Giant Planter: Designed for Deeply Rooted Tropicals

This giant planter is more than just a pot—it's a showcase of what 3D printing can achieve on a grand scale. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement in your home or want to impress clients at a 3D printing business, this planter serves as both a functional piece and a conversation starter.

I created this planter to accommodate the needs of deep-rooted plants like the Ctenanthe, which require ample root space but typically find planters either too shallow or too bulky. My design strikes a balance by offering a tall, slim, and lightweight structure without compromising on depth. Unlike other large planters that only provide shallow containers within a tall shell, my planter maximizes root space, ensuring your plants can thrive.

This modular planter also offers a customizable outer shell that you can adapt to your style, and it can even be printed with PLA. While this version is optimized for deep-rooted plants, the design is flexible enough to allow for a shallower container if needed, making it versatile for various plant types.

Features

• Impressive Size: Measuring 70 cm in height and 35 cm in diameter, this planter stands out in any space.
• Deep Root Space: Offers 60 cm of depth, providing ample room for deep-rooted plants to flourish.
• Convenient Handles: Built-in handles make it easy to lift and remove the container from the outer shell.
• Water Drainage Access: A dedicated pipe allows for easy pumping out of excess water, preventing overwatering and ensuring optimal plant health. Or, use it for the installation of a moisture sensor
• Support for Plant Stakes: Pre-drilled holes allow you to insert plant stakes, giving your plants the support they need to grow strong.
• Versatile Attachment Points: Includes threaded inserts for attaching grids, sensors, or other accessories to customize your setup.
• Modular Design: All elements are connected with screws, allowing for easy disassembly for cleaning, replanting, or transport.

Requirements

• Print Time: Expect around 14 days to print all parts at the highest quality settings on a Prusa XL.
• Filament Usage: Printing the planter hollow with a 0.4mm nozzle will require approximately 6 kg of filament.

Metal Parts

• Threaded Inserts: You'll need 124 M4 threaded inserts to assemble the planter. I recommend the ones from CNC Kitchen, or use similar ones with matching dimensions.
• 48 M4 × 10mm or M4 × 12mm cylinder or lens-head screws for connecting the shell parts.
• 28 M4 × 12mm or M4 × 16mm cylinder or lens-head screws for attaching the rim to the container.
• 16 M4 × 20mm countersunk-head screws for securing the container parts.
• Optional: 4 M4 × 10mm cylinder or lens-head screws to close the attachment thread holes.
• Optional: 16 M4 × 20mm cylinder or lens-head screws for attaching feet or rollers to the shell.
• 76 M4 spacer (e.g. 4.5 × 1.4 × 12 mm) to spread the pressure evenly on the printed parts.

Waterproofing

• A polyurethane sealing paint, such as Epodex Water Based Polyurethane, to ensure the container is water-tight over the long term.

Costs

The cost of printing this planter will vary depending on your electricity rates and the type of filament you choose. The table below provides an estimated breakdown to give you a rough idea of what to expect.

How to Print the Planter

In the files section, you'll find PrusaSlicer example projects specifically set up for the Prusa XL. These projects provide a solid starting point for your prints.

Nozzle Size

This planter can be printed with a 0.4mm, 0.6mm, or 0.8mm nozzle. While using a larger nozzle will reduce print time, it will also consume more filament and result in lower print quality.

For the best results, I recommend using a 0.4mm nozzle as shown in the photos. This setup not only enhances the visual appeal of the planter but also takes full advantage of the hollow wall structure, making the planter both lightweight and surprisingly strong. The difference in feel compared to commercially made planters is striking—this one feels almost surreal when handled.

Filament

The planter’s shell can be printed with any suitable filament, including PLA, as it doesn't need to be water-tight. However, I recommend using PETG for a good balance of durability and cost. The inserted container, which is responsible for holding water, must be printed with a durable, watertight filament to prevent root growth from causing cracks. For this, I suggest using only PETG or stronger materials.

For the planter in the photos, I used Fiberlogy Easy PET-G filament:

• Shell: Fiberlogy Easy PET-G in White
• Container: Fiberlogy Easy PET-G in Vertigo

I chose to print the shell in white without painting it, and after extensive testing with various PETG filaments, I found that Fiberlogy Easy PET-G provided the best results with minimal warping.

Dimensions

The planter stands approximately 70 cm (28 inches) tall, with the feet adding an additional 18 mm to the overall height. The shell has a side length of 35 cm (14 inches), providing a sleek and balanced profile.

The container offers a depth of 60 cm (24 inches), giving your plants plenty of room for their roots to grow and thrive.

Assembly

Assembling the planter is designed to be straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure a smooth process:

• Manual Alignment: The design does not include alignment grooves, allowing you to manually align any slightly warped parts while tightening the screws. This flexibility ensures a better fit.
• Even Pressure Distribution: The screws are strategically placed to distribute pressure evenly across the parts. Be sure to use all of them, and avoid overtightening to prevent any damage to the material.
• Sealing the Container: Apply two coats of polyurethane sealing paint to the lower part of the container. This step is crucial for ensuring the planter’s durability and protecting it from water damage over time.

About the Design

>>> Read all details about the design process <<<

Fusion Designs

In the files section, you’ll find the original Fusion 360 design files for this planter. These files allow you to customize most elements to fit your specific needs. If you’re interested in these files, I assume you’re an experienced CAD user, ready to tailor the design to your preferences.

Explore More from Meti·kumi

Interested in my designs? Browse through my collection of 3D models:

👉 https://metikumi.com/3d-models/

Stay connected on social media for the latest updates and work-in-progress insights:

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Conclusion

This giant planter merges form and function, showcasing what’s possible with 3D printing on a large scale. Whether you’re nurturing deep-rooted tropical plants or simply looking to make a bold statement in your space, this planter is designed to meet those needs with style and durability. I hope you enjoy creating and using this design as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.

If you find this design helpful, please consider rating it and sharing photos of your prints.

Happy printing!