Like many people, I couldn’t throw away certain candle jars because I loved their shapes and colors. Over time I collected several empty containers and finally decided to turn them into attractive planters. It’s an easy, affordable way to reuse glass, ceramic, or metal candle vessels and add personality to shelves, windowsills, or desks. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to remove the remaining wax and wicks and prepare your candle containers for planting.
Materials
- Used candle containers (glass, ceramic, or metal)
- Old rags or paper towels
- A pot that can hold the containers
- A disposable paper cup, bowl, or plate for drained wax
- Tongs or heat-resistant tweezers
- Dish soap and water
- Potting soil and small plants or succulents
How to Convert Candle Containers to Planters
1. Start by loosening and removing the excess wax and the wick so the container is clean and ready for soil. Place a pot of water on the stove and heat it until just before boiling. Using tongs, carefully lower the candle container into the hot water.
Water level tip: Keep the water a little lower than the rim of the container. If the container sinks, this prevents melted wax from spilling into the pot and keeps your stove clean.
2. As the container warms, the wax inside will melt and rise. Remove the container with tongs and pour the liquid wax into a disposable paper cup or plate for safe disposal. Often the wick will come out with the wax; if not, use tongs or tweezers to pull it free.
3. While the container is still warm (but not dangerously hot), wipe the interior with an old rag or paper towel to remove any remaining wax residue. Use gloves if you’re concerned about heat, and handle the container carefully.
4. Wash the container thoroughly with dish soap and warm water to remove oils or wax traces. Dry completely. Your jar is now ready to become a planter—add potting soil and your chosen plant.
Drainage note: If you plan to pot plants that need good drainage, drill a drainage hole in the bottom of the container. For harder or glazed glass surfaces, use a glass or tile drill bit; for ceramics and terracotta, a masonry bit works best. After drilling, place a saucer or tray underneath to catch excess water.
If you don’t want to drill, consider using succulents or plants that tolerate less drainage and water sparingly. Alternatively, add a layer of pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom to help reduce standing water.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
Repurposing candle containers is a creative, eco-friendly way to refresh your home decor while saving money. These planters work particularly well for succulents, cacti, small herbs, and other compact houseplants. Because many candle jars are stylishly designed, they make great accents on coffee tables, kitchen counters, or as grouped arrangements on shelves.
Quick care tips:
- Choose plants that suit the container’s drainage—if there’s no hole, pick drought-tolerant varieties like succulents or air plants.
- Use a well-draining potting mix and, if desired, a thin layer of gravel or activated charcoal at the bottom to improve aeration.
- Water sparingly and allow the soil surface to dry between waterings, especially for containers without drainage holes.
- Wipe the outside clean and rotate the planter occasionally so plants receive even light.
Would you try this project with candles at home? It’s a simple, satisfying way to upcycle beautiful containers that would otherwise be tossed. With just a few minutes of effort and common household supplies, you can create custom planters that showcase your style and keep materials out of the trash.