If you’re wondering how to hang clay pots on a wall without building complicated shelves, these simple metal pot clips are the answer. They securely hold the rim of a terracotta pot while creating the appearance that the pots are floating on the wall.
I originally created this hanging clay pot display to keep my plants safely away from my precious pups—also known as the backyard digging crew. It turned an ordinary covered patio wall into a cheerful vertical garden while freeing up valuable floor space. Little boogers inspired a pretty clever solution!
This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated with additional instructions and helpful tips for hanging clay pots safely.
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Why Use Pot Clips to Hang Clay Pots?
Metal pot clips are an easy way to hang terracotta pots vertically without adding bulky shelves to your outdoor space. Once installed, the clip fits beneath the rim of the pot, making it look as though the planter is floating against the wall.
I attached my pot clips to a DIY wood pallet sign before securing it to the patio wall. The pallet creates a pretty backdrop for the pots and allows me to move the entire display if I decide to rearrange the space—which, as a creative, you know is bound to happen!
You can also install pot clips directly on a sturdy wood wall or fence. If you’re mounting them on brick, masonry, or another surface, use the correct screws and anchors recommended for that material.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Metal clay pot clips or pot hangers
- Terracotta pots with a sturdy rim—I used 8-inch pots
- Live succulents or artificial plants
- Potting mix suitable for succulents
- Drill or screwdriver
- Exterior-grade screws
- Wall anchors appropriate for your mounting surface, if needed
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- DIY wood pallet sign, optional
Helpful tip: Not every pot clip fits every planter. Before purchasing your hangers, check the recommended pot size and weight limit. Choose terracotta pots with a thick, undamaged rim that fits securely inside the clip.
Optional: Make a Removable Wood Backboard
You can attach the pot clips directly to a suitable wall, fence, or porch post. However, I mounted mine on a DIY wood pallet sign first. The wood backboard creates a decorative focal point and allows me to move the entire hanging-pot display if I decide to rearrange the patio—which, knowing me, is always a possibility.
Watch the video tutorial below to learn how I made the wood pallet sign from scrap wood.
How to Hang Clay Pots on a Wall Step by Step
Step 1: Plan the Arrangement
Before installing the pot clips, arrange the empty clay pots on the ground to determine your desired layout. I like using odd-numbered groupings, such as three pots, because they create a naturally balanced display.
Measure the pots and leave enough space between them for the plants to grow without crowding one another.
Step 2: Mark the Pot-Clip Locations
Hold each pot clip against the wood backboard and use a pencil to mark the screw location. Use a measuring tape and level to keep the arrangement evenly spaced—or stagger the pots for a more relaxed, organic look.
Step 3: Secure the Clips
Attach each metal pot clip using an exterior-grade screw. Because I installed mine on a solid wood backboard, I could screw the clips directly into the wood.
If you’re mounting the clips on brick, masonry, siding, or another surface, use the correct screws and anchors for that material. Always follow the pot-hanger manufacturer’s installation instructions and weight limit.
Step 4: Add the Clay Pots
Fill each clay pot with lightweight potting mix and your chosen plant. Carefully slide the thick rim of the pot into the clip and make sure it is fully seated before letting go.
Give the pot a gentle stability check before placing anything underneath it. Avoid using cracked, chipped, or unusually heavy pots.
Choosing and Caring for Your Plants
Succulents are great for this hanging clay pot display because they remain fairly compact and don’t require frequent watering. I can easily lift the pots out of the clips whenever they need a drink or a little maintenance.
When watering, remove each pot from the wall and allow the excess water to drain completely before returning it to the hanger. This helps prevent water and soil from staining the wood or wall behind the pots.
Choose plants that match the amount of sunlight your patio receives. Succulents and drought-tolerant plants work well in bright areas, while shade-loving plants may be better for a covered patio with limited direct sunlight. If plant care isn’t your thing, realistic artificial plants can create the same cheerful look without the watering schedule.
For a fuller living-wall effect, combine plants with different shapes and textures, but avoid using anything that will become too large or heavy for the hanger.
Tips for Hanging Clay Pots Safely
Clay pots become heavier after watering, so it’s important to choose sturdy hangers rated for the size and filled weight of your pots. Inspect each terracotta pot for cracks or chips before hanging it, paying special attention to the rim held by the clip.
Install the display where it won’t be bumped by people, pets, doors, or patio furniture. If your patio is exposed to strong wind or severe weather, remove the pots temporarily or add an appropriate secondary support.
Check the screws, clips, and pot rims periodically—especially after heavy rain or extreme temperature changes—to make sure everything remains secure.
Create Your Own Hanging Clay Pot Display
This little hanging clay pot garden transformed a plain patio wall and kept my plants away from the backyard digging crew. The pots are easy to remove for watering, and I can change the plants whenever I’m ready for a different look—because we all know creatives get bored!
This is my happy place: outdoors, barefoot, and usually holding a cup of coffee. Some people do yoga to find their zen. I hang clay pots on the wall. 😊
Whether you hang one statement pot or create a grouping of three, this is an easy way to bring color and greenery to a covered patio, fence, balcony, or other small outdoor space.
Have you ever used pot clips to hang clay pots? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you would use this idea around your home.
Until the next project… xo, Do
More Outdoor Garden Ideas
If you enjoyed this hanging clay pot idea, here are a few more creative ways to add plants and personality to your outdoor spaces.
I like this idea very much, looks like magic!! I also like the green creature with the awesome eyes. What is it please and did you make it? I would love to have one!
Hi Barbara, That cute little creature is a gecko. I found it at a garden center. 🙂 You can also find them on Amazon. (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3nJQ6mH
Where did you find the metal hangers?
Hi Eugenia, I found them on Amazon. If you go back to the blog post, you’ll find a product List. Click on the item, and it will take you to the product for purchase. 🙂
It turned out just darling! I love succulents and have little boxes in my yard with them, but nothing this pretty.
Hey, Melba! I doubt that coming from an expert gardener like you. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂 xo