Plant in a Disco Ball Planter: How-To Guide | Ripleys Nest

Planting a disco ball planter is simple once you know two things: where the water goes, and how much light the plant gets. This guide walks through the steps for a mirror-tile planter from Ripleys Nest, and points you to the pieces in the range.

Quick answer

Check the planter for a drainage hole first. If there is none, pot your plant into a nursery pot with drainage, put that pot inside the planter, and lift it out to water. Choose a plant that suits the light in the spot you pick, then firm the compost gently around the roots.

What you need

• Your disco ball planter, with the product page checked for a drainage hole
• A plant in a pot, or a nursery pot that fits inside the planter
• Compost suited to the plant
• A small trowel or your hands, and a cup or jug for watering

Planting, step by step

1. Check for drainage. Look at the product page and the planter itself. Where there is a hole, plant directly. Where there is none, use the nursery pot method below.
2. Choose the plant and the spot. Pick a plant that matches the light where the planter will live, from a bright windowsill to a shadier corner. Our range guide shows where each planter works best.
3. Add compost. Fill the base to the depth the plant needs, so the root ball sits a finger width below the rim.
4. Set the plant in. Take the plant out of its pot, loosen the roots a little, and set it in the centre.
5. Firm and water. Press the compost gently with your fingers and water until it drains. Empty any water left standing in the base.
6. Turn the planter. Rotate it now and then so the plant grows evenly, and check the soil before each watering.

The nursery pot method

If your planter has no drainage hole, grow the plant in its own pot with drainage holes and place that pot inside the planter. When it is time to water, lift the inner pot out, let it drain, and put it back. This keeps standing water away from the roots.

Choosing a plant

Compact plants suit most planters because they keep the mirror tiles visible. Think about how much light the spot gets and how much room the leaves need. For plants that suit our head planters, the best plants for head planters guide covers similar choices.

Where to put it

A disco ball planter works in a bright room, a plant corner, or a covered patio. Think about whether the spot gets direct sun, and check the care advice for the plant you have chosen. The garden disco ball ideas guide compares spots in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Can I plant straight into a disco ball planter?

Only if it has a drainage hole that you can see and use. Otherwise use a nursery pot inside it.

How often should I water?

Water when the top of the compost feels dry, and never let the planter sit in water. The right rhythm depends on the plant and the room.

Shop the range

Browse the disco planters, or see the disco ball plant pot and the hanging disco ball planter.

Keep reading

Garden disco ball ideas UK and disco ball vase styling ideas.