Planting Succulents in Glass Vases: A Simple, Stylish Idea

I’m on a greenery kick lately, both outdoors and indoors, and this is the story of four inexpensive succulents I impulsively bought at Home Depot and then planted in an unconventional way.

The little ones were about $2.98 each, and the slightly larger ones ran $3.98 apiece. One of the plants is a red cactus I kept through middle and high school—an impossible-to-kill survivor that stuck around despite neglect—so I added it for a bit of nostalgia.

I started by looking for planters, baskets, or old wooden boxes to use as vessels. I liked the idea of rustic boxes with pebbles around the plants, which I’d seen used in stylish displays. But when I couldn’t find any suitable boxes or the white pebbles I had in mind, my plan changed after I spotted a few old glass vases tucked away in a cabinet.

Planting succulents in transparent containers isn’t typical, but I was curious how they’d look. I hesitated because glass vases usually lack drainage. Still, I remembered that the ceramic pot my indestructible red cactus sat in all those years didn’t have drainage holes either, and it survived just fine. I decided to go for it, accepting that I’d need to be careful with watering and provide extra soil depth.

With nothing more high-tech than a spoon, I headed outside to scoop additional soil into the clear vases. The extra dirt helped stabilize the plants and gave them a more finished look. The end result surprised me—I thought they looked pretty cool.

There’s a reason people mulch landscaping for a tidy appearance: contrasting textures and colors make plants pop. The dark brown of the soil provides a striking backdrop for the green hues of the succulents, especially against the clean white surfaces in my home. Most of my pots and surfaces are white, so the contrast feels intentional even if it started by accident.

Right now two of the glass vases are sitting on the white counter in the hall bathroom, where the plants contrast sharply and draw the eye. The red cactus has a special spot on the kitchen fireplace mantel; it’s become my sentimental favorite. I’ll take photos once they settle into their new spots, though these little displays tend to migrate—plants and pillows move around my home a lot—so they may end up somewhere different next week.

Planting succulents in glass vases can be an easy, attractive way to bring greenery inside, as long as you adapt care to the container. Pay attention to drainage needs, use well-draining soil, and water sparingly. The transparent sides highlight the soil and roots, which can be a decorative advantage if you like a minimalist, modern look.

If you enjoy experimenting with houseplants, try mixing vessel types—ceramic, glass, and terracotta—to see how different materials change the feel of a display. Small collections of succulents in unconventional containers make for low-maintenance, stylish accents throughout the home.

Have you ever planted succulents in an unusual container or kept a resilient plant through years of forgetfulness? I’d love to hear about your favorite unorthodox plant projects and any tips for keeping succulents happy in nontraditional planters.