Just as fashion trends shape what we wear, plant trends often dictate our indoor gardens. Currently, low-maintenance and high-style succulents are the “in” plants. Sadly, space to plant may limit aspiring green thumbs, but that’s where DIY succulent terrariums come in. This guide will show you how to make one akin to an art piece that elevates your interior decor.
Succulent Overview
Succulents are a group of plants known for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. This makes them incredibly drought-tolerant, fitting for indoor environments. There are hundreds of varieties, from the common Echeverias to the fairytale-like Lithops, also known as “Living Stones”.
Their compact size and textured foliage make succulents perfect for creating attractive terrarium landscapes. They require minimal care, making them apt even for those cursed with a “black thumb”.
Choosing the Perfect Terrarium
The first step in creating a succulent terrarium starts with choosing the container. Ensure good ventilation to prevent succulents from rotting, which sounds paradoxical for terrariums. Here’s where creativity can shine; old aquarium tanks, desolate fish bowls, or glass jars spruce into chic, transparent gardens. For a neat look, opt for a glass container with sleek lines. To add a vintage touch, consider using an antique bell jar or cloche.
Remember, it’s crucial that your chosen container has a wide enough opening to accommodate both your hand and your plants. Additionally, avoid containers with narrow necks as they capture excess moisture and create unfavorable humid conditions.
Layering the Terrarium’s Substrate
Once you’ve chosen your terrarium, start building its foundation. A standard succulent terrarium includes four layers:
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Gravel Layer: Add 1-2 inches of coarse gravel or pebbles at the bottom. Besides draining excess water to prevent root rot, it adds an aesthetic base.
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Activated Charcoal Layer: Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal above the gravel, and it will absorb unwanted odors and chemicals. Particularly in closed terrariums, this layer wards off bacterial and fungal growth.
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Sphagnum Moss Layer: A barrier of moss prevents the potting soil from mixing with the charcoal and gravel layers.
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Potting Soil Layer: Start with a light, commercial soil mix designed for cacti and succulents. If unavailable, create your own by mixing two parts sand and one-part perlite or pumice with two parts regular potting soil.
Planting the Succulents
Place the largest succulent within your array. It acts as the terrarium’s “hero”, drawing attention first. Then, with a spoon, remove the succulent from its pre-existing pot and loosen the roots.
Hole the soil, position the succulent, and fill around its roots with extra soil. Repeat with the rest of your succulents, placing smaller species around the largest or towards the terrarium’s edges, creating a mini landscape.
Leave space between each succulent. Despite their slow growth, succulents do spread if given space. The dirt shouldn’t reach more than halfway up the side of the container, thus leaving enough room for fit growth.
A Touch of Creativity
Add individuality by accessorizing. White pebbles contrast beautifully with succulents’ vibrant colors, while colored sand can replicate a desert scene. You can include miniature figurines, fairy garden accessories, or even a tiny dinosaur amidst the succulent “forest”.
Terrarium Maintenance
Terrarium care is straightforward. Position it in a bright, indirect sunlight area since harsh, direct sun produces a greenhouse effect inside the terrarium, killing succulents.
Watering is minimal, once every 2-3 weeks or when the soil completely dries out. Make sure not to overwater as succulent roots are prone to rot in wet conditions.
Also, refrain from fertilizing too often. Succulents are very low feeders, and giving them too many nutrients will lead to unnaturally fast growth that compromises their health.
Tips for a Thriving Terrarium
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Succulent Selection: Choose succulents with similar sunlight and watering needs. Some may prefer full sunlight, while others can tolerate some shade. Opt for a harmonious blend.
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Arrangement: Be creative but don’t overcrowd your terrarium. Space them apart and let each succulent shine.
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Trimming: Regularly remove fallen leaves to prevent rot and pests, and clip overgrown plants to maintain your chosen aesthetic.
Creating a DIY succulent terrarium is more than just indoor gardening. It’s decorating with nature while breathing life into a corner of your home or office. Best of all, each terrarium is a miniature reflection of your personal creativity and style.
With this guide, you are poised to design your little piece of serenity. So, let your imagination soar to create endlessly unique, stylish, and simple DIY succulent terrariums evocative of a living, breathing piece of art.
