DIY Plant Pots Indoor: Creative Ideas for Indian Homes (Under ₹200!)

My Mumbai balcony was a mess—₹4,000 worth of mismatched store-bought pots cluttering a limited space. Then I noticed empty bottles in my recycling bin and thought: why not make my own DIY plant pots indoor?

Six months later, I have 20+ thriving plants in containers costing under ₹50 each.

No fancy tools. No carpentry skills. Just creativity and a Saturday afternoon.

This guide shares five easy DIY plant pots indoor projects using recycled materials. Whether you live in a cramped apartment or spacious house, these budget-friendly ideas will transform your space completely.

Why Make DIY Plant Pots Indoor?

Save Money + Eco-Friendly

Store-bought ceramic pots cost ₹300-800 each at D-Mart or Big Bazaar.

My 15 DIY plant pots indoor cost ₹1,500 total—same price as just 3-4 store options!

India generates 9.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually per the Central Pollution Control Board. Every upcycled bottle is one less piece in landfills.

These easy DIY plant pots reduce waste while beautifying homes—perfectly aligned with Swachh Bharat Mission goals.

Perfect Customization for Indian Homes

Store pots never fit Indian apartments.

That awkward 2BHK corner? Standard pots are too big.

Want Warli-themed décor matches? Retail stores don’t have that.

DIY gives you complete control—size, color, design, style.

I painted mine with traditional motifs using leftover Diwali supplies. My nephew painted tin cans with cartoon characters—now he waters plants without reminders!

Making DIY plant pots indoor is also a fantastic family weekend activity.

Materials You Need + Where to Buy

Quick Checklist

Containers (at home):

• Plastic bottles (2L Coke/Pepsi)
• Tin cans (ghee containers, Amul tins)
• Coconut shells
• Tetra packs (juice cartons)
• Old newspapers

Supplies (₹100-200):

• Acrylic paints (₹50-100)
• Jute rope (₹30/meter)
• Fevicol glue (₹40-80)

Tools:

• Scissors
• Heated nail for holes
• Paintbrush

Where to Buy in India

Check your home first! Then:

• Local kabadiwala for clean containers (₹5-10)
• D-Mart/Big Bazaar for craft supplies
• Neighborhood hardware stores

5 Easy DIY Plant Pots Indoor (Step-by-Step)

Idea #1: DIY Plant Pots from Plastic Bottles

⏱ 15 min | 💰 ₹20-30 | ⭐ Easiest

Perfect for beginners!

Materials: 2L bottle, scissors, jute rope, paint

Steps:

1. Cut bottle horizontally in half
2. Make 4 holes near rim, thread rope for hanging
3. Paint exterior (terracotta/pastel colors)
4. Add 3-4 drainage holes at bottom
5. Fill with potting mix, plant herbs

💡 Pro Tip: Hang multiple bottles at different heights—perfect for small balconies!

Best for: Pudina (mint), dhaniya (coriander), curry patta

Display on a cheap DIY plant stand for complete setup.

These DIY plant pots from plastic bottles work brilliantly for beginners.

Idea #2: Newspaper Pot (Biodegradable)

⏱ 10 min | 💰 ₹5 | ⭐ Beginner

Perfect for monsoon seedlings!

Steps:

1. Fold 4-5 newspaper sheets into 4-inch strip
2. Wrap tightly around glass jar
3. Fold bottom edges inward for base
4. Plant directly—decomposes naturally

Best for: Tomato, chili, marigold seedlings (June-July planting)

Idea #3: DIY Plant Pots Indoor Using Tin Cans

⏱ 20 min | 💰 ₹30-50 | ⭐ Intermediate

Vintage aesthetic favorite!

Materials: Ghee tin, sandpaper, paint, hammer, nail

Steps:

1. Clean thoroughly, sand edges for safety
2. Create 3-4 drainage holes with hammer
3. Paint exterior (chalk paint for matte finish)
4. Add Warli art or jute rope wrap
5. Seal with varnish if using outdoors

Styling Tip: Group 3-5 different sizes on windowsills for succulents.

Learn what plants are suitable for vertical garden arrangements!

Idea #4: Coconut Shell Hanging Planters

⏱ 30 min | 💰 ₹10-20 | ⭐ Intermediate

South Indian specialty!

Steps:

1. Clean shell halves, sand interior smooth
2. Drill 2-3 drainage holes
3. Add 3 rim holes, thread coir rope for hanging

Natural brown shell needs no painting—beautifully rustic!

Best for: Small ferns, moss, spider plants, trailing money plants

Idea #5: Tetra Pack Vertical Wall Planter

⏱ 45 min (6 pots) | 💰 ₹50-80 | ⭐ Advanced

Space-saving genius!

Steps:

1. Cut 6 tetra packs lengthwise into pockets
2. Punch drainage holes at bottom corners
3. Paint or cover with fabric scraps
4. Attach all to vertical rope (20cm spacing)
5. Hang on balcony wall

Perfect for herbs, trailing money plants.

Complement with vertical wall garden techniques!

🎯 Start Your First Project!

Don’t bookmark this—grab materials and spend 15 minutes creating your first DIY plant pots indoor this weekend!

Subscribe for FREE “10 More DIY Ideas” PDF with printable templates.

DIY Plant Pots Outdoor: Weather-Resistant Options

Indoor projects work outdoors with modifications for DIY plant pots outdoor durability:

Essential changes:

• 5-6 drainage holes (vs 3-4 for indoor)
• Weatherproof paints/marine-grade varnish
• Sturdier materials (thick plastic, metal, concrete)

Concrete Pots (Advanced)

Mix cement:sand 1:3 ratio (₹50-80 per pot).

Use plastic containers as molds. Cure 3-4 days.

Stays cool during 40°C Delhi summers—major advantage!

Tire Planters for Terraces

Old scooter tires from puncture shops make excellent planters.

Use UV-resistant paint (essential—regular paint fades in 2-3 months).

Perfect for tomatoes, brinjal, chilies.

Per National Horticulture Board, proper drainage and materials significantly impact plant health during extreme weather.

Styling Tips for Indian Homes

Color Schemes for DIY Plant Pots Indoor

Traditional: Terracotta, mustard, peacock green
Modern: White, grey, mint, blush pink
Festival: Gold/silver spray accents for Diwali

Smart Placement

Kitchen: Herb pots with tulsi, pudina, dhaniya
Balcony: Hanging bottle planters save floor space
Living room: Group 3-5 pots on stands
Bathroom: Coconut shells with moisture-loving ferns

Create matching hanging planter boxes to complete your indoor jungle!

Seasonal Styling

Monsoon: Bright colors combat grey skies
Summer: Light colors reflect heat
Diwali: Gold accents, traditional patterns

Maintenance + Common Mistakes

Essential Care Tips for DIY Plant Pots Indoor

Drainage is critical: 3-4 holes minimum.

Add 1-inch pebble layer before soil—prevents monsoon waterlogging.

Material lifespan:

• Plastic bottles: 2-3 years
• Tin cans: 1-2 years (reseal annually)
• Newspaper: 2-3 months
• Coconut shells: 1-2 years

Monsoon mosquito prevention: Change saucer water daily or add neem oil drops.

Use pebble-filled saucers—mosquitoes can’t breed without standing water!

5 Mistakes to Avoid

1. No drainage = Root rot in 2 weeks
2. Painted interiors = Plant toxicity
3. Overloading plastic = Collapse (2-3kg max)
4. Skipping cleaning = Pest infestations
5. Oil-based paints = Toxic (use water-based)

Recommended DIY Gardening Supplies

Affiliate disclosure: Small commission at no extra cost to you

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Your DIY Journey Today!

Creating DIY plant pots indoor saves money, reduces waste, and expresses your unique style.

Whether you’re in Mumbai or Delhi, these easy DIY plant pots adapt perfectly to any space.

Start with DIY plant pots from plastic bottles this Saturday.

Once plants thrive in containers you crafted, you’ll never see household “waste” the same way.

Share your creations. Inspire neighbors. Celebrate sustainable living one pot at a time!

Written by Zaid Ansari, an Urban gardening expert specializing in budget solutions for Indian apartments. With 5+ years of experience creating DIY planters from recycled materials, Zaid helps beginners transform waste into functional containers suited for India’s diverse climate—from Mumbai’s humidity to Delhi’s extremes.