Making a DIY terrarium is easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps to create your very own succulent terrarium with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
After making the edible terrarium years ago, I still had never actually made a real one. But now that we’ve settled into the new house I’ve gotten super into gardening with both outdoor and indoor plants. This has led me to try out making my own DIY terrariums. For some reason I envisioned it to be difficult, but it really isn’t and only takes a few minutes! I used a starter terrarium kit and found my own succulent, but I’ll show you how easy it is with either a kit or separate materials.
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Materials for a Succulent Terrarium
You can get a starter kit like I did which has all of the materials (this is the one I used) and then I got the succulent separately (this is the one I got). Or you can get the materials separately:
- Glass Container (this is similar to the one I used)
- Succulent (this is the plant I used)
- Growing Medium (I use Rosy Soil – get 10% off with ABCRAFTY)
- Pebbles (these are similar to the ones I used)
- Dried Moss (I recommend using multiple colors such as this pack)
- Crystal, optional (You can polish your own or use raw crystals such as these)
- Figurine, optional
- Spray Bottle, optional
- Succulent Garden Tools, optional (this set is a good option)
- Water
How to Make a DIY Terrarium
Prepare the Base
Once the dirt is level, you can plant out how you’d like your moss to look. I recommend putting them to the back and have them relatively tall. You basically want tall items in the back and then move to shorter items towards the front.
Prepare the Succulent
Some terrarium kits come with a succulent (such as this one), but mine didn’t so I purchased mine separately (this is the one I got – the Echeveria Violet Queen Succulent).
What you need to do is unpot it and carefully remove the dirt from the roots.
Once you have the plant ready, make a little hole in the dirt and place the plants roots in it. Then cover the roots with dirt.
Tip: Gently tap the sides of the container to help settle the dirt to ensure it fills in the gaps around the roots.
Tip #2: I found it easier to remove the moss first to have more room to plant the succulent. Then after getting the plant in place, I put the moss back.
Finish the Terrarium
The last thing you need to do is add the accessories, such as pebbles, crystals, and a little figurine. My kit came with a gorgeous purple amethyst cluster and an adorable squirrel figurine. It also came with some quartz pebbles, but I only ended up using a few them.
Then when everything is as you like, you’ll want to water the soil. It’s extremely important to not get water on the succulent. You can use the spray bottle to carefully spray the soil under and around the succulent.
And then that’s it, you’ve finished your DIY terrarium! Be sure to follow the instructions of your specific plants for light and water requirements.
If you make your own succulent terrarium, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @ab.crafty!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of container should I use for my terrarium?
You can really use any type of container for your terrarium, but I find that glass ones with a large opening work best. The large opening allows you to easily set it up and care for your plants. Be sure it’s large enough for your plant and any accessories.
Can I use different types of plants in my terrarium?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of indoor plants , such as succulents, air plants, and even cacti. Just make sure all of the plants that you use together have similar light and water requirements.
How often should I water my terrarium?
It depends on the type of plant(s) you’re using, but generally once a week or less is sufficient. Be sure to check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering. I personally like to let my soil dry out completely before watering, but make sure to check the instructions for your specific plant.
What type of plants should I use in my terrarium?
Some popular and easy-to-care for choices are succulents, air plants, and cacti. These types of plants typically require less water and can thrive in a terrarium environment. Keep in mind that some plants may outgrow the container over time, so it’s important to regularly check on their growth and prune if necessary.
What type of decorations can I use in my terrarium?
For a succulent terrarium, you can use pebbles, crystals, figurines, and other small objects to add a unique touch. Just make sure they are safe for your plants and won’t cause any harm or changes in the environment of the terrarium. Avoid using anything too large or sharp that could potentially damage the plants. If you want to create a more tropical feel, you can also add mini air plants, ferns, and mosses as well. Get creative with your decorations to make your terrarium truly one-of-a-kind!
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DIY Terrarium
Making a DIY terrarium is easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps to create your very own succulent terrarium with minimal effort.
Materials
- Glass Container
- Succulent
- Growing Medium
- Pebbles
- Dried Moss
- Crystal optional
- Figurine optional
- Water
Equipment
- Terrarium Tools optional
- Spray Bottle optional
Instructions
- Prepare the base by adding growing medium to the bottom of a glass container.Glass Container, Growing Medium
- Place moss in the back and taller items towards the front.Dried Moss
- Remove succulent from its pot and carefully remove dirt from roots.Succulent
- Plant succulent in prepared hole in soil, then cover with more dirt.
- Add desired accessories like pebbles, crystals, and figurines.Pebbles, Crystal, Figurine
- Water soil without getting water on the succulent. Consider using a small spray bottle.Water
- Enjoy your succulent terrarium! Follow specific plant instructions for light and watering needs.
