These days, terrariums, especially those featuring succulents, are becoming increasingly popular. Follow this instructional guide with photos to craft your own terrarium. Additionally, find out the do’s and don’ts of using succulents in terrariums!
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I wanted to be sure that I did a better job this time around with the terrarium I was making for my sister-in-law, so I took special care in planting and watering it to ensure it would last longer than the one I made last year.
Rather than succulents, terrariums may be better suited to other types of indoor house plants that are better able to thrive.
Table of Contents
Start with the Right Glass Container
This terrarium has been designed with the succulents’ longevity in mind. It is not overly deep, and has ventilation holes in the top which allow for air circulation.
I think it is essential that succulents be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Tutorial
You will need the following items to create your own: a bowl, measuring cups, mixing spoon, ingredients of your choice.
- You will need a glass terrarium, succulent soil, and succulents to create a beautiful display.
I began by combining equal parts Turface, small pine bark shreds, and crushed rock to form the soil for the terrarium. This soil has excellent drainage capabilities, which will help keep the water level from becoming too high.
I placed the String of Pearls in the soil and arranged them so they hung out of the top of the pot.
Subsequently, I inserted the cuttings of my two succulents (the Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ and Sedum Adolphii) into the soil, making sure that their stems were underneath.
I employed bakers twine to suspend the terrarium on my wall and I was pleased with the results. Initially, I was going to put in some more plants, however after experimenting with it, I recognized that a simpler design would be nicer.
If you overload your space, it will appear cluttered and unappealing.
I used a spray bottle to moisten the soil in the terrarium. For succulent terrariums, it’s important to not apply too much water as the glass enclosure helps keep moisture in, prolonging the drying time.
I appreciate the design of this one because it has a good amount of ventilation, preventing it from becoming stuffy or too foggy. Additionally, there are other designs which you may find pleasing.
Act now! Begin building your terrarium today!
FAQ
How do you take care of a succulent in a closed terrarium?
Should succulents be in an open or closed terrarium?
If you want your succulents to survive and flourish, it is important to provide them with bright light and low humidity. For this reason, an open-top, uncovered terrarium is the perfect environment for succulents, as it allows for adequate air circulation and prevents the air from becoming too moist. This will enable your succulents to grow and develop without struggling to adapt to excessive moisture.
Can cactus survive in a closed terrarium?
Do succulent terrariums need sunlight?
Terrariums thrive when exposed to bright, indirect light. The best spot is near a north-facing window, where they can receive 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Avoid moving your plants to follow the sun or to avoid it.
Do succulents do well in a closed terrarium?
Succulents are the only type of plant that won’t survive in a terrarium with a lid, as they will suffer from excessive moisture and rot.