Make your own bonsai pots from terra cotta saucers!

Love the look of those low-slung bonsai pots but put off by the price tags on the fancy ones from Japan? Make your own for next to nothing!

Gather up a few of the clay or terra cotta saucers used under pots to collect excess water, What you've got is a wonderful container with a problem...no drainage hole. It's the only thing standing between you and a beautiful bonsai pot.

You've got to put a hole in that saucer. Tools: a pile of sand or potting mix; a small hammer, and an old Phillips screwdriver.

The method: put the saucer UPSIDE DOWN in a pile of sand or potting mix. With your hand, work it into the pile so that it makes good, solid contact. This provides support while you're making the hole and disburses the shock of the hammer taps so that you don't crack the saucer.

Next, place the tip of the Phillips screwdriver in the middle if the saucer and lightly tap with your hammer while spinning the screwdriver. Why Phillips? Because with it's crossed tip, it acts almost like a drill when you strike and spin. As you get comfortable, increase the pressure of your taps. Soon the tip of the screwdriver will begin making headway, and before you know it, you'll be through the bottom of the saucer.

Once you're through, begin chipping away at the edges of the hole, enlarging it as you go. You're only putting one hole in, so it should be a decent size (1/2-3/4"). When you get there, you're done!

Flip the saucer over and you'll notice that the clay has flaked away from the edge of the hole and the area around the opening is pitched toward it. PERFECT for the great drainage you need.

I've done this many times and never lost a saucer.

Most of the plants I put in these containers are succulent bonsais. Caudex and tuber forming plants that require great drainage but are shown off to fantastic effect by shallow pots that show off their sculptural forms. There is no reason that classic bonsai (although purists will object) and other plants couldn't be grown in them as well.

Make your own--they are nearly free and look great.

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