How to Make DIY Glow in the Dark Planters

Glow in the dark planters are such a fun and unique way to decorate your garden, patio, or indoor plant collection. The mesmerizing luminous planters create an almost magical ambiance when the sun goes down.

If you’ve seen the gorgeous photos of vivid glowing planters floating around Pinterest and social media, you may be wondering how you can create the same dazzling effect at home. While specialized illuminated planters with LED lights certainly do the trick, is it possible to DIY glow in the dark planters on a budget?

I investigated several methods for making DIY glow in the dark planters to find out what really works Here are the results along with alternatives for fabulous glowing planters that won’t break the bank.

Can You Use Glow in the Dark Spray Paint?

When searching for ways to make planters glow in the dark, the most common suggestion is using glow in the dark spray paint Brands like Rust-Oleum make paint that absorbs light during the day and emits a luminous glow at night

This seems like an easy and affordable way to DIY glowing planters on the cheap. But does it actually work?

The short answer is no. While the glow spray paint does faintly glow in complete darkness, the effect is extremely underwhelming. It definitely doesn’t produce the vibrant sustained glow shown in those gorgeous viral photos.

The problem is most glow in the dark spray paint is designed for indoor crafts, not outdoor use. The glow is only visible in near pitch blackness and even then, it is quite dim and fades quickly.

Using it on planters outdoors or even in a well-lit room is utterly disappointing. You’ll end up with planters that look dark gray in daylight with zero trace of a glow at night.

So if you’re hoping for brilliant glowing planters, I’d give the glow in the dark spray paint a hard pass. But don’t lose hope, there are much better options!

Can You Make Glow in the Dark Planters with Paint?

While the standard glow in the dark spray paint is a bust, there are some specialty UV reactive paints designed for outdoor use that perform better.

These absorb sunlight during the day and release it slowly at night, creating a nice visible glow in low light conditions. They aren’t cheap, but can create a cool luminous effect on planters and other outdoor décor.

Some top options are:

• Solar Active Glow Powder – Mix with clear coat sealant for wood, metal, stone, etc.

• Wildfire UV Glow Paint – Available in vivid colors for outdoor décor and arts & crafts.

• GlowPaint – All-natural glow paint charges faster and lasts longer. Safe for kids!

Follow all label directions closely for best results. Apply in multiple coats to maximize the glow effect. Placement is key – the more direct sun exposure, the better the glow.

The downside is these specialty UV reactive paints are expensive, with even a small 4 oz jar costing $15+. And the end result still isn’t nearly as bright as pro LED planters. But it can add a nice luminous touch!

Use Glow Stones or Crystals

For a quick easy glowing planter, use decorative glow pebbles or crystals. These are infused with phosphorescent minerals that absorb and emit light.

Simply mix the pebbles into the soil or use them to top dress your potted plants. Charge them in sunlight and they will cast a soft glowing aura after dark.

Popular options are:

• Glow stones – Various sizes available in bright colors

• Aurora crystals – Unpolished quartz crystals with phosphorescence

• Aquarium gravel – Cheap aquarium pebbles in neon colors

The downside is these don’t provide the vibrant even glow of pro LED planters. But they do add affordable luminous accents easily to any container garden.

Use Solar Garden Lights

Small solar garden lights offer an inexpensive way to add glow to any planter or pot. Position a few stakes or spotlights around the container and let the sun power the LEDs after dark.

Mini solar-powered pucks can also be tucked right into potting soil. Just make sure to keep the solar cell uncovered by foliage for proper charging.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive way to add glow (solar lights under $3 each)

• Easy to position lights where desired

• Automatically turn on at night for 6+ hours

Downsides:

• Can look cluttered with visible stakes or wires

• Glow is concentrated into spots rather than even illumination

But for a quick, affordable way to make your containers glow at night, a few solar lights do the trick!

Use Battery-Powered String Lights

For a more even luminous glow, wrap your planters with battery-operated string lights. Opt for micro-LEDs on copper wire that can be twisted around containers.

Timer stakes are useful to automatically turn the lights on and off each evening. Or choose solar string lights to avoid fussy batteries.

Benefits:

• Softer more uniform glow than solar spotlights

• Endless options for wrapping planters

• Timers allow fully automated operation

The only catch is that the lights and wires will be visible in daylight. If that bothers you, this may not be the best choice. But come nightfall, your containers will have that magical lit-from-within glow!

Invest in Illuminated LED Planters

To achieve that stunning viral glow-in-the-dark planter look, your best bet is to splurge on the real thing – illuminated LED planters.

These have waterproof lighting integrated right into the container wall powered by batteries or USB. The result is an even glow across the entire surface, just like those gorgeous photos.

Options range from inexpensive plastic pots under $20 to high-end designer stone planters costing hundreds. While not cheap, the bright luminous effect can’t be beat!

Glow in the Dark Planter Ideas

Here are some fun ways to use glowing planters for maximum impact:

• Line a pathway or garden border for dramatic nighttime ambiance

• Place on steps for gorgeous illuminated accents

• Flank entrance doors to welcome visitors

• Edge a patio or deck for eye-catching color

• Cluster in a shady garden spot to transform into a magical grotto

• Blend different colors for custom palettes

• Mix heights and shapes for visual interest

• Indoors, use as nightlights or display houseplants

• Use waterproof pots as poolside floats or lake decor

Glow in the Dark Planter Safety Tips

If lighting up your landscape after dark, just follow these basic safety guidelines:

• Use battery-operated lighting whenever possible to avoid wires.

• If using plug-in or wired lighting, make sure cords are properly rated for outdoor use.

• Use a GFCI outlet if plugging in near water features.

• Ensure all wiring is buried or properly covered to avoid tripping hazards.

• Position planters out of high traffic zones to prevent accidental damage or tip overs.

• Check lighting frequently and replace batteries/bulbs as needed.

Let Your Imagination Shine!

With so many options available today for glowing planters, you can easily create stunning luminous accents for your garden.

While DIY glow in the dark spray paint may not live up to the hype, there are plenty of other creative ways to make brilliant light-up planters on a budget.

Just think beyond the spray paint and let your imagination shine. With a few solar lights, glow stones, or LEDs, you can craft gorgeous glowing container gardens and planters guaranteed to make a dazzling impression after dark.

Frequency of Entities:

glow in the dark planters: 15
planters: 28
DIY: 12
glow: 19
dark: 10