Using all of the Herd; Re-purposed Teapots

Here at the English Teacup, we use all of the teacup and teapot.  Nothing goes to waste. Teapots past their prime work wonderfully as pots for plants.  What works really well for teapots are succulents. There are so many types of succulents indoors and out that you will be able to find that special plant for your crazed or chipped beauty. 

There is one piece of technical skill you will need--drilling ability.  Drilling a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage will ensure a long lasting friendship between you plant and pot. What I have found the best way to do this is to use a high power electric plug-in drill with a diamond bit.  There are actually bits of diamonds on the drill bit.  It is not a diamond shaped drill, but a core drill. Porcelain is strong and it takes the strength of diamonds to cut through.  I use an electric drill because sometimes the battery operated drills are not strong enough to keep going through that durable bone china.  I position my teapots inside a dishpan bottom up and wedge old paperbacks around the teapot to keep it in place.  Then I put a little water on the bottom of the teapot.  The water cools the drill bit and extends its life.  

A little water on the bottom of the teapot is good, anymore water is not good and likely to be an electrocution hazard.  Do not fill the dishpan with water or submerge the teapot.  

The hole does not need to be exactly in the center so no need to measure and mark the center.  To keep the drill bit from skipping across the bottom of the teapot, first, start drilling at a 45 degree angle so that a little hole is started.  From there drill perpendicularly.  Straight down  Do not force the drill down.  Work steadily at medium speed.  As already mentioned porcelain is tough and it is not a snap to drill through it.  Hang in there.

Once the bit has made its way through, pat yourself on the back.  You are now handy!  Place a few rocks for drainage and use potting soil and plant you succulent.  Display your newly planted succulent in the amount of sun/shade that it requires and there you go.