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April 22, 2020 in Succulents & Cacti

Easy layered DIY succulent & cactus potted terrarium!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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Succulents are like people coming in numerous unique shapes and forms. Stocky. Tall. Furry. Spiky. Jaded. Soft. Dotted. Prickly. Plushy. Peculiar. Plants with personality!

Ironically, succulents are both easy to kill and easy to care for. Ideal for indoor gardeners succulents are happy to adapt and grow in new surroundings. Just don’t overwater!

You can plant them in just about any container putting those creative instincts to the test!  Making a DIY succulent and cactus terrarium will enhance your indoor green space.

Mother’s Day approaches. How about thinking outside the box? Best of all, you probably have most of the “ingredients” handy and it only takes about 5 minutes to assemble.

A few additives can be purchased at a low cost making a succulent and cacti terrarium a very inexpensive project.

Before we get started, we must talk about containers and the difference between open and closed terrariums.

And yes….you are correct in thinking that mine is technically a potted plant terrarium. A great marriage of the two concepts.

My centerpiece has all the layers of the terrarium but with the plants on top instead of squashed below.

I’ll explain in the post why I went this route so keep reading!

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Let’s talk containers…

What type of vessel should you select for your DIY succulent and cacti terrarium? Your new DIY mini-ecosystem can be grown in a mason jar, hanging globe, teacup, or just about any vase.

Here is a great Mason Jar terrarium project that would be fun with kids! And you can download and print it. Especially since so many of us are homeschooling now.

The place to look for cool terrarium containers is the Goodwill, Salvation Army or perhaps your own basement. Who even knows what’s lurking down there? Don’t spend too much money!

It’s better to re-purpose something you already own or buy secondhand. Square container? Circle? Oblong? Unique? It’s up to you and your creative instincts.

I prefer clear glass containers because one can view all the visually stimulating and intriguing layers. I also favor a glass container that is shorter with a wider top.

Not only will this encourage more natural air circulation (discouraging mold) but you’ll fit in more plants, too. Plus, a super tall container will require more supplies to fill all those layers.

Most terrariums are far emptier than mine. Meaning…you can see the plants through the glass, they are not planted on top. So if your aim is for a more traditional terrarium, when following the steps below, use less than half of the material suggested.

And yes, I fully acknowledge that I was partly motivated by smell – making a more “potted” version of a terrarium is less likely to get stinky!

I had this vision of a dining room centerpiece terrarium. But small terrariums look nice on kitchen countertops, decorative shelves, the buffet table and even on your bed stand to wish you good morning each day!

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Open versus closed terrariums

Succulents are more likely to thrive in an open terrarium over a closed one. The reason? They prefer a hot and dry environment.

That’s partly why we add the sand on top. It’s also the reason for all the layers added, especially the pebbles and horticultural charcoal; we want to increase drainage.

Overwatering is the biggest terrarium pitfall. Don’t do it! Your succulents are used to desert conditions, it’s where they grow in the wild.

If you do decide to create a more traditional terrarium with the plants centered in the middle of the container, be aware that the humidity will also be higher.

My spin fosters a dryer environment to the benefit of the plants. One other advantage to a open terrarium is air circulation which allows the whole mini-ecosystem literally a breath of fresh air ~ so it’s less likely to rot and smell!

Closed terrariums are more suitable for your humidity loving plants like miniature orchids, ferns and air plants.

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What’s the activated charcoal for and do I need it?

The biggest obstacle I’ve had with terrariums and succulents in the past has always been mold. Bleh.

By sprinkling just a bit of activated charcoal over your rocks, you are preventing that mold from occurring. (Fingers crossed!)

My activated charcoal came in small chunks but you can also buy a powdered version that works equally well. Your choice!

The primary reason for adding charcoal to the terrarium is toxin removal. Horticultural charcoal absorbs chemicals in the soil, water and air that can build up inside your terrarium and damage your plants.

Using distilled water and NOT overwatering are also key. The charcoal also absorbs icky odors.

If you skip the charcoal, you’re more likely to end up with a smelly terrarium from decomposing soil and plant material, as well as mold and mildew.

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Where to get plants….

Normally, I like to support the local garden center when purchasing plants, but they are not yet open where I live.

And even though I have no objection to ordering plants online, this one time I wanted to examine the succulents in person.

I was eager to touch, feel, and assess on my own terms. This took me right to Home Depot to buy plants.

I’m happy to report that it seems Home Depot has finally decided to water their plants and they didn’t look too bad. In fact, their orchids looked great.

The succulent and cacti selection was actually pretty good! I did like how they had several plant sizes available, and smaller plants for terrariums.

My only gripe is that when you go to buy succulents, they are almost never labelled. Frustrating.

It’s up you to consult with google.

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Materials needed:

  • Various succulents in different shapes, colors, and sizes
  • Clear glass container with a wide opening to prevent moisture accumulation (and mold)
  • Small, smooth pebbles, gravel or tiny lake rock (my preference) Buy here!
  • Activated charcoal
  • Moss Buy here!
  • Succulent or cactus soil
  • Sand
  • Garden ornaments (optional)
  • Fine mist spray bottle
  • Drinking straw (to blow around the sand!)
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Layer one – small rocks, pebbles or gravel

The very bottom layer will consist of small pebbles, lake rock or gravel. I went with small and mostly smooth lake rock because they were free.

Small white gravel bits might be attractive and draw the eye, too. Regardless, they serve the same purpose: to help drain water from the soil. Succulents and cacti crave hot and dry conditions.

Always keep in mind that your container terrarium does not have drainage holes (you wouldn’t want it leaking anyhow) so keeping water to a minimum is best. I like to mist mine to ensure plants aren’t waterlogged.

The second purpose is that the rocks are visually appealing. For deeper containers, adding two inches of rock is ideal, but for a shallower container, one inch is better.

You must make room for all the layers so use your eye and your instincts and don’t go overboard!

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Layer two – activated horticultural charcoal bits or powdered charcoal

Sprinkle a thick layer of horticultural charcoal on top of the pebbles. The powdered form works well, too.

Not only will the charcoal prevent mold but will keep your terrarium from getting smelly.

Horticultural charcoal may be one of the ingredients you don’t have handy and you will pay $6-$10 for a bag of it depending on your source.

Add between 1/4-1/2 inch to keep your terrarium clean by filtering the water. For deeper containers, add 1 inch horticultural charcoal.

Just make sure it’s the horticultural variety ~ not the stuff used for teeth whitening! You’ll have plenty left over for other projects.

I ended up adding some to my closed terrarium to help prevent mold, stagnation and stench!

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Layer three – moss

Next, add about two inches of moss to the container remembering that although the moss is “fluffy” now, it will squish down. I used sphagnum moss.

The bag I bought for only $4 is huge and I have lots of ideas of how else I’d like to use it. You could also just grab some moss off your sidewalk if that’s cheaper and easier for you.

The moss adds a bit of greenery to the middle of the piece and, like the charcoal, help cut down bad smells. At least in theory.

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Layer four – succulent or cactus soil

I ended up splurging on cactus and succulent soil (okay a $10 bag) specifically formulated for succulent success (drainage).

But you could just use regular potting soil. Since I grow lots of succulents this investment makes sense for me as I’ll lots of opportunities to put it to use. We shall see if it lives up to the hype!

I added about an inch of soil, then tucked in my succulents and cacti remembering that they do not want to be planted deep.

Then I sprinkled an inch more soil to top my creation off. You just want to give those roots ample depth to re-root. Don’t bury them!

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Layer five – sand

After the plants seem settled it’s time to feather in a little sand. You might want to use that straw to blow it around, but I just used my fingers. Whatever works for you!

The sand looks super nice on top of the soil providing a light contrast to the dark soil. It also gives the piece a desert vibe.

After years of growing succulents I’ve noticed that they seem to like the sand.

See all the visually appealing layers to this DIY succulent and cacti terrarium? Not only are the plants interesting, but the whole piece top to bottom making it a focal point in any room!

See all the visually appealing layers to this DIY succulent and cacti terrarium? Not only are the plants interesting, but the whole piece top to bottom making it a focal point in any room!

Layer six – rocks again (optional)

I decided last minute to add rocks at the top for looks. I’m glad I did because I like the effect. But if you prefer the sand on top – feel free to leave as is.

If you notice mold in your terrarium…

If any any point you notice mold in the terrarium (and it might be the white fluffy stuff), you have several options. Start by scraping the top layer away.

Then add some fungi fighting agents like cinnamon, baking powder and apple cider vinegar. Using distilled water is also a good idea if you can!

Are you a creative type of person? Do you like making “things?”

72 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris Civitello says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:44 pm

    Great ideas for a terrarium.

    Reply
  2. Phyllis Skoglund says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    Terrarium are a food way to bring oxygen producers into your home. Scientists believe phytoplankton in the Earth’s oceans produce between 50 and 85 percent of the planet’s oxygen.

    Reply
  3. Phyllis Skoglund says

    January 11, 2021 at 12:00 am

    Terrariums are a good way to bring oxygen producers indoors. Scientists believe phytoplankton in the Earth’s oceans produce between 50 and 85 percent of the planet’s oxygen.

    Reply
  4. DebB says

    January 11, 2021 at 1:42 am

    I had no idea there were so many

    Reply
  5. Hana Harman says

    January 11, 2021 at 3:05 am

    Thank you – good idea for my succulents

    Reply
  6. Liz Kilcher says

    January 11, 2021 at 10:51 am

    great idea, thanks!!

    Reply
  7. Jeffrey Jones says

    January 11, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    This looks like a fun project to try with the kids!

    Reply
  8. Amy Forsyth says

    January 11, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    Very pretty!

    Reply
  9. Madeline Lonergan says

    January 11, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Love this!!!

    Reply
  10. Chris C says

    January 11, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    This looks like a great project.

    Reply
  11. Tami Lewis says

    January 11, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    I learned a lot from this post…I don’t think succulents are for me..I live in hot but humid Texas and I keep my ac on super cold do I just don’t have the right environment.

    Reply
  12. Sheila gagnon says

    January 11, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    this is beautiful. I have dozens of succulents needing new surroundings. Thank you

    Reply
  13. Alison says

    January 11, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    This is great info! I have some glass containers set aside to make terrariums. Just need to get some plants.

    Reply
  14. DeeAnn S says

    January 11, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    I just sent for a bunch of succulents. Can’t wait to get them. Thanks for the useful info.

    Reply
  15. Michael Coovert says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    I love cacti and succulents. I have sung their praises many times on here. They are beautiful, interesting and so easy to care for.

    Reply
  16. Martha DeMarco says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    Love the terrariums, never done one. I like to think I am semi creative, lol.

    Reply
  17. jkr says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    I needed this post to get started on my adventure in succulents. Thank you!

    Reply
  18. Kathy Lane says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    Thank you for all the great ideas. I would love to try this.

    Reply
  19. Michelle Proper says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Beautiful! So many great ideas here! Love

    Reply
  20. Candace P says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Good tips for a fun project!

    Reply
  21. Yevette Parker says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:38 pm

    This is something I could do!

    Reply
  22. Rachel Mertz says

    January 11, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    What a fun idea – and it doesn’t look complicated at all! Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Barbara Lima says

    January 11, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Looks like something I could manage.

    Reply
  24. Audrey says

    January 11, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    Great ideas

    Reply
  25. Janet Kellar says

    January 11, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    I like the look of the open terrarium–I’ll have to make one!

    Reply
  26. cindy besanceney says

    January 11, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Looks like fun! Never thought of combining them like that.

    Reply
  27. Crystal Abel says

    January 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    This is such a great project! I want to do this now!

    Reply
  28. Rena T Walter says

    January 11, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    Thank you for the good tips and info!

    Reply
  29. Kelly Kimmell says

    January 11, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    I love houseplants, succulents are my favorite. Great information.

    Reply
  30. Janet Burke says

    January 11, 2021 at 7:04 pm

    thank you

    Reply
  31. Jamie L Grimes says

    January 11, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    I wish my cat didn’t eat my plants

    Reply
  32. Deborah Waddell says

    January 11, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    I’d love to try this. Will be on the hunt for what I need. Will have to have them outside because my cat will eat !

    Reply
  33. Teri Evans says

    January 11, 2021 at 8:29 pm

    Can’t wait to start my own terrarium with all these great ideas.

    Reply
  34. Lisa says

    January 11, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    I really like this. I do have a couple of containers that would work nicely here.

    Reply
  35. Terry Poage says

    January 11, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    I absolutely love these. Wouldn’t love to make one.

    Reply
  36. Terry Poage says

    January 11, 2021 at 9:01 pm

    Meant to say would love to make one. Darn phones.

    Reply
  37. Ken Ohl says

    January 11, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    my little niece loves these she loves to decorate these in her room

    Reply