Want to add some natural decor to your home? Make a colorful succulent terrarium in gorgeous pastel colors! All you'll need is a glass container with layers of sand, rocks, activated charcoal, cactus potting mix, succulents, and decorative touches like colorful reindeer moss and small gemstones.
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It's the first day of spring and knowing that we're finally in this season of growth and renewal really has me excited for gardening. In fact, we already did some planting and got a few of our early spring seeds in the ground. You would think that would suffice for now, but it's made my gardening itch even worse. I'm so ready to be, once again, surrounded by color in the form of flowers and lush, green plants!
I decided to add some of that springtime color inside our home in the form of a succulent terrarium. I've made a terrarium before, but it didn't survive. Totally my fault. I didn't have the right layers to help the terrarium's environment thrive and I'm sure I overwatered my poor plants. So I've done a little reading about open style terrariums and decided to try my luck at making one again.
What You Need to Make a DIY Succulent Terrarium
Unlike potted plants, you can't just pop your succulents in some soil and call it a day. There are no drainage holes in terrarium containers. Therefore, we need to create some drainage layers to ensure our plants stay healthy and won't develop root rot or other issues.
- Glass bowl, or other glass container: Choose a glass container that's large enough to build up your layers. You also want an opening that's big enough to get your hands into so you can easily plant your succulents in place.
- Sand: This is the first layer I added to my terrarium container. The sand helps with drainage, pulling excess water away from the roots of your plants.
- Small or medium rocks: You're not only going to place the rocks on top of the layer of sand, but you might also want to add them around the succulents once they're planted. The rocks also provide drainage. Choose small or medium rocks that are easy to place inside the terrarium and create even layers.
- Activated charcoal: This is one layer of your terrarium that's pretty important. The activated charcoal helps filter the water, helping to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. It can also help prevent your succulents from developing root rot.
- Cactus potting mix: You'll want to use a cactus specific potting mix over a regular potting soil. This mix contains materials that provide fast drainage that help the roots of your cacti or succulents stay healthy and strong.
- Succulents: Visit your local garden center and choose some 2" succulents. The amount of succulents you buy depends on how large your terrarium container is. I was able to fit five succulent plants in an 8" glass bubble bowl. I also chose succulents that were different varieties, heights, and colors.
- Mixed reindeer moss: An easy way to add some more color to your terrarium is by adding reindeer moss. It comes in a variety of colors. I had moss in different shades of green already in my craft stash, but I also picked up a bag in springtime pinks and purple.
- Small crystals or stones: I also added some small stones to add a little more color. You can use crystals or stones with specific symbolism. I just grabbed a few colors I thought would look pretty against the white rocks and colorful reindeer moss.
How to Make a Colorful Succulent Terrarium
With all of my supplies gathered, I created a pretty pastel terrarium that definitely gives off springtime vibes! Terrariums are an easy project to put together with the right supplies, a little patience, and some beautiful succulent plants and decorative touches.
Before starting your layers, you want to make sure your terrarium container is clean and dry. Then, spread a layer of sand into the bottom of the container. Follow with a layer of rocks.
Add a layer of horticultural activated charcoal. Place enough of a layer to completely cover the rocks. This is an important layer that will aid in drainage and water filtration.
Next, add a layer of cactus potting mix. I made this a pretty cushy layer. You want enough of the potting mix inside the terrarium so you can fully cover the succulent roots while tucking them into their new home.
Now, we can add our succulents! Before planting them in place, you might want to plan out how you want to display them. Once you have your succulents positioned, make a small hole in the potting mix for each succulent and tuck your succulents into the soil.
You can leave your terrarium as is, but I like to add some decorative touches. First, I added a layer of rocks on top of the soil. White rocks add a clean, modern look to the terrarium, but you can find small rocks in other colors to fit your decor.
After my rocks were in place, I added small bunches of reindeer moss in springtime colors like bright green, shades of pink, and purple. The moss adds a natural, decorative look and added texture to the terrarium.
You can also add whimsical touches to your terrarium like fairy garden figurines or other small items. I decided to add one last decorative touch and placed some small stones like amethyst, rose quartz, and yellow agate among the rocks.
Then, all that's left to do is display your new terrarium! But before putting your terrarium on display, you want to water it. Use a mister or watering can to lightly dampen the soil (you don't want soggy soil). Then, place your terrarium in bright, indirect lighting with decent airflow.
SUPPLIES
- Glass container
- Sand
- Small-medium river rocks
- Horticultural activated charcoal
- Cactus mix soil
- 2" succulent plants
- Colorful mixed reindeer moss
- Optional: small gemstones, crystals, or other small decorative items
STEPS
- Make sure your container is clean and dry. Then, add a layer of sand into the bottom.
- Spread an even layer of rocks on top of the sand.
- Next, add a layer of activated charcoal on top of the rocks. Add enough to completely cover the rocks.
- Add a decent layer of cactus mix on top of the charcoal. Make sure it's deep enough to plant your succulents.
- Plan where your succulents will go in the terrarium and plant in place.
- If desired, add another layer of rocks on top of the exposed soil and around the succulents.
- Add decorative touches like reindeer moss and small gemstones.
- Spritz or water your terrarium with just enough water to dampen the soil. Then, place the terrarium in bright, indirect light with decent airflow.
How to Take Care of Your Terrarium
I have learned that succulents will give off signs if they're not happy. Make sure not to overwater them, keep them in proper lighting, and they should thrive. Only water the terrarium when the soil is dry - like bone dry. If they need water, the leaves will appear wrinkled. If they've had too much water, the leaves might be mushy or yellow.
If they've had too much sun, they might appear sunburnt with dark spots or patches. Not enough light? Your succulents might look leggy or not as vibrant in color. It's all about finding the happy medium to keep your plants thriving!
Did you make this Colorful Succulent Terrarium project? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!
