Flowers In Bird Cages – A Step-By-Step Guide For Stunning Results

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stumbled upon a charming, vintage birdcage at a flea market or tucked away in your attic and thought, “There has to be a more beautiful purpose for this”? That ornate metalwork and whimsical shape are just begging to be transformed into something truly special for your garden.

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the confidence and know-how to turn that simple cage into a breathtaking floral masterpiece. Planting flowers in bird cages is one of my favorite ways to add a touch of personality and vertical interest to any space, and it’s easier than you think!

We’ll walk through everything together, from choosing the perfect cage and flowers to planting, maintenance, and even troubleshooting common issues. This is your complete flowers in bird cages guide to creating a living work of art that will have your friends and neighbors asking for your secrets.

Why You’ll Love Planting Flowers in Bird Cages (The Surprising Benefits)

Beyond being a beautiful garden feature, creating a bird cage planter is a wonderfully rewarding project. It’s more than just putting a plant in a container; it’s about crafting a unique story. Here are some of the key benefits of flowers in bird cages that I’ve come to appreciate over the years.

  • Whimsical Charm: There’s an undeniable storybook quality to a bird cage overflowing with colorful blooms. It adds a touch of vintage elegance and creative flair that you just can’t get from a standard pot.
  • Creative Upcycling: This is a perfect example of eco-friendly flowers in bird cages. You’re giving an old, forgotten item a vibrant new life, keeping it out of the landfill and turning it into a garden centerpiece. It’s a win for your garden and the planet!
  • Perfect for Small Spaces: A hanging bird cage planter is a fantastic solution for adding greenery to balconies, small patios, or porches where ground space is limited. It draws the eye upward, making any space feel larger and more dynamic.
  • Excellent Air Circulation: The open, barred structure of a bird cage allows for fantastic air circulation around your plants’ foliage, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Your Essential Toolkit: Gathering Supplies for Success

Before you get your hands dirty, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Having your materials ready makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Think of it as your mise en place for gardening!

Here’s a simple checklist:

  • A Bird Cage: The star of the show! Look for one with a large door for easy access. Wrought iron or coated metal cages are durable, but don’t shy away from a slightly rusty one—you can clean it up and even paint it for a custom look.
  • A Liner: This is crucial for holding the soil and plants in place. Coco coir liners or sphagnum moss are the most popular and effective choices. They provide excellent drainage and a natural look.
  • Potting Mix: Use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Look for one that contains ingredients like perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage and moisture retention.
  • Your Chosen Flowers: The fun part! We’ll dive into the best plants to choose in the next section. A mix of trailing and upright plants works beautifully.
  • Gardening Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protected.
  • Small Trowel: For scooping soil.
  • Wire Cutters (Optional): If you need to create a larger opening for bigger plants, wire cutters can come in handy. Just be careful with sharp edges!

How to Plant Flowers in Bird Cages: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve got your supplies, and you’re ready to create! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning planter in no time. This is the core of our “how to flowers in bird cages” process, focusing on best practices.

  1. Step 1: Prepare Your Cage
    First, give your bird cage a good cleaning with soap and water, especially if it’s a vintage find. If there’s any loose rust, use a wire brush to scrub it off. This is also the perfect time to spray paint it if you want a pop of color! A coat of rust-resistant spray paint can also extend its life.

  2. Step 2: Line the Cage
    Take your coco liner or sphagnum moss and begin pressing it into the bottom half of the cage, forming a bowl shape. Don’t be shy—use a generous amount to create a thick, sturdy base at least 3-4 inches deep. If you’re using moss, moistening it slightly makes it much easier to mold. The liner should come up high enough to hold a good amount of soil.

  3. Step 3: Add Your Potting Mix
    Fill your newly formed liner with your high-quality potting mix, leaving a little space at the top. It’s a good idea to pre-moisten the soil so it’s damp but not waterlogged. This helps reduce transplant shock for your plants.

  4. Step 4: Arrange Your Plants
    Now for the artistic part! A great design principle for containers is “Thriller, Filler, Spiller.”

    • Thriller: A taller, eye-catching plant in the center (though this can be tricky with the top of the cage).
    • Filler: Mounded plants that fill the space around the thriller.
    • Spiller: Trailing plants that cascade over the sides and through the bars.

    Gently place your plants on top of the soil to plan your arrangement before you start planting. You can even poke smaller plants or vines through the bars from the outside in!

  5. Step 5: Plant with Care
    Once you’re happy with the layout, gently remove each plant from its nursery pot, loosen the root ball slightly, and nestle it into the soil. Add more soil around the plants to fill any gaps, pressing down gently to secure them. Make sure the soil level is about an inch below the top of your liner.

  6. Step 6: Water Thoroughly
    Give your new creation a slow, gentle watering until you see water dripping from the bottom. This helps settle the soil around the roots and gives your plants a great start. Hang it in its final spot and get ready to admire your work!

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Choosing the Perfect Plants: The Best Flowers for Bird Cages

The plants you choose will define the personality of your bird cage planter. You’ll want varieties that are relatively compact and don’t mind a container environment. Here are some of my tried-and-true favorites that are perfect for beginners.

Best Trailing Flowers (The “Spillers”)

These are essential for creating that lush, overflowing look. They will beautifully cascade through the bars of the cage.

  • Supertunias or Wave Petunias: These are workhorses! They produce a profusion of blooms all season long and come in nearly every color imaginable.
  • Sweet Alyssum: Forms a delicate, honey-scented carpet of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers. It’s a fantastic filler and spiller.
  • Lobelia: Offers intense shades of blue, purple, and white. It’s perfect for a cascading effect in partial sun.
  • Creeping Jenny: While its flowers are small, its vibrant chartreuse foliage is the real star. It provides a stunning color contrast and trails beautifully.

Best Upright & Mounding Flowers (The “Fillers”)

These plants provide the body and color inside the cage.

  • Pansies and Violas: Perfect for cooler spring and fall weather, their cheerful “faces” are always a delight.
  • Impatiens or Begonias: Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners! They are shade-loving champions and will provide continuous color in less sunny spots.
  • Marigolds or Zinnias: If your cage will be in full sun, these are tough, reliable bloomers that thrive in the heat.

A Surprising Twist: Succulents!

For a low-water, low-maintenance option, a bird cage filled with succulents is absolutely stunning. Use a cactus/succulent potting mix for sharp drainage. Trailing sedums like ‘String of Pearls’ or ‘Burro’s Tail’ look incredible spilling through the bars, while echeverias and hens-and-chicks make great central elements.

The Ultimate Flowers in Bird Cages Care Guide

You’ve created your masterpiece, now let’s keep it looking fabulous all season long! Container gardens, especially open ones like these, have slightly different needs than in-ground plants. This flowers in bird cages care guide will help you succeed.

Watering Wisdom

This is the most critical part of care. Bird cage planters can dry out very quickly due to the small soil volume and increased air circulation. On hot, sunny, or windy days, you may need to water daily. The best way to check is to stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Feeding Your Flowers

All that blooming requires a lot of energy! Since nutrients leach out of containers with every watering, you’ll need to feed your plants regularly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, following the package directions.

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Sunlight and Placement

Place your planter where it will receive the appropriate amount of sun for the plants you’ve chosen. Most flowering annuals will want at least 6 hours of direct sun, while begonias and impatiens prefer shadier conditions. Be mindful that a metal cage can get hot in intense, direct sun, which can stress the plants.

Pruning and Deadheading

To keep your planter looking tidy and encourage more blooms, regularly pinch off any spent or faded flowers (this is called deadheading). If any trailing plants get too long or leggy, don’t be afraid to give them a little trim to encourage bushier growth.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Flowers in Bird Cages

Even seasoned gardeners run into issues. Don’t be discouraged! Here are some solutions to the most common problems with flowers in bird cages.

  • Problem: My plants are wilting and drying out constantly.
    Solution: You’re likely underwatering. These planters need frequent moisture. You can also try adding a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the soil to help retain moisture. For future projects, consider mixing water-retaining crystals into your soil.
  • Problem: The cage is starting to rust.
    Solution: A little rust can add to the vintage charm, but if it’s becoming excessive, you’ll want to act. At the end of the season, empty the cage, scrub off the rust, and apply a clear, rust-proof sealant or a fresh coat of rust-resistant paint before replanting next year.
  • Problem: My flowers look leggy and aren’t blooming well.
    Solution: This is usually a sign of not enough sunlight. Try moving the cage to a sunnier location. It could also mean the plants need to be fed or deadheaded more regularly to encourage new blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers in Bird Cages

What kind of bird cage is best for planting?

A metal cage, like wrought iron, is ideal for its durability. The most important feature is a large door or opening that allows you to easily place the liner, soil, and plants inside. Decorative, dome-topped cages look particularly beautiful.

Can I use a plastic bird cage?

You can, but they tend to be less durable and can become brittle in the sun over time. A metal cage offers a more classic, long-lasting aesthetic. However, a plastic cage can be a lightweight option for a first-time project.

How do I water flowers in a bird cage without making a mess?

The best method is to water slowly and gently with a watering can that has a narrow spout. Water the soil, not the foliage. Expect some dripping—it’s part of having a hanging basket! It’s best to hang them over a garden bed, lawn, or an area where a little water runoff won’t cause problems.

Do I need to bring my bird cage planter inside for the winter?

If you planted it with annuals, the plants will die off after the first hard frost. You can empty the cage and store it for the winter. If you used cold-hardy perennials or succulents and live in a mild climate, you may be able to leave it out. However, to protect the cage itself, storing it in a garage or shed is one of the best sustainable flowers in bird cages practices.

Let Your Garden Creativity Take Flight

There you have it—everything you need to turn a simple bird cage into an enchanting garden feature. It’s a project that combines a love for gardening with a flair for creative expression and sustainable thinking.

Remember, there are no strict rules. Choose flowers you love, play with color combinations, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Each bird cage planter you create will be a unique reflection of your personal style.

Now, go find that perfect cage and let your creativity soar. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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