There’s something so sleek and sophisticated about a succulent terrarium. These little “glass gardens” are a fantastic way to level up your home decor or brighten up a boring office desk. Plus, they let you enjoy a slice of exotic nature right from your couch!
Setting Up Your Succulent Terrarium: Materials & Tools
When it comes to picking a container, the sky’s the limit. You can get creative here—whether you prefer a dainty glass globe or a large, architectural glass box, go with whatever fits your vibe. Since succulents come in so many different shapes, sizes, and textures, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect plants for your specific setup.
To get started, you’ll need to round up these supplies:
- A decorative glass jar, terrarium, mini greenhouse, or similar container
- Your choice of succulents
- Cactus or succulent-specific potting mix
- Pebbles, expanded clay pebbles, or decorative sand for drainage
- Decorative accents (optional—think seasonal or permanent trinkets)
- A spoon (perfect for tucking the soil in around the roots)
Pro tip: Before you start building, make sure to give all your materials a good scrub with hot water. If you want to be extra careful, you can even sterilize your potting soil. Just pop it in an oven-safe dish and bake it at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes.
Building Your Terrarium: Step-by-Step
Once everything is clean and ready to go, it’s time for the fun part! Here’s how to assemble your masterpiece:
- Start by filling the bottom of your glass container with a layer of pebbles, clay pebbles, or sand. This is your drainage layer.
- Spread your succulent soil over the drainage layer and give it a light misting with distilled or filtered water.
- Carefully remove your succulents from their nursery pots and settle them into their new home.
- Use a clean spoon to gently press the soil down around the base of each plant to ensure they’re nice and snug.
- Finish up by giving the soil and the plants one last light misting with soft water.
Succulent Terrarium Tips & Tricks
Keep in mind that young succulents have very delicate root systems. To keep them happy, dig a small hole for each plant before placing it in the soil. You’ll also want to make sure you plant them at the same depth they were in their original pots.
To prevent the dreaded “leaf rot,” try spreading a thin layer of gravel or sand over the top of the soil before adding your decorations. This keeps the bottom leaves from sitting directly on damp dirt, which helps your succulents stay healthy and vibrant for the long haul!
