Make an Eco Friendly Paper Flower Pot
Make an eco friendly flower pot from recycled newspaper and natural glue, plant a seedling, learn about recycling, soil, and caring for plants.
About this activity
Make an eco friendly flower pot from recycled newspaper and natural glue, plant a seedling, learn about recycling, soil, and caring for plants.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials and place them on a clean tray so your workspace is tidy and ready.
- 2
Step 2
Make the natural glue by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with 4 tablespoons of water in the bowl or saucepan until smooth.
- 3
Step 3
With adult supervision heat the flour mixture gently while stirring until it becomes thick like glue then let it cool.
- 4
Step 4
Tear several newspaper sheets into long strips about 2–3 inches wide for rolling.
- 5
Step 5
Roll a newspaper strip tightly around the pencil to make a thin paper tube and slide it off the pencil.
- 6
Step 6
Seal the end of each paper tube with a small dab of your natural glue so the tube stays rolled.
- 7
Step 7
Coil one tube flat into a tight circle to form the center of the pot base and glue the joint.
- 8
Step 8
Add more tubes around the center by gluing their edges to grow the round base until it is big enough for soil.
- 9
Step 9
Stand more tubes upright along the base edge and glue them to begin forming the pot walls.
- 10
Step 10
Continue gluing more tubes layer by layer and press them together until the pot reaches the height you want.
- 11
Step 11
Trim the top edge of the paper pot with scissors so the rim is even and neat.
- 12
Step 12
Let the pot dry completely for several hours or overnight then place it on a tray fill it with potting soil and plant your seedling or seeds then water gently.
- 13
Step 13
Share a photo and story of your eco friendly paper flower pot on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make an eco friendly paper flower pot?
To make an eco-friendly paper flower pot, tear newspaper into strips and roll or fold them around a small jar or can to form a pot shape. Mix natural glue (flour-and-water paste), brush between layers and on the outside, and press edges firmly. Create a flat bottom by layering strips. Let the pot dry fully (about 24 hours). Fill with potting mix, plant a seedling, water lightly, and place in a sunny spot. Supervise children during cutting and planting.
What materials do I need for an eco friendly paper flower pot?
You will need recycled newspaper, natural glue (flour-and-water paste or starch glue), a small jar or can as a mold, child-safe scissors, and a tray for drying. Also gather potting soil, a seedling or seeds, a small spoon or trowel, and water or a spray bottle. Optional items: twine, non-toxic markers, and biodegradable labels for decoration. Use non-toxic materials to keep the project safe and eco-friendly.
What ages is this craft suitable for?
Suitable for ages 3–10 with adult supervision. Toddlers (3–5) can tear paper, press layers, and help plant with a grown-up. Children 6–8 can roll strips, apply paste, and use child-safe scissors. Ages 9+ can make sturdier pots, experiment with soil mixes, and track plant growth. Always supervise cutting, paste preparation, and watering to prevent messes or choking hazards, and adapt tasks to each child’s skill level.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this activity?
Benefits include learning recycling, fine motor skills, responsibility, and basic plant science—plus a biodegradable pot you can plant directly. Safety tips: use non-toxic glue, child-safe scissors, wash hands after handling soil, and supervise young children around small tools and seeds. Variations: decorate with natural dyes (tea or beet juice), embed seeds in the outer layer, make herb-sized pots for windowsills, or create larger pots by layering more newspaper for outdoor plants.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I substitute any materials if I don't have newspaper, flour, or a pencil?
If you don't have newspaper, use scrap paper or old wrapping paper for strips, substitute cornstarch or ready-made white PVA glue for the heated flour-and-water glue (steps 2–3), and use a dowel or chopstick instead of the pencil for rolling (step 5).
My paper tubes keep unrolling or the pot collapses while building; what should I do?
Seal each tube end with an extra dab of your natural glue (step 5), let glued layers firm up a little between additions (steps 8–9), and press or clip coils in place while the base sets (step 6) to stop unrolling or collapse.
How can I adapt this project for younger or older kids?
For younger children, focus on tearing strips (step 4) and rolling tubes around a pencil (step 5) while an adult heats the glue (step 3) and trims the rim (step 11); older kids can build taller walls (steps 7–9), add drainage, and decorate before drying (steps 11–12).
How can we improve durability or personalize the finished paper pot?
After the pot dries completely (step 12), seal it with a coat of diluted PVA or natural oil for durability, add a drainage hole before filling with soil (step 13), and glue on paint, labels, or decorations to the rim (step 11) to personalize it.