upcycled Cactus Planter

In an age where sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming well known and highly practiced, I believe my upcycling project is both a personal project and a global statement. My idea was born from a desire to bring a touch of nature into my dark basement which a space that rarely sees natural light while also reducing waste from my house. I wanted to create an object that is not only visually appealing from the cactus but was almost completely free to make. My project involves transforming a plastic water bottle into a functional cactus / succulent planter with decoration made from cardboard. This choice was influenced by the need for durability and water resistance offered by plastic, as well as the accessibility and rustic aesthetic provided by cardboard.

First, I was drawn to the simplicity of succulents, especially cacti, which require minimal care (especially sunlight). The everyday waste of plastic bottles and cardboard found in my home sparked an idea for this project: what if these disposable items could be reborn as functional art? The idea of upcycling is rooted in sustainability. My initial thought process was influenced by the potential of transforming materials that are typically thrown away into a practical object. The design aimed to encapsulate an “organic minimalism” aesthetic: simplicity, sustainability, and DIY. The planter was envisioned not just as a container for a cactus, but as an artifact that emphasizes the creative re-use of everyday materials.

I considered several approaches before settling on a design that combines a plastic core with a cardboard decorative outer layer. As I explained in my first progress article, both cardboard and plastic offered unique advantages. While cardboard is biodegradable and easy to create various shapes with, it is not good with moisture. A plastic water bottle provided the necessary durability and water resistance. The plastic has great functionality, but I wanted to add some creative design with the cardboard.

When it came to the functional goals of the project, I believe I fully achieved them.  The planter needed to withstand the moisture and conditions typical for a cactus, especially given the basement’s limited sunlight. Given the cactus that I chose, I did need to move the plant into the sun in the upstairs of my house. I chose a Drafted Cactus (Image 1), which does need a small amount of direct sunlight every day. I chose this plant because succulents were much more expensive. Another goal I had was using plastic ensured that the container could resist water damage and degradation. I think the choice of plastic was the best here, and the functionality is great. I also wanted to make sure there was proper drainage, so the roots did not die, and the slits I included in the plastic help with that a lot (Image 2).

In terms of the artistic goals, I feel there is a little bit more I would like to bring this project to its fullest potential. I think I did a great job following the DIY aesthetic as all of the aspects of the project were done on my own. I think the project celebrates the DIY movement by demonstrating that everyday waste can be repurposed into something both good-looking and functional. I wish I could have found a better way to use the cardboard, and more of a visual aesthetic. I had a hard time making the cardboard into something I thought was visually appealing. My plan was to make more of a round cardboard outing, but that turned out to be easier said than done. I added these hexagonal pieces (Image 3) in an attempt to create something that was based off this planter (Image 4). I decided to just glue cardboard pieces together and add these elements. This is something I hope to make look a little better in the future.

To get into the fabrication process, I will start with material selection. I chose a standard large water bottle. Its transparency was a key factor, as it allowed a view into the interior composition if I removed the cardboard framing, and it allows the cactus to breathe. For the cardboard, I just found a box that was used for one of the many Amazon packages that are delivered to my house.

First, I took the plastic water bottle and cut it with a knife to bring it to the proper size for the plant holder (Image 5). Next, I used the same knife to mark the plastic bottle for drainage / evaporation holes. I tried to space them out evenly and make them small enough so dirt would not leak out. I then took the cardboard box and created the outer housing for the plastic to be in. Making the cardboard pieces that I added on the outside did take a while as I wanted their shape to be uniform. Finally, I added some Miracle-Gro that I purchased from Home Depot along with the cactus to finish off the project. I gave it some water, and placed it in the window, as the recommended amount of sunlight per day for the cactus that I bought was about six hours. I was originally planning on buying a zebra cactus, but they were pretty expensive, and the delivery times did not align with the due date for the project. I chose the Grafted Cactus because of its vibrant look, and its cheap cost. The featured image in this post shows the close final product (Image 6). Again, I plan to add some more of the hexagonal features like I mentioned before.

The final artifact is a testament to the balance of form and function achieved through upcycling. The transparent plastic core reveals the layered structure of the soil, serving as a display of the internal workings necessary for plant health. This “inside-out” approach transforms a utilitarian container into an engaging visual experience. I think the outer layer of handcrafted cardboard adds a texture that contrasts beautifully with the plastic. This combination of materials not only reinforces the eco-friendly message but also highlights the DIY ethos which shows that creativity can be displayed from very simple materials. The inclusion of a drainage system ensures that the cactus receives just the right amount of water without risking over-saturation, which would cause root rot. The design is a functional advantage, allowing for easy monitoring of soil moisture and plant health, as I have to do is remove the plastic shell to determine the moisture content of the soil.

When evaluating the final artifact against the functional goals established at the outset, the cactus planter performs exceptionally well in terms of durability, maintenance and visibility. The use of a plastic water bottle as the core material has proven effective. Its water resistance and structural integrity ensure that the planter remains functional over time. The incorporation of drainage holes does a great job of preventing water buildup. The transparent plastic allows for a clear view of the soil layers and cactus roots. This design choice makes it easier to monitor the plant’s health and maintain proper soil moisture. The overall durability of the structure confirms that the planter can adapt to the potentially challenging conditions of my basement.

From an artistic standpoint, I think my project does a good job meeting the original goals I had set at the beginning of the project. The combination of recycled plastic and repurposed cardboard creates a contrast that aligns well with an eco-conscious and rustic design philosophy. I think the outer textured cardboard layer elevates the artifact from a mere planter to a piece of functional art. The layered approach, where both the internal arrangement (soil and roots) and the external decoration are visible, adds depth and interest. This aesthetic invites the viewer to appreciate the useful behind everyday materials that would be thrown away, reinforcing the value of this upcycling project as both an environmental and artistic practice. I think I did a good job with the evolution of the design as well. I was not exactly sure what I wanted to achieve with this design, but through the progress from my other posts, it is clear for me to see the progress and iterations I made throughout the work time on this project.

While the final artifact fulfills both of my functional and artistic goals, every creative process leaves room for improvement. Although the cardboard outer layer adds aesthetic value, I have identified opportunities to improve its longevity. Future iterations I might experiment with include more advanced, yet eco-friendly, sealing techniques—such as a natural wax coating that can better protect the cardboard against moisture without compromising its organic appearance. I think this would help with the durability of the cardboard. Also, my current design is a fusion of modern plastic functionality and rustic cardboard aesthetics. I plan to explore additional variations in future projects, potentially integrating other upcycled materials like reclaimed wood. I think adding these would expand on the initial goal and add more to the aesthetic I am trying to achieve.

Considering the low-light conditions of my basement, I plan to research and possibly incorporate additional features such as a self-watering system, or an LED light (Image 7) to provide my plant necessary “sunlight”. This would ensure that the cactus receives an optimal amount of moisture without the risk of overwatering, and I would completely remove the need for plant care. Adding the LED light would allow me to leave the plant in my room at all times, and after this, the plant could live in my room completely carefree.

Ultimately, the project is not just a one-off creation but a steppingstone towards a potential higher commitment to upcycling. I plan to keep the artifact as a prototype, observing its performance and the health of the plant over time. Lessons learned from its use will help me with future projects, and the planter itself may serve as a basis for further refinement.

This upcycling project—transforming a discarded plastic water bottle into a cactus planter with a decorative cardboard exterior—embodies the spirit of sustainable creativity. It is an exercise in balancing functionality with aesthetic vision. The design process, from the careful selection and preparation of materials to the layered assembly and final decoration, reflects a commitment to both environmental responsibility and artistic expression.

The final artifact, with its transparent core revealing a carefully arranged composition of soil, pebbles, and a thriving Zebra Cactus, meets the functional demands of durability, water resistance, and plant health monitoring. Simultaneously, it achieves an artistic goal: a rustic, eco-friendly, DIY aesthetic that celebrates the potential of everyday waste.

In comparing the outcome with my original vision, I find that the planter not only stands as a functional container but also as a testament to the transformative power of upcycling. It illustrates how sustainable design can breathe new life into discarded materials, turning them into art that is both beautiful and purposeful. I wish I could have made the outer design on the cardboard more sleek, but I plan on improving the current design in the future.

I have always wanted to have some type of plant that survive in my room, and I think this project was a great avenue to actually make it happen. I have always been dedicated to sustainability, but I thought creating this planter out of potential waste encapsulates the goal of this project.

Works Cited:

Image 1: The Grafted Cactus I chose for my project. 2025, Bubbleblooms Grafted Red Moon Cactus 3 Inch – Etsy

Image 2: Slits in the plastic and lid included for plant draining.

Image 3: The hexagonal pieces of cardboard I added to add a visual aspect to the outer housing.

Image 4: The design I was trying to replicate. 2021, Modern Geometric [Cardboard] Planter : 8 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

Image 5: The plant sitting in the plastic part of the planter.

Image 6 and featured image: The final product (want to make this look a little better in the future).

Image 7: A potential addition to the project, and LED light for “sunlight”. 2025, Mini LED Grow Light – Lee Valley Tools