How to Make a Succulent Terrarium

Although I attended a “how to” terrarium workshop a few years ago, I needed a refresher course to create a succulent terrarium.

I had collected a few plants from my trip to a local farm and wanted to display them in a beautiful setting instead of having the same ol’ plastic pots around my apartment.

Here are the steps to make a succulent terrarium.

Step 1: Find the perfect pot

I found this gem – large glass jar – from the Christmas Tree Shops for $5.99. Although terrariums may be any size, I wanted to house a few succulent plants. This jar also was large enough for me to play around with the plants without having to worry about a smaller opening.

Step 2: Fill the jar with Spanish Moss.

Spanish Moss is available in (unfortunately…) plastic bags at Home Depot or local gardening center. Since the water has to drain in the terrarium, it’s important to have a layer of Spanish moss and stones.

Step 3: Add stones.

For extra drainage, add stones on top of your Spanish moss. Alternately, you can add the stones as the base of the terrarium (with the Spanish moss on top.) (I changed my mind after I took the photo and placed the stones on the bottom.)

Step 4: Add Potting Soil.

Add a substantial amount of potting soil in the terrarium for your plants to grow.

Step 5: Add plants.

I planned my succulents and added them into the terrarium for what looked best to me.

Step 6: Add extras (if desired.)

I wanted to have some character to my terrarium, so I added a few dinosaurs, and octopus & turtle to my terrarium. Although you don’t have to add anything, figurines or little characters are an added bonus to your new plant world.

Step 7: Put a lid on it.

The beauty of terrariums is that you don’t have to water them much at all since the water continuously evaporates and re-hydrates the plants. With succulents, you don’t need much water to begin with. Make sure to keep an eye on your plant life and hydrate when necessary.

Readers, have you created a succulent terrarium? Give us your tips in the comments.