Cacti and succulents are more than just trendy plants; they’re living sculptures that bring texture, charm, and a touch of the desert into your home.
Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for busy plant lovers, and the endless container options open the door to creativity. With just a few simple materials, you can craft displays that look like miniature landscapes, adding color and life to any room.
These plants thrive on little care, yet reward you with striking beauty. By mixing and matching containers, stones, sand, and decorative accents, you can design dish gardens that fit perfectly with your style.
Here are 16 DIY cactus and succulent dish garden ideas that will inspire you to turn ordinary containers into extraordinary centerpieces.
#1. Mini Desert Oasis
Source: Etsy
Create a little desert right on your tabletop with a mix of small cacti, succulents, and decorative stones. Use a shallow dish or terrarium bowl to showcase their natural beauty.
Adding layers of sand and gravel will highlight the desert theme while also improving drainage. Choose plants of different shapes and heights for extra dimension.
You can complete the look with a few miniature figurines or driftwood pieces. Place it in a bright spot to enjoy your own indoor desert escape.
#2. Vertical Wall Garden
Source: Dalla Vita
A vertical garden filled with succulents and cacti instantly transforms a plain wall into a vibrant display. You can use a wooden frame, a pallet, or even a repurposed shelf as the base.
Line it with landscape fabric to hold the soil in place and tuck in different plant varieties. Trailing succulents like string of pearls add softness while upright cacti give structure.
Hang it near a sunny window or outside on a patio wall. Water carefully to keep the soil from getting too soggy.
#3. Vintage Teacup Collection
Source: Tilly’s Nest
Repurposing old teacups is a charming way to display small succulents and cacti. The delicate cups give a whimsical contrast to the plants’ bold shapes.
Simply fill each teacup with a well-draining soil mix and add a plant that fits snugly inside. Place them together on a tray for a sweet centerpiece or scatter them around your home.
They also make thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends. To avoid water damage, line the bottom of the cups with small pebbles.
#4. Hanging Terrariums
Source: Newport Florist
Glass orbs filled with tiny succulents and trailing plants create a floating garden effect. Hang them by windows where natural light can filter through, making the plants glow.
To assemble, add a thin layer of gravel, followed by cactus soil, and nestle in your chosen plants. You can tuck in moss or colored sand for extra charm.
These hanging terrariums are perfect for small spaces because they don’t take up surface area. Mist them lightly once in a while instead of heavy watering.
#5. Colorful Container Mix
Source: Gardenia.net
Gather a collection of brightly colored pots and fill each one with a different cactus or succulent. When grouped together, they create a lively display that instantly brightens up a room or balcony.
Mix colors, shapes, and sizes of both the pots and plants for the best effect. Add a layer of decorative stones on top of the soil for a polished look.
These arrangements are easy to rearrange whenever you want to refresh your space. Plus, they make a dull corner come alive.
#6. Shell and Succulent Garden
Source: Debra Lee Baldwin
Large seashells or conch shells make stunning natural planters for succulents. Their curved forms cradle the plants beautifully and pair perfectly with a beach-inspired theme.
Fill the shells with cactus soil and add a mix of small rosettes or trailing varieties. For a complete coastal look, display them on a tray of sand with pebbles scattered around.
Place them in bright light to keep the plants thriving. This project is a wonderful way to bring a touch of the seaside indoors.
#7. Rustic Wooden Box
Source: Star Succulent Nursery
Repurpose an old wooden crate or box to create a rustic succulent arrangement. Line the inside with plastic to protect the wood, then fill it with a mix of cacti, succulents, and decorative moss.
Arrange plants of different heights to add variety and interest. This project works beautifully as a centerpiece on a dining table or as an accent on a porch.
To give it a personal touch, stencil words or patterns onto the box. The result is both cozy and stylish.
#8. Terracotta Pot Tower
Source: YouTube
Stack terracotta pots in descending sizes to create a playful vertical planter. Each pot can hold a different cactus or succulent, giving you a layered garden with lots of variety. Secure the pots with a metal rod through the center for stability.
Add pebbles around the soil for a neat finish. This design saves space while creating a striking focal point. Place it on a patio or in a sunny corner of your home for maximum impact.
#9. Glass Terrarium Garden
Source: Gardens Illustrated
A glass terrarium provides a clear view of your miniature landscape, making it look like a living work of art. Layer sand, soil, and rocks before planting your cacti and succulents.
You can create a desert scene with tall cacti in the back and low-growing succulents in front. Add tiny figurines, moss, or driftwood for decoration.
Keep the terrarium in bright indirect light and water sparingly. It’s a great project if you enjoy mixing natural elements into your home décor.
#10. Wagon Wheel Planter
Source: Reddit
Transform a wagon wheel into a creative planter by attaching small pots to its spokes. Each pot can hold a different succulent or cactus, creating a unique and rustic design. You can lean the wheel against a wall or place it upright on a stand.
Choose plants with different shapes and colors to make the wheel pop. This idea works well in outdoor spaces, adding a touch of country charm. It’s a fun way to recycle old items while adding greenery.
#11. Succulent Sphere
Source: Gardening Know How
A succulent sphere is a show-stopping way to display trailing and rosette succulents. Start with a foam or wire frame and attach cuttings with floral pins. As the plants grow, they fill out the shape and create a lush ball of greenery.
Hang the sphere from a sturdy hook outdoors or display it in a decorative bowl indoors. Mist it regularly to keep the plants hydrated. It makes a unique focal point that always gets compliments.
#12. Fairy Garden
Source: Natalie Linda
Turn a dish garden into a magical fairyland with miniature figurines, tiny houses, and whimsical accessories. Add small succulents and cacti around the decorations to create a lively scene.
Use pebbles or sand to make pathways and moss for greenery. This project is perfect for kids or anyone who loves storytelling.
You can change the decorations with the seasons for variety. It’s an enchanting way to bring imagination into your gardening.
#13. Rock Garden Display
Source: Simply Succulents
A rock garden dish highlights the textures and colors of succulents against a backdrop of stones. Place your plants in a shallow container and surround them with gravel, pebbles, or even larger rocks.
Combine upright cacti with sprawling succulents for contrast. This design works especially well in minimalist or modern interiors. Keep the arrangement simple for an elegant look. It’s easy to maintain and always adds a touch of calm.
#14. Repurposed Birdcage
Source: Hoe and Shovel
An old birdcage can be turned into a captivating display by filling it with small pots of cacti and succulents. Arrange the plants inside and let some cascade out through the bars.
Hang the cage from a hook or place it on a table as a conversation piece. Add moss, stones, or fairy lights for extra charm.
This project gives new life to an old item while creating a striking garden accent. It’s a perfect blend of vintage and natural beauty.
#15. Tiered Succulent Strings
Source: Succulent Artworks
Stacking planters in tiers allows you to create a cascading garden with different layers of greenery. Fill each level with a mix of succulents and let trailing varieties spill over the sides. Choose lightweight containers to make stacking easier.
Secure the base to keep the arrangement steady. Place it in a sunny spot where the light hits all levels evenly. This vertical display is both space-saving and visually stunning.
#16. Wagon Succulent Planter
Source: Radio Flyer
A wagon makes a delightful planter for succulents, adding rustic charm to your patio or garden. Simply line the wagon with plastic to hold soil, then fill it with a mix of hardy plants.
Arrange taller cacti in the center and surround them with smaller succulents. Add stones or moss to complete the look. The wagon can be moved easily, giving you flexibility in placement. It’s a playful yet practical way to showcase your collection.