Jessie Taylor
If you're looking for a way to recycle your old candle jars, why not try reusing them as succulent pots? It's an easy DIY project that will give your succulents a stylish new home. The process is simple: first, remove any remaining wax and wicks from the jar, either by melting the wax or freezing it. Then, add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the jar for drainage, fill the jar with potting mix, and plant your succulent. With the right potting mix and care, your succulents will thrive in their new homes, and you'll be able to admire them through the glass jar, which will also help you keep an eye on their root growth.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Removal | Place the candle jar in a saucepan with a few inches of water and heat until the wax melts, then pour the wax into a mould or paper cup. Alternatively, freeze the candle jar and use a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax. |
| Drainage | Drill a hole in the bottom of the jar or add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the jar to aid drainage. |
| Soil | Use a potting mix, ensuring the soil is loose. |
| Planting | Dig a shallow hole in the middle of the jar, place the succulent roots inside, and fill the remaining space with soil until it reaches the base of the plant. |
| Watering | Water thoroughly without drowning the plant, or wait one week to water. Succulents can also be watered by misting or spraying water from a spray bottle. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax from candle jars
Freezing Method
Place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight. The cold temperature will cause the wax to harden and shrink, making it easier to remove. Take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down. The wax should pop right out. If it doesn't, use a butter knife or spoon to loosen and lift it out. Finally, scrape off any remaining wax residue and clean the jar with dish soap and water.
Melting Method
This method involves melting the wax to remove it from the jar. You can use boiling water, a hairdryer, or a heat gun for this process. First, protect your work surface with a towel or newspaper. Then, use a butter knife or spoon to remove as much wax as possible. If using boiling water, fill a pot or large metal bowl with water and place it on a heat-safe surface. Place the candle jar in the pot, ensuring the water level is slightly below the jar's top. Alternatively, use a hairdryer or heat gun to heat the wax from the sides and bottom until it is soft. Once the wax is softened, use a butter knife to lift or scrape it out of the jar. Finally, clean the jar with soap and water to remove any remaining wax residue.
Double Boiler Method
The double boiler method is suitable for softer candle waxes, such as soy and coconut. It involves using a pot of boiling water to create steam and melt the wax. Fill a large pot or container with hot water and place the candle jar in a smaller bowl. Set the bowl with the candle jar on top of the pot with hot water. The steam from the boiling water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top. Let the wax cool completely before removing it from the jar. Be sure to strain the water and dispose of the wax separately to avoid clogging drains.
Oven Method
Preheat your oven to between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil and place the candle jar(s) upside down on the foil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and monitor the process carefully. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil. Remove the pan from the oven and take the jar(s) off the pan using an oven mitt. Allow the wax to dry, then remove it from the foil for future use or disposal. Finally, clean the jar with soap and water.
With any of these methods, you can transform your candle jars into stylish succulent pots or use them for various other purposes, such as storage or decor.
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Drainage and repotting methods
- Creating Drainage - The ideal solution for drainage is to drill a hole in the bottom of the candle jar. However, this may not be feasible for glass, ceramic, or terracotta jars as they can crack or break. An alternative method is to create a natural drainage layer by adding small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the jar. This layer will help prevent overwatering and ensure proper drainage, which is crucial for succulents.
- Repotting Succulents - When repotting succulents into candle jars, it's important to use the right potting mix and ensure the soil is loose. First, fill the jar about three-quarters full with the potting mix. Then, create a shallow hole in the centre and gently remove the succulent from its original pot. Carefully loosen the soil around the roots with your fingers, taking care not to damage them. Place the succulent roots into the hole in the jar and fill the remaining space with soil, covering only the roots and avoiding any contact with the leaves.
- Watering Considerations - Succulents are drought-tolerant plants and do not require frequent watering. After repotting, if the soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly without drowning it. If the soil is already moist, wait for about a week before watering again. The best way to water succulents in candle jars is by misting or spraying water from a spray bottle, ensuring they don't get overwatered.
- Removing Wax - Before reusing a candle jar, it's important to remove any residual wax. One effective method is to place the jar in a saucepan with a couple of inches of water heated to just below boiling. As the wax melts, carefully remove the jar with tongs and pour the melted wax into a disposable container. Wipe the jar with paper towels or old rags to remove any remaining wax residue. Alternatively, freezing the jar for a few hours can help pop out the wax without creating a mess.
- Cleaning the Jar - After removing the wax, clean the jar thoroughly with soap and water. Ensure that the jar is completely dry before filling it with soil and repotting your succulent. A clean jar not only looks better but also provides a healthy environment for your plant.
- Monitoring Root Growth - Candle jars offer a unique advantage for succulents as they allow you to monitor root growth easily. With a glass jar, you can observe the roots growing to the sides and bottom of the planter. This visibility helps prevent the stress of keeping the succulent in a pot that has become too small. It also guides you in knowing when it's time to repot your succulent or propagate new cuttings.
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Choosing the right plants
Succulents and cacti are ideal plants to put in a candle jar because they are drought-tolerant and do not require much water. In fact, overwatering can risk the health of your plant. Succulents are also small enough to fit in a candle jar and will create an aesthetically beautiful home.
If you are set on using a moisture-loving plant, you can drill a drainage hole in the bottom of the jar. However, this is not recommended for glass jars as they may crack. If you do decide to drill a hole, use a glass/tile drill bit for glazed surfaces and a masonry drill bit for ceramics. Alternatively, you can add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the jar to aid with drainage.
If you are reusing a glass candle jar, you can see when the succulent needs replanting as the roots will start to show at the sides and bottom of the jar. This is helpful as it means the plant will not be stressed by being in a pot that is too small.
Before planting, make sure your candle jar is clean and free of wax. You can do this by melting the wax with hot water and pouring it out, or by freezing the jar and using a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax.
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Adding finishing touches
Now that your candle jar has been transformed into a succulent pot, it's time to add some finishing touches to make it truly your own. Here are some ideas to elevate your creation:
Personalise with decorations: Get creative and decorate the outside of your new succulent pot. Consider wrapping twine or rope around the jar for a rustic look, or gluing on gems, beads, or other decorative accents that reflect your style. You could even paint the jar with colourful designs or patterns that complement your plant.
Add a personal touch: Include a personalised label or charm with your succulent's name or a meaningful message. Engraved metal tags or handwritten notes tied with a ribbon can add a whimsical touch. You could also include a small figurine or ornament that holds sentimental value.
Enhance the presentation: Place your potted succulent on a decorative saucer or plate that complements its colour and style. You could also nestle the jar in a bed of moss or pebbles to create a natural, earthy setting. Adding a decorative ribbon or twine around the jar's neck is another way to elevate the overall presentation.
Create a mini garden: Combine multiple candle jars with succulents of varying heights and species to create a miniature garden display. Arrange them on a windowsill or shelf to form a captivating indoor garden. You can also add small garden accessories, such as miniature benches or fairy houses, to create a whimsical scene.
Accessorise with fairy lights: Introduce a soft glow to your succulent display by coiling fairy lights inside or around the candle jar. This adds a magical touch to your creation, especially when illuminated in the evening. The combination of greenery and fairy lights creates a cosy and enchanting atmosphere.
Remember, when adding finishing touches, let your creativity flow and personalise your succulent pot in a way that brings you joy. The possibilities are endless!
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Other uses for candle jars
Old candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for repurposing your candle jars:
Storage
Candle jars can be used for storage in various ways. They can be used to store dry goods such as beans, grains, tea, coffee, and spices purchased in bulk. They can also be used to store herbs, either in the pantry or in the bathroom for items such as Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, and makeup.
Food Preparation
Candle jars can be used for food preparation and storage. They can be used to prep meals such as salads and overnight oats, or to store food in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep any liquid at the bottom of the jar so that the other ingredients don't get soggy. Candle jars can also be used for food fermentation, as long as the glass is food-safe.
Drinking Glasses
Old candle jars can be used as drinking glasses, especially for taking drinks on the go. They can be a great way to carry cold brew or iced tea to work and can be kept in the fridge in the same container.
Planters
Candle jars can be turned into cute planters for small plants such as cacti and succulents. Before planting, it is recommended to add a layer of rocks at the bottom of the jar for drainage, as most candle jars do not have drainage holes.
Decor
Candle jars can be decorated and repurposed into votives or other decorative items. They can be painted and filled with fairy lights or dried flowers to create a unique piece of decor.
Make Your Own Candles
Instead of buying new candles, you can make your own candles using local beeswax and reuse the old candle jars. This allows you to experiment with different scents and create unique gifts for friends and family.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few methods to remove wax from a candle jar. One is to boil water in a pot and carefully place the candle jar in the pot using tongs. The hot water will melt the wax, which can then be poured out. Another method is to place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to solidify and pop out.
Succulents and cacti are great options as they are small and drought-tolerant.
First, add a layer of small rocks at the bottom of the jar for drainage. Then, fill the jar 3/4 full with potting mix and dig a shallow hole in the middle. Remove the succulent from its original pot and gently remove the soil around the roots. Place the roots in the hole and fill the remaining space with soil, avoiding the leaves.
Succulents do not require much water. If the soil is dry, wet it thoroughly without drowning the plant. Otherwise, you can wait a week to water.
Glass jars allow you to see when the succulent needs repotting as the roots will start to show on the sides and bottom of the jar.
