DIY Terrarium Making

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!

DIY Terrarium Making | I Spy Plum Pie

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

DIY Terrarium Making | I Spy Plum Pie

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!

DIY Terrarium Making | I Spy Plum Pie

Now, how to build your DIY terrarium!

  1. Start with a thick layer of the pebbles
  2. Spoon over a layer of the activated charcoal
  3. Top with potting mix
  4. Position your plants so they not only look good, but have plenty of space around them to grow and have air circulate around them
  5. Dig small holes and pop each plant in, loosening the roots first and pressing down gently
  6. Top with a small sprinkling of water
  7. Done!

DIY Terrarium Making | I Spy Plum Pie

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!

DIY Terrarium Making | I Spy Plum Pie

Are you a fan of terrariums? Fancy trying a DIY terrarium for your house too?

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13 Comments on DIY Terrarium Making

    • 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…

      Reply
  1. 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

    Reply
    • I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
      September 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm (9 years ago)

      That’s such a fantastic party idea!

      Reply
  2. 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

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
    • 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…

      Reply
  3. Katherine
    September 13, 2015 at 9:12 pm (9 years ago)

    Oh these are adorable!!!

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  4. Terrarium Station
    December 15, 2022 at 2:06 am (1 year 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!

    Reply

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