Designing a charming succulent pen holder can be a fun way to deskill and create something that will add beauty to your desk decor. Succulents are perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your workspace. They require minimal upkeep, aesthetically pleasing, and it’s an open secret how much they contribute to productivity and mood-enhancement in a work environment.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to make a succulent pen holder; a fantastic DIY project that combines aesthetics and functionality.
Materials You Will Need
Firstly, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. These include:
- A shallow ceramic or glass container (Ensuring it is wide enough to hold your pens and markers)
- Potting soil (Preferably succulent potting soil as it ensures better drainage)
- Gravel or Small Stones (For base and top layering)
- Succulent plants (Pick different varieties for visual interest)
- Activated charcoal (To keep the soil fresh)
- A Pen or Marker (For creating spaces for pens)
- Decorative stones or pebbles (Optional for added aesthetics)
Step One: Create Drainage Layer
Loose, well-aerated, and well-draining soil is vital for succulent growth. However, because the container has no draining holes, creating a faux-drainage system can be made with stones or gravel. Start by placing a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of your container. This layer should be about 1-2 inches thick.
Step Two: Add Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is fantastic for keeping the soil fresh and preventing mold or bacterial growth. Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the stones.
Step Three: Add Soil
Next, add a layer of succulent potting soil. Leave about 1-2 inches from the top rim of your container to give room for your succulents.
Step Four: Plant Your Succulents
When planting your succulents, it’s best to start from the center and work your way out. Make a small hole in the soil and place your succulent. Gently firm the soil around the base of the plant. Repeat this process with the rest of your succulents, ensuring to leave enough space for the pens.
Step Five: Create Spaces for Pens
Using a pen or marker, create spaces in the soil and between the succulents for your other pens. Make sure to keep it thick enough so the pens can stand, but not so deep that it disturbs the root system of the succulents.
Step Six: Add a Top Layer
Adding a top layer is optional but it greatly enhances the aesthetics of the succulent pen holder. You can use decorative stones, pebbles, or even colorful moss. This also helps to keep the soil in place when inserting or removing pens.
Step Seven: Watering
Finally, you need to water your succulents. Remember that succulents are desert plants and require very little water. The best method is the “soak and dry” technique – watering the planter thoroughly, then allowing it to dry out completely before the next watering.
Maintaining Your Succulent Pen Holder
With the crafting process complete, let’s touch on how to properly care for your new stylish pen holder. Succulents require lots of light, so placing your holder near a window or under a lamp would be great. The planter should be watered once every two weeks or once the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot which might kill your plants. It won’t need any fertilizer, as the nutrients in the potting soil provide enough for succulent growth.
Remember that succulents grow slowly, so don’t worry if you don’t see immediate progress. Instead, enjoy the serenity that these green beauties bring to your work setting.
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