Cacti are incredibly versatile—they look great in succulent beds, rock gardens, or just chilling on your windowsill. But if you want to take their exotic, survivor-style vibe to the next level, try growing them in a glass terrarium! It’s a fantastic way to create a miniature desert landscape that doubles as a stylish piece of home decor. Even a small glass container can become a magical little ecosystem.
Here’s my step-by-step guide to getting it right:
Step 1: Gather Your Gear
You don’t need a ton of supplies to get started. Just add these items to your shopping list:
- A glass container or terrarium
- Compact or slow-growing cactus varieties
- Small pebbles or gravel
- Activated charcoal or horticultural charcoal
- Cactus or succulent potting mix
- Optional: Decorative accents (like driftwood or crystals)
Pro Tip: For the best look, mix and match different shapes! Pairing a round ball cactus with a tall, columnar mini-cactus and a fuzzy “Old Man” cactus creates a fun, diverse landscape that really pops.
Step 2: The Setup
Before you start planting your prickly friends, give your glass container and pebbles a good wash with hot water. This helps get rid of any hidden pests or germs. I also recommend sterilizing your cactus soil in the oven (about 30 minutes at 300°F/150°C) in a heat-safe dish. While the soil cools, give your cacti a quick drink by dipping their root balls in lukewarm, filtered water.
Now, let’s get planting:
- Spread a layer of pebbles (about 1 inch thick) at the bottom of the glass for drainage.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of charcoal over the pebbles to keep things fresh.
- Add your cooled cactus soil to the terrarium.
- Gently remove your cacti from their pots and plant them, making sure they sit at the same depth they were in their original containers.
- Finish it off by “raining” a thin layer of decorative pebbles around the base of the plants.
- Add any fun decorative elements you like to complete the scene.
Step 3: Aftercare
Once everything is in place, use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the soil. This helps settle the dirt around the cactus roots and gets rid of any air pockets. You actually don’t need to water them right away! Wait until the soil is almost completely dry before giving them their first drink. Finally, find a nice sunny spot for your new glass garden to thrive.
