I never thought I’d be rooting cuttings in old medicine bottles, but here we are—and it works like a charm. These little containers are the perfect size for starting new plants, and they’re just sitting around waiting to be reused.
I’ve saved a ton by repurposing them instead of buying fancy propagation gear. Plus, there’s something fun about turning trash into thriving greenery.
Once you try it, you’ll start seeing plant pots in every corner of your recycling bin!
1. Mini Water Propagation Stations
Fill clean medicine bottles with water and pop in small stem cuttings from your favorite houseplants. The narrow opening helps keep stems upright while they develop roots.
Change the water weekly to prevent algae growth. The clear sides let you watch those exciting root developments without disturbing your cuttings. Perfect for propagating pothos, philodendrons, and other easy-growing houseplants!
2. Seed Starting Containers
Poke drainage holes in the bottom of amber medicine bottles using a heated needle. Fill with seed starting mix and plant one seed per bottle.
The amber color blocks some light, protecting delicate roots as they develop. Label each bottle with plant type and date for easy tracking. When seedlings outgrow their tiny homes, simply pop them out and transplant.
3. Humidity Domes for Cuttings
Large pill bottles make perfect mini-greenhouses for small cuttings. Place a bit of moist soil in the bottom and insert your cutting. The clear container traps humidity, creating ideal conditions for root development.
Remove the cap occasionally to prevent mold growth. These portable propagation chambers work especially well for succulents and cacti that need high humidity while developing roots but dry soil afterward.
4. Organized Seed Storage
Save those tiny seeds in labeled medicine bottles instead of paper packets that tear easily. The airtight seal keeps seeds dry and protected from humidity that might cause premature germination or mold.
Add a small silica gel packet inside to absorb any moisture. Group bottles by planting season or plant type for easy garden planning. Your seeds will stay viable much longer in these perfect little containers!
5. Rooting Hormone Dispensers
Store homemade or store-bought rooting hormone powder in a clean medicine bottle for easy application. The narrow opening prevents spills and contamination when working with cuttings.
Simply dip your cutting into the bottle, tap gently, and plant. No more wasting expensive rooting hormone or contaminating the whole container! These dispensers are particularly handy for woody cuttings like roses and fruit trees.
6. Self-Watering Propagation System
Create tiny self-watering setups using two medicine bottles. Cut the bottom off one bottle and invert it into another filled with water. Thread a cotton wick through the cap.
Fill the top section with soil and add your cutting. The wick draws water up to keep soil perfectly moist. This clever system maintains ideal moisture levels for finicky plants like African violets and begonias without daily checking.
7. Moss Propagation Chambers
Fill clean bottles with damp sphagnum moss for propagating plants that prefer this medium. The moss holds moisture while allowing air circulation around developing roots.
This works brilliantly for orchid keikis and fern spores. The clear bottle walls let you monitor growth without disturbing delicate new roots. When roots are well-established, you can transplant without shocking your new plants.
8. Miniature Terrariums
Transform larger medicine bottles into tiny terrariums for moss and small plants. Add layers of pebbles, charcoal, and soil, then plant tiny ferns or moss pieces.
The sealed environment creates a self-sustaining moisture cycle. These adorable micro-ecosystems make perfect gifts or desk decorations. They require almost no maintenance once established – just a bit of indirect light and occasional misting.
9. Succulent Cutting Nursery
Prepare bottles with well-draining cactus soil for propagating succulent leaf cuttings. Lay leaf cuttings on top and spray lightly with water. The bottle creates a greenhouse effect that speeds up root development.
Keep caps off to prevent excess moisture. This method works beautifully for echeverias, sedums, and other rosette-forming succulents. Once tiny plants form at the leaf base, they’re ready for their own pots.
10. Water Level Indicators
Create simple water indicators for potted plants using colored water in medicine bottles. Bury the bottle beside your plant with just the cap showing. As soil dries, the water level drops, telling you when to water.
Add food coloring to make levels easier to see. This trick is especially helpful for plants with specific moisture needs like ferns and calatheas. No more guessing if your plants are thirsty!
11. Liquid Fertilizer Dispensers
Store homemade liquid fertilizers in labeled medicine bottles for precise application. The small openings allow you to control exactly how much fertilizer each plant receives without waste.
Tea from compost, diluted fish emulsion, or banana peel water work perfectly in these containers. Mark bottles with contents and dilution instructions. Your plants will thank you for these perfectly measured nutrient boosts!
12. Floating Aquatic Propagation
Float water plants in medicine bottles for easy propagation. Cut the top off larger bottles, fill with water, and float cuttings from aquatic plants like water lettuce or water hyacinth.
The bottle edges keep plants positioned at the perfect water level. This method is ideal for starting plants for aquariums or water gardens. Watch roots develop through the clear sides before transferring to their permanent aquatic home.
13. Pollen Collection Containers
Collect and store pollen from favorite plants in tiny medicine bottles for hand pollination. The sealed containers keep pollen viable longer by protecting it from humidity and air exposure.
Label each bottle with the plant name and collection date. This method is perfect for vegetable gardeners wanting to save pure varieties or hybridize specific plants. Store in the refrigerator for extended pollen life.
14. Vertical Hanging Propagation
Create vertical propagation displays by hanging medicine bottles from strings. Drill holes in caps, thread string through, and fill with water or soil for different plant types.
The bottles catch light beautifully while showing off developing roots. This space-saving method works wonderfully in bright windows where floor space is limited. Try growing herbs this way for an attractive and functional kitchen display!
15. Slow-Release Watering System
Make tiny drip irrigation systems by poking small holes in medicine bottle caps. Fill bottles with water, replace caps, and bury upside-down next to thirsty plants.
Water slowly seeps out, delivering moisture directly to roots. These are perfect for vacation care or forgetful gardeners. One bottle can keep a small houseplant hydrated for days, ensuring your plants stay happy even when you’re away.