DIY Plant in a Can

Having something green and living indoors is a great way to brighten up a room, and can be really inexpensive when done right. Here's a super easy plant DIY:

Step 1: Pick a Plant.

You want a plant that doesn't need a lot of drainage.* I picked a blue elf aloe, which I water about once a month. It's still going strong! Cacti and succulents make great houseplants because they require so little water, but make sure you have a sunny window for them. If you're buying a plant from a nursery, make sure the container you use is bigger than the container the plant came in. You want plenty of room for the roots to grow down into. Another great thing about succulents is that they have little babies. If you notice a mini-succulent growing out of the base of your plant, carefully remove it and transplant. Look, a free plant!

Step 2: Pick a Can.

Next time you finish a can of coffee beans or chicken noodle soup, set it aside. Make sure your can is big enough for the plant. Thoroughly wash it and sand down any sharp edges (you can use sandpaper or a nail file for this). 

Step 3: Transplant.

Buy some soil. You'll need the kind of soil that's right for your plant; I used a cacti mix. If you're unsure of what to get, don't be afraid to ask questions at your local nursery. Let them know what you're planting, and where it will be. Fill the bottom of your container with a single layer of small rocks. Then fill it about a quarter of the way with soil. Using your hands and a small shovel if necessary, remove your plant from its original home. Gently brush off excess soil and, as my mom likes to say, "tickle the roots." Gently place the plant in your container and add more soil until it is secure. Give your plant some water. 

* For plants that need a lot of drainage, like herbs or flowering plants, drill a few holes in the bottom of your can and place a small saucer or tray underneath to catch the water.