Garden Lantern Idea with Succulents and Twinkle Lights
Create a charming garden lantern using succulents and twinkle lights for a warm, magical glow outdoors. This easy DIY project combines natural greenery with soft lighting to make a beautiful accent for patios, porches, decks, or garden spaces.
If you've been around the blog for a while, you know I love creating cozy outdoor spaces, from our DIY paver fire pit to the under the deck sitting area we turned into a little backyard retreat. Today I'm sharing another favorite project that adds so much charm outside: these DIY garden lanterns featuring succulents and twinkle lights.
This is such a fun and simple way to decorate a patio, porch, deck, or garden space. I placed small bowls of succulents inside lanterns, then added battery-operated twinkle lights from the top so they hang down like little lightning bugs. The finished look is warm, whimsical, and especially beautiful once the sun goes down.
If you're looking for an easy outdoor decorating idea that feels a little magical at night, this one is definitely worth trying.
At a Glance: Garden Lantern
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- Project Type: Easy DIY garden lantern makeover
- Main Materials: Lanterns, small bowls, succulents, battery-operated twinkle lights Style: Cozy, whimsical, and garden-inspired
- Best For: Patios, porches, decks, garden paths, and outdoor entertaining spaces
- Skill Level: Beginner friendly
- Time Needed: Quick afternoon project
- Budget: Affordable and easy to customize
- Best Feature: Twinkle lights create a charming lightning bug effect at night
- Season: Spring, summer, and early fall
- Overall Feel: Warm, inviting, and a little magical after dark
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Why you will love this project
- Easy to make: This is a simple project that comes together quickly and doesn't require any special skills.
- Budget friendly: You only need a few supplies to create something that looks special.
- So pretty at night: The twinkle lights hanging down inside the lanterns create the cutest little lightning bug effect after dark.
- Easy to customize: Use different lantern sizes, containers, or succulents to make them your own.
- Low maintenance: Succulents are easy to care for and do well with very little fuss.
- Works almost anywhere: These look beautiful on a patio, porch, deck, garden table, or tucked into flower beds.
- A fun conversation piece: People always notice them and ask how they were made.
Supplies for this project
- 2 Lanterns - see buying options below. The ones used in this post are 18" and 24" high
- Assorted Succulents (enough to fill your bowls)
- 2 Bowls or Pots - make sure they fit on the bottom of your lanterns
- Cactus and succulent potting soil
- 3 pks of twinkle lights (for ease you may want to use twinkle lights with timers)
- 9 AA batteries
- Glue gun with Glue
- Clear packing tape
How to make these DIY garden lanterns
- Choose a container that fits inside the lantern
Start by finding a small bowl or planter that fits neatly inside the base of your lantern. You want enough room for soil and succulents, while still leaving space above for the lights to hang down.
Bowls, shallow planters, or small pots all work well.
- Plant the succulents
Fill your container with cactus or succulent potting mix, then plant your succulents just as you would in any small planter.
If your container does not have drainage holes, be careful not to overwater.
- Attach the battery pack
Use strong adhesive or clear tape to secure the battery pack to the top inside of the lantern. Keep the on/off switch easy to reach so you can turn the lights on and off without removing everything.
- Create the lightning bug effect
Let the twinkle light strands hang down from the top of the lantern so they fall naturally around the succulents. Spread them out until you like the look.
Once turned on at night, the lights create a soft glow that looks just like little lightning bugs floating inside the lantern.
- Style your lanterns outdoors
Place your finished lanterns on steps, patios, garden beds, porches, or outdoor tables. They look especially pretty in pairs or grouped in different sizes.
Fun ways to make these lanterns your own
One of the best things about this project is how easy it is to change up depending on your style, the season, or where you want to use them. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Mix up the succulents: Use different shapes, colors, and textures to give each lantern its own look.
- Try different lantern sizes: A mix of large and small lanterns looks especially pretty grouped together on steps or a patio.
- Use warm or twinkle lights: Soft white lights give a cozy glow, while twinkle settings make them feel extra magical at night.
- Group a few together: Lanterns always look better in pairs or small groups rather than just one sitting alone.
- Hang them instead: If your lantern style allows, try hanging them from hooks or tree branches for a fun outdoor display.
- Change them with the seasons: Add pumpkins in fall, ornaments in winter, or fresh flowers in spring and summer.
- Use faux succulents if you prefer: If you don't want to water or maintain them, artificial succulents work just as well.
- Add your own style: Ribbons, beads, moss, stones, or other little extras can make them feel more personal.
This is one of those easy projects where there's really no wrong way to do it. Just play around and make them fit your space.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Glass containers can make stunning succulent planters and add a touch of elegance to your lanterns. Just ensure that the containers have proper drainage holes or consider using a layer of small stones at the bottom to prevent water accumulation.
Yes, air plants can be a unique and low-maintenance alternative for this project. They don't require soil and can be easily attached to various surfaces, including the glass containers. Explore creative ways to incorporate air plants into your lanterns for a visually interesting centerpiece.
Absolutely! Christmas lights or fairy lights can create a magical ambiance in your succulent centerpiece. Opt for string lights with a warm glow to complement the natural beauty of the plants. Ensure that the lights you choose are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on where you plan to display the lanterns. You can also use the twinkle light trick to make a Christmas lantern for your Christmas decor.
Succulent plants are the perfect choice for this project due to their fleshy leaves and ability to thrive in various lighting conditions. Look for small succulents that don't require too much light, as they will be housed inside the lantern. Varieties like Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum work well in these arrangements.
Yes, you can definitely use faux succulents instead of live plants for this DIY lantern project. Faux succulents are a great alternative because they require no maintenance, won't wilt or dry out, and can be easily positioned and arranged within the lantern. Simply follow the steps in the tutorial for this succulent planter, substituting real succulents with faux ones. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of succulents without worrying about their care or lifespan.
Lantern options
Below is a round-up of some lanterns that may work for this project. Please check the listing for specific sizes.
If you enjoyed this DIY, don't miss my Indoor Plant Projects & Care Guide - it's filled with creative ways to grow and display your favorite houseplants.
Thanks for visiting the blog today for these DIY garden lanterns featuring succulents. As you can see these lanterns are a great way to bring some sparkle to the summer months. If you have any questions please leave them below in the comments section.
Keep creating friends!
You have the cutest ideas and I am already using several. Thanks!
Oh Im so glad! Thank you!