DIY Succulent Terrarium: Tools, Plants & Steps
Creating a DIY succulent terrarium has become one of the most popular indoor gardening trends, and for good reason! These miniature gardens require minimal space, almost no maintenance, and bring natural beauty to any room. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or Pinterest enthusiast, building your own succulent terrarium is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
Visual Checklist: Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Glass container | Display base |
| Succulents | Main plants |
| Pebbles/gravel | Drainage layer |
| Activated charcoal | Odor control and root health |
| Cactus soil mix | Proper moisture management |
| Decorative stones | Finishing touch |
| Spoon/tweezers | Precise planting |
Choosing the Right Container
When building a succulent terrarium, container selection is crucial. Open terrariums work best for succulents because they provide proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup that can cause root rot.
Popular container options include:
- Fish bowls or glass vases
- Geometric glass planters
- Wide-mouth mason jars
- Hanging glass orbs
Choose containers at least 4 inches wide to give your plants room to grow. Shallow, wide containers work better than tall, narrow ones for most succulent varieties.
Best Succulents for Terrariums
These beginner-friendly open terrarium plants thrive in small spaces:
- Jade plants – Classic and virtually indestructible
- Echeveria – Beautiful rosette shapes and colors
- Haworthia – Striking zebra-striped patterns
- String of Pearls – Cascading texture for visual interest
- Hens and Chicks – Perfect for small space gardening
Mix different textures and heights for the most appealing display. Small varieties stay compact and won’t outgrow your container quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Terrarium
Table: Step-by-Step Terrarium Assembly
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Add pebbles for drainage |
| 2 | Add thin layer of activated charcoal |
| 3 | Add cactus soil mix |
| 4 | Plant succulents |
| 5 | Add decorative stones or sand |
| 6 | Lightly water |
Detailed Process:
Step 1: Create a drainage foundation by adding 1-2 inches of pebbles or gravel to your container bottom.
Step 2: Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles. This prevents odors and keeps roots healthy.
Step 3: Add 2-3 inches of well-draining cactus soil mix. This layering soil for terrariums technique ensures proper moisture management.
Step 4: Gently remove succulents from their pots and plant them in the soil. Use tweezers for precise placement in tight spaces.
Step 5: Add decorative elements like colored sand, small stones, or miniature figurines around your plants.
Step 6: Water lightly around the base of plants, avoiding the leaves.
Care Tips After Setup
Your succulent terrarium kit creation needs minimal maintenance:
- Watering: Every 2-3 weeks, or when soil feels completely dry
- Placement: Bright, indirect sunlight near a window
- Avoid: Overwatering (the #1 killer of succulents)
- Watch for: Signs of stretching, which indicates insufficient light
Remove any dead leaves promptly to prevent mold and pests.
Decorating & Display Ideas
Your finished terrarium works beautifully as:
- Office desk centerpiece for stress relief
- Coffee table accent for living rooms
- Kitchen windowsill garden for herbs and succulents
- Hanging display to save counter space
Try themed designs like beach (sand and shells), desert (cacti and red rocks), or forest (moss and earth tones) styles.
Conclusion
Learning how to build a succulent terrarium opens up endless creative possibilities for your home or office. These living art pieces make fantastic gifts for plant lovers and add natural beauty to any space. The best part? Your terrarium will thrive with minimal care, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
Ready to start your DIY project? Gather your supplies and create your first succulent terrarium today. Don’t forget to share photos of your creation with friends – they’ll want to make their own!
