Bamboo Wall (or Shelf) Planters

I went to La Réunion to visit my daughter Chloé, and I found there big bamboos. I couldn't resist to collect and bring back home some pieces which then became planters that you can hang on the wall or put on a shelf.

The first picture is just after finished, the second is 2 monthes later, you can see the plants like the environment.

I have installed them together with my other creations, a lamp made with a palm tree bark and a frame to receive beer caps. All these creations are explained in my blog (in French) Olivierbricole, you can visit it, there are much more things to see there.

olivierbricole

bamboo

lamp

caps frame

I live in South of France, we do not have big bamboos but rather 'Cannes de provence'. When I went to La Réunion, I saw a lot of very big bamboos when making walks in wonderful landscapes.

I couldn't resist and I selected one not in very good health, and cut it with the saw of my swiss army knife. It took me a while, but since I am quite persevering when I am motivated, I succeeded to cut it.

The next problem was nevertheless that to bring it back, it had to cut it in pieces. The army knife saw went hot, and myself as well.

Obviously you need plants and a bamboo with a wall at the bottom.

On top, I used 'Sphaigne du Chili' or Chili sphagnum as a substratum for the plants.

The Chili sphagnum is sold dry and absorbs a lot of water. You need to let it in water overnight.

I first cut the bamboo to the length, just below a wall, and having the other end open.

Then I drilled big holes using a bell saw. Bamboo is easy to cut.

Bamboo is easy to cut but it is difficult to avoid any splinter. I sanded the holes edge with my oscillating drum sander.

I also made a hole to hang it on the wall, but it ended up on a shelf.

The next step is in the kitchen: fill up the bamboo with the wet sphaigne, stopping a bit below the hole for hanging.

Then it is easy to install the plants from outside, pushing the sphaigne to let the room for the plan.

The sphaigne keeps humidity for a long time. To water the plant, we put the bamboo in a plate, put water from the top, and complement with a big syringe directly in the hole of the plant. Once every 10 days is enough.

As you can see in the first pictures, the plants like the environment very much.

With this instructable, I participate to the Gardening contest, if you like it, vote for me!