Don’t Toss An Old Measuring Cup: Turn It Into An Adorable Hanging Planter

TL;DR

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Hunker reported on a DIY idea shared by TikTok user antiquesvintageish: reuse a waterproof vintage measuring cup as a planter and suspend it in a rope, chain or macrame holder. The idea is intended for cups whose vessel remains intact; the report does not provide tested care instructions or details about drainage.

Hunker has reported on a DIY project in which TikTok user antiquesvintageish repurposed a vintage Tupperware measuring cup as a hanging planter, pairing it with a beaded holder and a trailing houseplant. The idea offers a use for a cup that is no longer suitable for measuring, provided its vessel is still intact and waterproof.

The project uses the cup as a decorative container rather than for food preparation. The report says to fill it with soil, add a trailing plant and set the cup inside a rope- or chain-style plant holder sized to fit. A textile hanger, such as a macrame design, is another option. The example shown by the TikTok user places the planter near a window.

Suggested plants include pothos, philodendron, spider plant and ivy. The source advises choosing a pet-safe plant if animals are in the home. It also recommends checking the holder’s size information before choosing one, since available hangers may fit different vessel shapes and dimensions.

The measuring cup is not essential to the idea. Hunker lists mugs, teapots, mason jars and vases as possible alternatives, as long as the vessel is waterproof and in usable condition. People without a suitable container at home could look at thrift stores, antique shops or estate sales, the report suggests.

A Second Use for Worn Cups

The project gives a decorative second use to a household item that may have lost its practical value because its markings have worn away or its handle is chipped. Reusing an existing vessel can also avoid buying a purpose-made planter, although the report does not quantify any cost or environmental savings.

Its appeal rests on combining a vintage object with a common indoor-plant display. The cup’s original design stays visible, while a hanging holder makes it part of a window-side arrangement. That makes the idea adaptable: the planter can be changed to suit the container, hanger and plant already available.

There are practical limits. The source says the cup’s body should have no cracks or breaks and should still hold water. It does not explain how to manage excess water, which can affect plant health and may spill from a hanging container. Readers should check the needs of their chosen plant and the container setup rather than assume every cup is suitable for direct planting.

From Kitchenware to Plant Display

Vintage measuring cups can remain visually appealing after they are no longer dependable measuring tools. Hunker points to worn-off markings and a chip in the handle as examples of damage that may make a cup less useful in the kitchen. The article presents repurposing as an alternative to discarding a vessel that still has an intact body.

The pictured approach draws on the familiar use of hanging holders for plants. Rope, chain and macrame styles can accommodate different vessels, but fit depends on the specific product and container. Hunker describes ceramic and glass cups as generally more attractive and durable than plastic ones; that is the article’s guidance, not a comparative test result.

The project was inspired by a social-media post from antiquesvintageish, who showed a vintage Tupperware cup holding a plant in a beaded hanger. Hunker’s report broadens that example to other waterproof vintage or retro-style vessels and suggests trailing plants for the look.

“Yes, I’m growing a plant in a vintage Tupperware measuring cup. We observe and we don’t judge.”

— TikTok user antiquesvintageish

Drainage and Hanging Safety

The report does not say whether the cup in the example has drainage holes, how often it should be watered or how excess water is handled. It also does not provide instructions for adding drainage holes, which could damage glass or ceramic. Anyone considering that step should not assume it is safe or necessary based on this report.

There are no details about the cup’s capacity, the plant’s long-term health or the load limits of the holder and its hanging point. The article’s core condition is that the vessel remain intact and waterproof, but it does not offer a product test or confirm that every vintage cup or hanger will be suitable. Pet safety also depends on the specific plant and household; the source recommends selecting a pet-safe option but does not assess individual varieties.

Check the Cup Before Planting

Anyone trying the idea can first inspect the vessel for cracks or breaks and confirm that the hanger fits its shape and size. They can then choose a trailing plant suited to their home, check whether it is safe around pets, and follow appropriate plant-care guidance for watering and drainage. The completed holder should be hung securely near a window, as in the example.

Hunker’s report describes a simple reuse idea rather than a tested planting method, and it names no follow-up results or further project updates. Practical details such as drainage, watering frequency and safe hanging weight remain for readers to verify for their own container and setup.

Key Questions

What kind of measuring cup can be used?

The report recommends a waterproof cup with an intact vessel and no cracks or breaks. It names glass and ceramic as attractive, durable options, while noting the example used a vintage Tupperware cup.

Which plants does the report suggest?

Hunker lists pothos, philodendron, spider plant and ivy as trailing options. It advises choosing a pet-safe plant when animals are present.

Does the cup need to be a measuring cup?

No. The report says a waterproof mug, teapot, mason jar or vase can serve as an alternative, provided it is suitable for the intended setup.

How should excess water and drainage be handled?

The report does not specify a drainage method or say whether the example cup has holes. Check the needs of the selected plant and the container arrangement; do not assume a vintage glass or ceramic vessel can be safely drilled.

Source: rss