I’ve talked about the importance of indoor plants before and I’ve got some ferns in my bathroom as well as a small collection of succulents in various containers (including a giant tea-cup!) but I’ve always wanted a terrarium or two to add to my collection. So, I decided I should make some for myself and share the process with you all at the same time, so here we go – my DIY terrarium guide!
It’s important to note that there are two different types of terrariums – open ones that are best suited to cacti and succulents and closed ones that need plants that suit high humidity scenarios. Today I’m talking about the open kind (which I believe are the easiest to keep alive!). So, lets start by gathering the necessary supplies!
You Will Need:
- Small pebbles or rocks
- Activated charcoal
- Potting mix (a blend formulated for cactus & succulents)
- Plants of your choosing
- A glass container or two
It’s best to get a container with as large an opening as possible to allow air-flow, so be careful of fishbowls and the like. Op-shops and discount stores are excellent places to a variety of containers for nice and cheap, so that would be my recommendation!
Now, how to build your DIY terrarium!
- Start with a thick layer of the pebbles
- Spoon over a layer of the activated charcoal
- Top with potting mix
- Position your plants so they not only look good, but have plenty of space around them to grow and have air circulate around them
- Dig small holes and pop each plant in, loosening the roots first and pressing down gently
- Top with a small sprinkling of water
- Done!
The pebbles and charcoal are there to aid with drainage as there is no hole in the bottom of the containers, and succulents aren’t a fan of getting ‘wet feet’. It’s therefore important not to over water them either, small amounts every now and again is your best bet rather than a heavy drink.
Make sure to choose species that like the same light conditions too, you don’t want one that needs lots of sun and others that prefer low-light otherwise you’ll struggle to keep them all happy! Don’t forget you an also re-grow succulents from cuttings (which is what I have done in the smaller terrarium I made), so you don’t need to buy new ones every time you make a new terrarium.
I love that you can use containers of all sizes to make them, and they make excellent presents as well, so I can see myself making lots more terrariums in the future! These ones have pride of place in my loungeroom though!
Are you a fan of terrariums? Fancy trying a DIY terrarium for your house too?
Share the Love
I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Sonia Life Love Hiccups
September 12, 2015 at 2:36 pm (9 years ago)Oh I love these. Like really LOVE love these xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted…Slowing it Down to a Slooooooooowww Kind of Slow
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Sonia! I have a feeling my apartment will be full of terrariums soon…
shannon @my2morrows
September 12, 2015 at 8:36 pm (9 years ago)These look so good Liz! And yes a perfect pressie. My daughter went to a woodland fairy party and they made mini terrariums to take home. It was so much fun! Xx
shannon @my2morrows recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #35
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm (9 years ago)That’s such a fantastic party idea!
merilyn
September 13, 2015 at 9:02 am (9 years ago)love it! this is a great idea thanks liz!
I’m doing one today!
perfect for what I want on my table!
hope you are well!
love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 13, 2015 at 9:32 pm (9 years ago)Ooh I’d love to see a photo when you’re done Merilyn, given how artist you are I bet yours will be gorgeous! xx
Karin @ Calm to Conniption
September 13, 2015 at 9:08 am (9 years ago)I have been going to make a terrarium for such a long time. I have a couple of perfect vessels for one. Inspired!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #35: the time you enjoy wasting
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 13, 2015 at 9:33 pm (9 years ago)Glad to help get you started! I’m now always keeping my eyes out for perfect vessels – I think I have an addiction…
Katherine
September 13, 2015 at 9:12 pm (9 years ago)Oh these are adorable!!!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 13, 2015 at 9:33 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Katherine, I’m pretty happy with how they turned out!
Maxabella
September 16, 2015 at 11:29 am (9 years ago)Very sweet, Liz. I can never get enough of succulents. They are so easy and kind. x
Maxabella recently posted…Weekend Rewind | Forget about it
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:22 am (9 years ago)Aren’t they the best! My apartment is being taken over by them, but I’m ok with that!
Terrarium Station
December 15, 2022 at 2:06 am (2 years ago)love it! this is a great idea thanks liz!
I’m doing one today!
perfect for what I want on my table!
hope you are well!