DIY Modular Geometric Concrete Planters

Have you ever seen an idea that just makes you so excited that you squeal a little bit? Yeah, that was my reaction when these amazing geometric concrete planters showed up in my inbox:

I LOVE seeing how people take a creative idea (like concrete planters) and make it even more creative. These planters that Ananda is here to share with you today just have so many things going for them! Modern industrial style cement, gilded gold, succulents, geometric, easy to DIY, and totally customizable for your space — or your mood that day. I can’t get over how much I love them! So we’ll get right to it and introduce our lovely guest today, Ananda. Give her a warm Remodelaholic welcome!

DIY Geometric Concrete Planters
by Ananda of A Piece of Rainbow

Thank you so much Cassity and all the fabulous readers of Remodelaholic for having me here today! I am Ananda from A Piece Of Rainbow, where I blog about how to bring creative designs into fresh do-it-yourself projects for our homes.

These easy to make concrete modular planters are inspired by 3 of my favorite things: geometric designs, concrete as a creative material, and the tapestry of living walls.

 

Each planter module is created from the shape of an equilateral triangle, the magical geometry which allows a group of modules endless possibilities of forming new shapes and patterns.

Materials and tools:

• pourable concrete mix, such as Quikrete 3000lb (used here) or 5000lb.
• cardboard or thick card stock for making the molds
• template for the molds, formatted for 8.5″x11″ – download template
• plastic containers to mix concrete, plastic bags for curing concrete
• box cutter or scissors, glue and tape for the molds
• gloves, dust mask

Step 1:

Print and cut out the template, trace onto cardboard, and cut out the inner and outer molds. The template for the outer mold on page 2 is larger than 8.5″x11″, so rotate it when you trace to complete the shape. Score, fold and tape each mold with scotch tape or masking tape. Fold 3/8″ wide strips of cardboard into triangular shapes and glue them to the inside bottom of the outer molds. These will function as drain holes and openings for hanging later.

Step 2:

Screen those really big chunks of aggregates out of the Quikrete 3000lb mix- a plastic nursery pot works great, and leave some small aggregates for strength. Mix the concrete following the proportions recommended on the bag, using the screened concrete as if it is the original mix. Wear dust mask and gloves when working with concrete.

Pour the mix into the outer mold till it’s level with the triangular pieces, then place the inner mold inside, making sure it is centered. Pour the walls using a Popsicle stick to help pushing the mixture down.  

Step 3:

Let the planters stay in the molds and cure for at least 3 days by misting them daily and wrapping them in plastic bags. This is a very important step to ensure that the concrete hardens as much as possible so they don’t chip or break. The more moisture you can keep in the plastic bag the better.

After day 3, take the planters out of the molds. Since concrete is very alkaline and that can be a set back for plant growth, soak them in a tub of water for a day and let dry. I decided to paint the edges with gold acrylic paint for an added sense of mystery.

Now we are ready to plant. Succulents are great because they are easy to care for. Give the plants a couple of weeks to form roots that hold the soil in, and now we can hang or stack these planters to create our own mini vertical gardens!

To hang the planters, use the template page 2, and mark where each drain hole opening is. Use one to two nails or screws for each planter depending on the pattern you create. These planters are not heavy and hung quite easily.

A few tips on maintenance: each week take these planters out and water them thoroughly, let them get some sun and fresh air. The best way is to make twice as many and rotate them so they get to spend more time outdoors or by a sunny window.

Thank you everyone and happy creating!

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Ananda, we just LOVE this idea so much! Thanks for such a great tutorial — can’t wait to get these made and get something growing!

Pop over to A Piece of Rainbow to see more of Ananda’s creative home decor touches, like DIY designer switchplates and these simply beautiful hanging wall vases. 

And for more creative plant pots, check out these great planter tutorials that we love: