How to Turn Beer Cans into Plant Propagation Vessels
If you’re looking for a creative way to reuse your favorite beer cans (and show off that fun can artwork!), turning them into plant propagation vessels is one of the easiest, most rewarding DIY projects you can try. Plus, it’s an awesome way to keep cans out of landfills and build your indoor jungle at the same time. 🌱
Here’s exactly how to do it — plus some of my favorite tips for successfully propagating popular houseplants like pothos, monstera, and snake plants!
Supplies You’ll Need:
Empty beer can (top removed with a Draft Top)
Plant cuttings (pothos, monstera, and snake plants are great choices)
Fresh, clean water
Small "prop drops" or rooting balls (these are my favorite!)
Instructions
1. Prep Your Beer Can
Use a Draft Top tool to easily and safely remove the top of your beer can.
Rinse the can thoroughly to remove any leftover beer residue.
Let it dry completely. (You don’t want any lingering sugar that could grow mold!)
2. Add Water
Fill the can about ¾ full with fresh, clean, room-temperature water.
If you have very heavy or top-heavy cuttings, you can add a few decorative stones at the bottom for stability.
3. Set Up Your Plant Cuttings
Trim your plant cutting just below a node (where leaves grow out of the stem) — this is where roots will sprout.
Remove any leaves that would sit underwater (to prevent rot).
Place the cutting in the can, making sure the node is fully submerged.
Pro Tip: Use "prop drops" (like these affordable ones from Amazon) to help prevent rot and promote strong, healthy roots!
4. Place Your Vessel in Bright, Indirect Light
Propagations thrive with lots of indirect sunlight. A bright windowsill works wonders!
Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can overheat the water and stress your cutting.
5. Monitor and Refresh
Change the water every 5–7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Keep an eye out for cloudy water, mold, or slimy stems — that means it’s time for a refresh.
Within 1–4 weeks, depending on the plant and environment, you should start seeing roots grow!
Tips & Tricks for Successful Propagation
Best Plants to Propagate in Beer Cans:
Pothos: These are nearly foolproof! They root quickly and love water propagation
Monstera deliciosa: Larger cuttings take longer but are very rewarding when you see those thick roots sprout
Snake plants (Sansevieria): They’re slower to root, but very tough and forgiving — be patient with these cuttings, as they can take up to 3 months to root
Quick Plant Propagation Tips:
Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated
Don’t overcrowd your can — give each cutting room to breathe
Watch for new root growth before transferring to soil — roots should be at least 2 inches long
If you want to speed up rooting, add a drop of liquid rooting hormone to the water
Keep temperatures between 65–80°F — colder temps slow down rooting dramatically
Why Use a Beer Can for Propagating Plants?
It’s sustainable: You’re reusing instead of tossing it into recycling
It’s stylish: Beer cans have awesome art and make quirky, colorful decor
It’s functional: The aluminum keeps the water cooler and prevents light exposure, which reduces algae growth inside the vessel
Upcycling beer cans into plant propagation vessels is an easy, eco-friendly way to grow your plant collection — and show off your favorite craft beer artwork at the same time 🌿 Whether you're just getting started with propagation or you're a seasoned plant parent, these DIY vessels are as cute as they are functional.
Start growing your own little beer-can garden today!