Yeah, I started buying ceramics from yard sales and thrift stores, drilling holes and turning them into pots. Many of the old china etc has lead in the glazes so shouldn’t be used for food and drink anyway, so I’m giving the pieces new life and get to feed my addiction at the same time.
What kind of drill bit do you use? I bought some ceramic bits ( they’re circles ) and they just slide around the bottom - don’t seem to grip or bite at all.
I use diamond core drill bits, 1/8” or so I believe and I use a drill press. Also make sure you are drilling wet (wear eye and lung protection). I place masking tape inside the bottom of the cup or bowl, flip it upside down and drill from the underside, raising and lowering the drill bit with gentle pressure so that the water can cool the bit down as it drills. Hope this helps!
Honestly once it’s set up, it takes a couple of minutes per item. But there’s the time hunting for cute pieces, then the setup, then the fact the drill bits will wear down relatively quickly (moreso if too much pressure is applied)…I’ve been wondering if there might be a side market for people who might want them but not want to do the drilling themselves but I’m afraid the cost + shipping of the finished product would negate any savings over buying a regular pot retail. But they’re super cute though!
Even these - Trader Joe’s sells these little succulents in pots for 3.99 just the little pot is practically worth 3.99 but no holes.. the little bird not the elephant that was more. The hedgehog came w a hole !
https://preview.redd.it/b7oknx9df56d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a0fdab69f3c19bf3a8170f24119d3f824c99b05
Those bits are fine. Drill it wet, and start your drill on a 45 degree angle. Once the circle bit starts grabbing, you slowly bring it up to a 90 degree angle, and by then the circle has a groove to follow and it drills easily (but keep it wet the whole time or you ruin your diamond bit)
With circullar diamod bits try startung with just an edge. And then straiten the drillbit to be perpendicular to the surface. Smaller area will help to start the drilling. Glase is basically glass. If you get threw it it will get easier. Also, take your time, low pressure and lots of watter you cand have too mutch if you are reasonable. Let the bit make the work. Don't forget about PpP (personal protection)
I got one like this and it's a pain in the ass to get started but you have to go really slowly at first at a 45° angle and once it gets past the gloss you can start going faster and gradually turn it to a 90° angle. Good luck!
lol I have a whole green house now 4 years into succulent gardening. It’s my hobby so I budget a certain amount to spend every year. I don’t consider it a waste as I enjoy them.
Hey, if you are brightening the day of a few others by gifting one of your beloved succulents to others…. That’s a good thing, right!
Hey I spent too much this year on plants too. Give yourself a break. 🙄 I’m such an enabler 😂
https://preview.redd.it/fhwp47icx16d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2af8c4006298639ab68e76d6ae74ee8632787ed
I feel your pain! I’m in the same boat although I have this wall x4. It’s a real problem
Questions: the second from top shelf- what’s the plant in the last terracotta next to the white ones?
Also: I see some have a top rock layer and others don’t, do you notice a difference when they have rocks?
Do you see any etiolation? I am trying to engineer a shelf to where I can move the pots up and down to get them within 6” of the light. What grow lights do you use and how many lumens of light reach each plant?
Welcome! You've found a safe place amongst friends. 😊 I rescued a succulent from Home Depot and 5 years later, I've had to move my collection outside since it became too much for inside.
Same! You and I are pretty much in the same exact boat! My addiction started because a friend gave me a ghost plant leaf and I was mesmerized when it started to sprout leaves so I actually started collecting leaves before I actually started collecting the full succulents themselves. My collection has become absurd and I love it! Lol!
These barrinas off Amazon after doing several days of research, and I'm honestly super happy with them!!
[barrina](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B3CCLW5D?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)
I realize that I keep pushing watering off more and more... lol
Which is honestly probably a good thing because I usually have a tendency to over water..😂😂
Ha ha ha, welcome to SA, Succulents Anonymous, we meet once a week. Problem is, these plants are the most beautiful and interesting of all, so what are we supposed to do??❤️❤️
Shhh shhh
It’s not an addiction we are making the planet greener inside. Shhhhhh your plants look amazing would you like to trade for seed grown cactus? 😅
Yes, we'll form a support group for succulent addicts...which will shift into a place where we talk about our new/favorite plants...then turn into plant swap meetings.
I hope so!! LoL
I'm worried about making it through the winter.. the plants are in the garage, which is perfect for now! But I worry about white mildew/mold creeping in when it gets wet and cold here in Pennsylvania...
It's easy to stop: you just need to tell yourself clearly that buying more stuff can't fill that emptiness gnawing at you. Impulse shopping is a coping mechanism.
I was the same way about 4 years ago. Still have my set up but the shelves are way more bare than they used to be. Here’s a pic from back then.
https://preview.redd.it/p4qjwk8t9c6d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ee30df33ae6ed10516c073a8a793dcd7b989f81
So far, I've managed to limit my succulent addiction to collecting varieties of crassula ovata/arborescens, thank goodness, but that's a bit out of control on its own. (I'm also collecting varieties of spider plants, and it's the same pattern.)
So many starts, so little room, so little money!
You just finished your 6 Months training. Your full-time now😅
The amount of money I’ve wasted. I’ve given away so many . Sometimes I have a hold of the addiction and then other times I dont
oh, and let's not talk about nice pottery...
Yeah, I started buying ceramics from yard sales and thrift stores, drilling holes and turning them into pots. Many of the old china etc has lead in the glazes so shouldn’t be used for food and drink anyway, so I’m giving the pieces new life and get to feed my addiction at the same time.
What kind of drill bit do you use? I bought some ceramic bits ( they’re circles ) and they just slide around the bottom - don’t seem to grip or bite at all.
I use diamond core drill bits, 1/8” or so I believe and I use a drill press. Also make sure you are drilling wet (wear eye and lung protection). I place masking tape inside the bottom of the cup or bowl, flip it upside down and drill from the underside, raising and lowering the drill bit with gentle pressure so that the water can cool the bit down as it drills. Hope this helps!
Yes thank you!!. I’d no idea it was involved. Hahah glad I didn’t keep trying.
I believe some people have success with a drill by tipping it at first but the drill press makes it a lot easier.
I’m going to investigate a bit thanks!
Good luck!
Sounds like too much commitment for me.. 😂
Honestly once it’s set up, it takes a couple of minutes per item. But there’s the time hunting for cute pieces, then the setup, then the fact the drill bits will wear down relatively quickly (moreso if too much pressure is applied)…I’ve been wondering if there might be a side market for people who might want them but not want to do the drilling themselves but I’m afraid the cost + shipping of the finished product would negate any savings over buying a regular pot retail. But they’re super cute though!
but w new ceramic or terracotta pots they don’t always have holes. So it’s a handy thing to know regardless. Even more so for thrifted ..
This is true- I figured for larger ceramic pots they just wanted people to be able to slide the plastic pot inside.
Even these - Trader Joe’s sells these little succulents in pots for 3.99 just the little pot is practically worth 3.99 but no holes.. the little bird not the elephant that was more. The hedgehog came w a hole ! https://preview.redd.it/b7oknx9df56d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a0fdab69f3c19bf3a8170f24119d3f824c99b05
Those bits are fine. Drill it wet, and start your drill on a 45 degree angle. Once the circle bit starts grabbing, you slowly bring it up to a 90 degree angle, and by then the circle has a groove to follow and it drills easily (but keep it wet the whole time or you ruin your diamond bit)
With circullar diamod bits try startung with just an edge. And then straiten the drillbit to be perpendicular to the surface. Smaller area will help to start the drilling. Glase is basically glass. If you get threw it it will get easier. Also, take your time, low pressure and lots of watter you cand have too mutch if you are reasonable. Let the bit make the work. Don't forget about PpP (personal protection)
I had some roofing nails and i used the same water method but slowly tap tapped away
I got one like this and it's a pain in the ass to get started but you have to go really slowly at first at a 45° angle and once it gets past the gloss you can start going faster and gradually turn it to a 90° angle. Good luck!
That would be my next step, but honestly id rather buy more shelves and grow lights than fancy pots. Maybe ill get some for my fav plants sometime
I think I already had the pottery problem, and this just became another outlet for it! :))
I started getting into making it myself.. there goes another addiction lol.
That gives me an idea! my Mother-in-law used to do pottery but has too much lying around -- maybe she'd like to make me some nice small pots! :)
I will admit, my Ikea pot addiction is another one of my toxic traits 😂😂
better than lovely handmade Etsy pots! oy!! :))
lol I have a whole green house now 4 years into succulent gardening. It’s my hobby so I budget a certain amount to spend every year. I don’t consider it a waste as I enjoy them.
Hey, if you are brightening the day of a few others by gifting one of your beloved succulents to others…. That’s a good thing, right! Hey I spent too much this year on plants too. Give yourself a break. 🙄 I’m such an enabler 😂
https://preview.redd.it/fhwp47icx16d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2af8c4006298639ab68e76d6ae74ee8632787ed I feel your pain! I’m in the same boat although I have this wall x4. It’s a real problem
So beautiful!
Questions: the second from top shelf- what’s the plant in the last terracotta next to the white ones? Also: I see some have a top rock layer and others don’t, do you notice a difference when they have rocks?
I’m very sorry to say this, but, you have only just begun 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Have you gotten into propping? If you haven’t, don’t. You’ll quickly triple or quadruple your plant count.
Looks like OP has crossed the bridge…check out the left side of the top shelf
You’re right. Well, OP, there’s no hope for you then. This is your life now, at least it’s really cool 😁
Hey at least it's time for swapping instead of buying now!
Yes... running out of shelf space... 😆 lol
Wow!!
I thought I was bad for going from 1 to 55 in a year, but clearly I'm still in the minor leagues.
Bro I got to three shelves. DONT DO IT
You’ve been promoted to a higher plant bracket!!
The 12 step program meets Thursday night at your local plant nursery.
Isn't that sort of like having an AA meeting at your local bar? 😀
Hilarious!😂
Not gonna lie, I thought I was looking at a bakery counter for a second 🤣
Hahahaha! 😂😂
That is genuinely one of nicest looking indoor setups I've seen on here. The lights look really bright too. Really impressive.
Oh my gosh, thank you soo much!
Do you see any etiolation? I am trying to engineer a shelf to where I can move the pots up and down to get them within 6” of the light. What grow lights do you use and how many lumens of light reach each plant?
Welcome! You've found a safe place amongst friends. 😊 I rescued a succulent from Home Depot and 5 years later, I've had to move my collection outside since it became too much for inside.
You’re so lucky to have that room. I am so envious right now. 😜
Same! You and I are pretty much in the same exact boat! My addiction started because a friend gave me a ghost plant leaf and I was mesmerized when it started to sprout leaves so I actually started collecting leaves before I actually started collecting the full succulents themselves. My collection has become absurd and I love it! Lol!
Probably the best way to start
I mean, if you ever feel you have too many I’m happy to get leaf-mail! 🤣
Any reason you haven’t created any arrangements? You’ve got such a lovely collection why not display them?
I have started a few! But mostly waiting for my baby plants get larger
Oh, you can barely see a small one on the very top left! It's partially cut off
Same but with haworthias
What lights do you use
These barrinas off Amazon after doing several days of research, and I'm honestly super happy with them!! [barrina](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B3CCLW5D?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)
Especially for the price!
Successful is what this looks like. Having a collection of a supply of oxygen quality control is very good for you.
How’s watering days? 2 shelves for bottom watering is already stressful, I don’t know how I would do that many 😭
I realize that I keep pushing watering off more and more... lol Which is honestly probably a good thing because I usually have a tendency to over water..😂😂
I aspire to be you
Ha ha ha, welcome to SA, Succulents Anonymous, we meet once a week. Problem is, these plants are the most beautiful and interesting of all, so what are we supposed to do??❤️❤️
Haha, I feel your pain. I have a 5 shelf rack with lights similar to yours, which is overflowing, so am gonna have to invest in another one very soon.
Shhh shhh It’s not an addiction we are making the planet greener inside. Shhhhhh your plants look amazing would you like to trade for seed grown cactus? 😅
Yes, we'll form a support group for succulent addicts...which will shift into a place where we talk about our new/favorite plants...then turn into plant swap meetings.
One of us! One of us!
Welcome! Lovely setup, you’re only a few steps away ‘till you start growing from seed @_@
Wow nice!!!
You're in the right place, pal!
Hahahahaha
I am jealous of your space lol. I stated with one arrangement pot before the pandemic and I lost count
Junior Master Succulent Gardener
You have a succulent farm
I have the same problem I can't get enough
😮
I love it.
Don’t worry, in a year you’ll have a fire sale.
I hope so!! LoL I'm worried about making it through the winter.. the plants are in the garage, which is perfect for now! But I worry about white mildew/mold creeping in when it gets wet and cold here in Pennsylvania...
This is so beautiful!!!! 😍
Wait till you find out about cacti
It's easy to stop: you just need to tell yourself clearly that buying more stuff can't fill that emptiness gnawing at you. Impulse shopping is a coping mechanism.
If it was easy to stop, my closets of clothes wouldn't also be busting at the seems.. lol
This would be me if I had room for shelves. I'm stuck with windowsills and a table.
I stole the space from the treadmill in the garage 😂😂
At first glance I thought this was a bakery 🧁
Would you mind sharing an equipment list? I want some of that honey so bad.
I was the same way about 4 years ago. Still have my set up but the shelves are way more bare than they used to be. Here’s a pic from back then. https://preview.redd.it/p4qjwk8t9c6d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ee30df33ae6ed10516c073a8a793dcd7b989f81
So far, I've managed to limit my succulent addiction to collecting varieties of crassula ovata/arborescens, thank goodness, but that's a bit out of control on its own. (I'm also collecting varieties of spider plants, and it's the same pattern.) So many starts, so little room, so little money!
How come some of your fresh propagations are horizontal, some slanted, and some vertical? Is one not the best?
I aim for like a 45°-ish angle... but most days, it comes down to my time, energy and patience I available LOL
Thanks!
I thought those were cupcakes being displayed in a bakery…