DIY: Terrarium Tutorial

Succulent terrariums are so easy to maintain and just as easy to make. They hardly need any water or attention to thrive, just a sunny windowsill. Here's my simple how-to:

How to Make a Succulent Terrarium:

Before you begin, select your container. You can use something as simple as a mason jar or glass bowl, which you may already have laying around the house. For more traditional terrarium vessels, you can find them at floral shops or specialty stores. The one I'm using here is from Terrain, which offers an amazing selection.


Materials:

•  Glass container with wide opening
•  Selection of succulents
•  Gravel or Pebbles
•  Charcoal
•  Cactus Soil Mix
•  Spoon or Mini Shovel
•  Newspaper, for easy cleanup


1.  Choose your succulents. Select plants that vary in height, color and texture. I bought a couple extra so that I would have options once I started arranging.

2.  Place a layer of gravel or pebbles on the bottom of container; this provides drainage.

3.  Place a layer of charcoal over the pebbles; this helps control moisture.

4.  Place a layer of Cactus Soil Mix, a fast-draining soil that retains little moisture.
 
5.  Arrange Plants. Remove plants from pots, gently tap off extra soil and place roots in the new soil. Be careful not too over-handle. Succulents have very delicate leaves that fall off easily when touched.

6.  Admire your creation! Place your terrarium in direct sunlight every day for at least five or six hours. Water once every two weeks. The water should freely drain to the bottom. After watering, there should not be more than an inch of water visible in the gravel at the bottom.

* Optional: Place a layer of sand or pebbles on the top layer of soil for a finishing touch.

Extra-Terrarium

The last terrarium I made was enclosed and didn't hold up very well, most likely because I hadn't given my mom the proper instructions to maintain it (sorry, Mom!). This time I created a desert terrarium for my good friend Jess, a lover of succulents and a native Arizonian. I imagine it will thrive well considering it requires very little attention, just full sun and a little water from time to time.

I've had this terrarium sitting on my kitchen table for a few days and have become really attached to it. Luckily it was fairly easy to make and I have enough leftover supplies to make another.

Note: Petco wound up being a great place to find gravel and sand (used for small pet cages & aquariums). After experimenting though I decided to use sheet moss as the ground cover instead.

Mother Nature

Terrariums seem to be popping up all over. These encapsulated woodland landscapes are so alluring. I was surprised to see how few components are actually needed to create one: a glass vessel, horticultural charcoal, a bit of soil, a miniature humidity-loving plant, and a spritz of water. I gave this one to my mom yesterday for Mother's Day. It's kind of an experimental gift as I didn't know the answers to "how often do you water it?" and "how long will it stay lush and green?" As I learn more about making terrariums I'll definitely make a point to learn how to maintain them as well.