Succulents are perfect for breathing life into your workspace, thanks to their minimal maintenance requirements and their aesthetic appeal. Transforming these captivating plants into a DIY terrarium offers a unique way to lighten up your desk and refine your workspace. As a beautiful and compact ecosystem, a succulent terrarium safely sits on the corner of your workspace offering tranquility, focusing energy, and even cleansing the air.
Creating a succulent terrarium begins with selecting the ideal glass container. It should have an opening large enough to arrange your plants, and ideally, it should have clear glass to allow you to appreciate your miniature garden fully. Some popular options include bell jars, lanterns, and glass cloches. These containers can contain moisture, creating an environment that simulates a mini-desert habitat, perfect for succulent plants.
To prepare your container, clean it thoroughly using a 10% bleach solution. Rinse and pat dry properly. This step is crucial to keep molds and other forms of bacteria from ruining your terrarium.
The next step is filling the base. Use a thin layer, around two inches, of pebbles or small rocks, to aid drainage. Succulents are not friends of water-logged soil; hence, this layer helps to keep excess water away from your plants’ sensitive roots. Above the rocks, add another inch-thick layer of activated charcoal. This serves to filter the terrarium atmosphere, absorbing any odors or colors caused by bacteria or fungi.
Follow up with a layer of sphagnum moss. This helps to prevent the soil from falling down into the drainage layer. Above this, add a layer of succulent or cactus soil. The amount will depend on the size of your plants’ roots, but ensure it’s enough for your succulents to set roots.
Now comes the exciting part; picking your succulents. Aim for variety but remember, it’s your workspace, so select those that will thrive under your office conditions. Consider factors like the amount of light you receive. Succulents such as aloe, echeveria, sedum, and haworthia are all known to thrive in different lighting conditions, making them ideal for a terrarium at your workspace.
While arranging your succulents, consider making a stylish, yet practical arrangement. Place taller plants at the back and trailing ones at the front, leaning towards the glass for visibility. Ensure each plant has space for light to reach all parts. Most importantly, use an arrangement that suits your personal aesthetic.
Post-arrangement, individually plant your succulents in the soil. Use tools like long tweezers or a spoon to make dents in the soil to fit their roots. Then cover with more soil, ensuring a stable plant base without burying the plants.
After planting, comes the time for a good soak. Succulents love water, but remember their dislike for water-logged soil. Therefore, use a squeeze bottle to moisten the soil around your plants, making sure not to drench them.
Once set up, the key to maintaining your succulent terrarium and keeping it beautiful is through proper care. Keep your terrarium where it can receive sufficient light but not direct sunlight. Also, be mindful of the watering schedule. Typically, your miniature succulent garden requires watering every two weeks. Remember that overwatering can lead to rot, while underwatering leads to wilting.
Finally, remember this is your workspace, your personal environment. The objective of making this terrarium is not only to beautify it but also to make your working hours more enjoyable. Thus, add personal touches to your terrarium like miniature figurines, or some color with colored sand or pebbles.
When executed well, this DIY succulent terrarium is more than just a workspace accessory. It’s a source of relaxation, an artistic outlet, and a conversation piece. So, let the inviting greenery of a DIY succulent terrarium breathe life into your workspace and boost your productivity and focus in the process.
