Because of their modest size, lovely variations, and very simple maintenance, succulents are excellent terrarium plants. This article will teach you how to construct a succulent terrarium and will provide you with a step-by-step list of the materials you’ll need.
Generally speaking, the processes required to create a succulent terrarium are as follows:
- Select a terrarium vessel.
- sanitize the container
- Select and apply the bottom drainage layer.
- Add a filter to help with separation
- Apply a coat of charcoal
- Succulent soil mixture should be added before plants.
- Decorations
What do I need to make a terrarium with succulents?
What you’ll require is:
- a terrarium that hangs.
- a variety of little succulents.
- hand trowel
- Gravel.
- gloves for gardening.
- Compost that is good for succulents and cacti.
- decorations for the season of your choice.
- Moss.
How well do succulents fare in terrariums?
For succulents, the planting media is essential. Succulents are ideal for terrariums because of their sluggish growth, but if the proper medium isn’t used, the condensation that could form could harm the tiny plants. Fill the container’s bottom with small rocks or gravel. An inch or so of charcoal is placed on top of this layer. This removes any pollutants and odors that may be present in the water. Sphagnum moss should next be added, followed by lightly wet cactus soil.
In the cactus mix, put the little plants, and then compact the dirt around them. To dig the holes and fill them in around the plants, a dowel or stick is useful. Plants should be placed at least an inch (2.5 cm) apart to allow for proper airflow. For the first several weeks, plants may require a Popsicle stick or small stake to hold them erect.
The really enjoyable part now is designing the terrarium. Add some seashells if you want a beach theme, or place some pebbles to go with the succulents if you want a desert theme. There are countless products that can be used to improve the terrarium’s natural appearance. Some growers even include porcelain figurines to heighten the whimsical atmosphere. Just make sure everything you put in the terrarium has been well cleaned to prevent introducing disease.
How can a closed terrarium made of succulents be created?
In my very first terrarium, I created a detailed setting with tiny figurines cuddling on a park bench among the mossy plants. It made me believe that heaven must be a soft tiny planet. But a week or so later, hell. Plants died, leaves shrunk, and the moss became brittle. It was heartache for a small, in love couple. I discovered the hard way that you can’t just throw any old plants in a jar of dirt and hope for the best. There is a proper technique to construct a terrarium.
You Should Know: Open-sided and closed vessels are the two types of terrariums. Choosing plants that appreciate damp soil and humid air is important because a terrarium with a lid will produce a humid environment.
Activated charcoal, potting soil, slow-growing tiny plants, herb snips to shape them, and stones are all you need in addition to a closed container.
Step 1: To create a drainage system for the container, spread a layer of pebbles between 1/2 and 1 inch thick.
Step 2: To purify the air in the enclosed space, spread a layer of activated charcoal between 1/2 and 1 inch thick.
Step 4: Arrange plants before planting.
In a container with enough room to develop, miniature ferns make a wonderful choice for a closed setting. Do not crowd. If required, use herb snips to trim leaves to make space for plants to breathe.
The fifth step is to make a hole in the potting soil for each plant. Around the plant roots, firmly pat the ground. Water plants (but don’t overwater) and stop when the soil feels evenly damp to the touch.
Step 6: Seal the container and set the terrarium in a bright area, but away from the sun, as the glass will magnify the sun’s rays. Don’t fry the plants, please.
Wardian cases, named for the Victorian plant collector who created them to transport specimens, are tiny glasshouse terrariums with peaked roofs.
Can succulents be grown in just rocks?
It should be obvious that succulents will thrive when planted in rocks given these circumstances. They drain very well and do not retain water, which eliminates the possibility of root rot. This does not include another component of soil, though, since all plants need nutrients.
Although succulents are not particularly hungry plants, they do need certain nutrients to grow. Other micronutrients like zinc or iron are needed in smaller levels, whereas macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are essential. The plant won’t grow at all or last very long without these nutrients.
By their very nature, rocks don’t release nutrients quickly enough to keep the plants alive. They are composed of minerals, but since they decompose so slowly over time, they are not appropriate for growing on their own. Additionally, they often don’t retain enough moisture, allowing the roots to quickly dry out after draining practically instantly.
Sadly, this means that succulents cannot thrive permanently without soil in rocks. If not given regular care, they may survive for several weeks or even months on the nutrients found in the stems and leaves.
Succulents — can they survive in a contained terrarium?
If the idea of going faux makes you sick to your stomach (Trust us, we get it! ), you may still arrange live succulents in a closed terrarium while keeping a few key considerations in mind.
When putting genuine succulents in a closed terrarium, airflow is your best friend. In fact, the dome of our Glass Cloche has air holes that will keep your enclosed terrarium from becoming overly humid. And if your closed terrarium does become a little humid, you can easily remove the lid for a few days to allow the environment to dry out before replacing it.
Here are a few other suggestions to keep your enclosed terrarium airy:
- To help the soil stay dry, place drainage stones at the bottom of your terrarium.
- The leaves of your succulents should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Choose a bright area with filtered sunlight as an alternative.
- Your succulents won’t become soggy with a light weekly irrigation.
Need charcoal for terrariums with succulents?
A terrarium can and will run successfully without a coating of charcoal. The important query is whether a covering of charcoal has a long-term beneficial impact on terrarium health.
Sadly, there isn’t any hard research demonstrating how well charcoal filters out harmful contaminants from a terrarium.
It makes sense in theory, and there is anecdotal evidence from seasoned terrarium builders that suggests it’s a useful addition, but like many terrarium-building decisions, it comes down to personal preference and trial and error.
Personally, I find that I utilize it less and less. I opted not to use charcoal in the project for my Essential Guide to Tropical Terrariums and instead used springtails to keep my terrarium clean. It’s still my healthiest, to be honest.
However, if you do decide to utilize it, adding a charcoal layer to your terrarium is a simple modification that I’ve found to have no significant drawbacks.
Charcoal can still be used as a drainage component when creating terrariums with a false bottom. So it won’t be much of a hindrance to your plants if it’s placed between your drainage rocks and your substrate.
Try adding extra terrarium moss instead of charcoal if you’re not keen on that. In any case, moss naturally filters water and is capable of removing contaminants like arsenic.
Should terrarium doors be left open or shut?
You can make your own terrariums at home or in terrarium workshops, and they are small, portable gardens. If you take the proper care, they require very little upkeep and occupy very little space. It is therefore ideal for Singaporeans who lack a green thumb or are just too busy to take care of gardening. Open and closed terrariums are the two different varieties. The differences between them are listed below!
several plants are necessary
Different plant species can adjust to various climatic conditions. As a result, various layouts are needed for open and closed terrariums. Open terrarium plants favor a dry atmosphere with moving air. The finest plants for this are aloe, hens and chicks, cacti, and air plants. Contrarily, closed terrariums thrive in a more humid, enclosed environment. Baby ferns, aechmea, neoregelia, and cryptanthus are a few of the plants that can thrive in such an environment.
Dissipative layers
Depending on the type of terrarium, using sufficient drainage is crucial. By doing this, you can be sure that your plants will have a longer, healthier life. Each layer added to the terrarium also has the function of keeping a healthy environment for the plants to thrive in. Rocks, dirt, charcoal, and pebbles are needed for open terrariums. In contrast, closed terrariums simply require rocks, soil, and charcoal.
Closed terrariums can support themselves
Closed terrariums are put together with a lid, as the name implies. Given that the temperature is a little higher in a closed terrarium, it is only normal for moisture to come from the soil and plants. The water vapour will evaporate and then condense on the glass container’s side before falling back to the soil and plants at the bottom. The cycle then continues. As a result, closed terrariums are independent. Because the glass container is clear, light may pass through and photosynthesis can take place. To avoid the glass container heating up and damaging the plants, make careful never to set them in full sunlight.
Open terrariums can’t support themselves
There wouldn’t be a top to protect all the plants in the glass container since it is an open terrarium. The plants may instead be partially protruding from the containers. Open terrariums prefer drier circumstances and don’t need a moist atmosphere, in contrast to closed terrariums. It also lacks a regular water cycle because it is exposed to the elements. Open terrariums need to be watered frequently as a result. Whenever the soil becomes dry and you notice leaves falling off, or once a week.
terrarium maintenance
To keep your terrarium healthy and avoid having all your hard work go to waste, follow these instructions. Open terrariums would rather prefer to have lots of direct light from the sun. Remember to water them frequently while you’re at it! Closed terrariums require very little upkeep. For them, indirect lighting is ideal. Additionally, open the terrarium for 20 minutes at least once a month to enable some air circulation.
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Do succulents fit in Mason jars?
This detailed tutorial will show you how to use succulent plants and a mason jar to make a quick and simple hostess present to bring to your next gathering.
I quickly discovered that Southern California is the pinnacle of entertainment as a result of growing up in the luminous and sunny city of Los Angeles. The ideal elixir for pleasant celebrations with no formal occasion other than the official change in season is created by longer days and balmy, breezy nights. In Southern California, activities like nighttime dinners on patios lighted up brilliantly, pool parties, and my personal favorite, breakfast, can be enjoyed all year long.
I try to bring a hostess gift as frequently as I can because there are so many celebrations going on. A bottle of Ros or a lovely bunch of in-season flowers—my personal favorite being peonies—is typically involved.
I like to see those two choices as my simple alternatives. However, I really appreciate the consideration that went into creating a special present for the host or hostess.
Simple and stylish
Mason jar terrariums are wonderful presents. For colorful and unusual succulent plants, mason jars make the ideal planters. There are countless varieties, gem hues, and sizes available for these drought-tolerant beauties. Succulents require almost no maintenance and are simple to take care of (with a few exclusions).
I just went to my neighborhood hardware store to look for a couple succulents. I could stare at the various succulents for hours. I finally chose a couple to bring home and put in my mason jar terrarium after an uncomfortably lengthy period of time and a cart-full of plants had passed.
Mason jars of all sizes and shapes are always readily available in my kitchen, which makes it very simple and practical for me to make this activity. I can construct a small succulent terrarium in under 30 minutes with a few more materials.
Here are the materials you will need to make your own:
- Jar, Mason (I used a half pint mason jar and a pint and a half mason jar for this particular project but you can use any size you choose)
- (Cactus Mix) Soil
- Any hardware shop or garden center should carry this.)
- Succulents (in any style, size, or color). I suggest selecting a few different sizes. Choose a variety that will stand out and serve as the main attraction. Then choose a few more compact succulents in various colours to provide texture and build the arrangement around the focal focus.) If you have any succulent cuttings, this is an excellent project for you!
- Moss
- sandstone or tiny pebbles
- gift tags, baker’s twine, etc (Optional)
Choose a Container
Half the fun of creating a terrarium is selecting the container and plants. You may purchase a variety of specialist terrarium containers, including some that cost hundreds of dollars and resemble little Victorian greenhouses or conservatories.
However, you can make a terrarium with nearly any transparent (glass or plastic) container with a wide opening (with or without a lid). Aquariums, goldfish bowls, Wardian cases, cold frames, bell jars, tureens, apothecary jars, cloches, mason jars, glass cookie jars, and even sizable brandy snifters are examples of containers that work well. You can insert your palm fully inside the container’s broad opening to add drainage material, soil, plants, and decorative components (shells, figurines, or ornaments).
Choose the Plants
The majority of garden centers have miniature plants for terrariums, sometimes right next to the accessories for fairy gardens. Select terrarium plants that can fit in your container and have a variety of foliage heights and forms, ideally without touching the terrarium’s sides.
Add Drainage Layers
You will need to make a drainage layer because the terrarium container lacks drainage holes, which will prevent water from getting near the plant roots. Crushed stone or gravel should be spread out in a 2-inch layer at first in the terrarium’s bottom. A deeper layer of drainage stones is needed for a tall, narrow terrarium than for a wide, shallow one.
Activated charcoal should then be spread on top of the stones in a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer using a large spoon or trowel to aid drainage and eliminate any odors.
Add Moss and Potting Mix
To prevent the potting soil from blending with the stones and charcoal, add a layer of sheet moss next. The moss gives your terrarium additional visual interest.
Add a thin layer of moist, sterile potting soil on top of the moss using a large spoon or small trowel. Use potting soil without fertilizer added; terrarium plants don’t require additional fertilizer.
At least a few inches of potting mix should be added. In order for the plants to fit inside the container with room to grow but without hitting the top of a closed terrarium, it is important to keep the soil level low enough.
Prepare the Plants
Choose the layout of your terrarium before you start planting. Select the locations for your tall and short plants, as well as the mounds and dips you’ll make in the soil to create fascinating contours.
Plants should be taken out of their nursery pots. If a plant is bound by its roots, try tease the roots apart or cut some of the larger roots using a pair of small garden ships. When growing plants in the limits of a terrarium, root pruning, which involves removing certain roots, will slow a plant’s growth. Remove any damaged or yellowed leaves as well.
Add Plants
Clear the plants of any extra soil that remains. Dig a hole for each plant using a long spoon or your fingers. Place each plant in its hole, then use a soft patting motion to remove any air pockets and firmly anchor each one in the potting medium.
Use chopsticks, tongs, or long tweezers to place the plants into the terrarium and pat them in if it has a small entrance. To tamp down the soil, place a cork on the end of a skewer or chopstick, according to Tovah Martin’s book “The New Terrarium.”
Water the Terrarium
To water the plants so they are damp but not drenched, use a spray bottle or a small watering can with a rose attachment on its nozzle. You can use newspaper or a paper towel to wipe away any remaining dirt from the glass surfaces of your container after using the spray bottle to remove it.
Maintain the Plants
The majority of terrariums will thrive in an area with plenty of filtered light, but not in direct sunlight, which can heat up the terrarium and bake the plants inside. South-facing windows that receive a little shade can be perfect. Artificial grow lights will help your plants flourish if you don’t have enough naturally filtered sunlight, such as if your home is surrounded by shadow trees. Because LED and fluorescent artificial lighting typically don’t generate much heat, your plants can receive all the light they require to grow.
Terrarium maintenance is simple. Every few weeks, carry out these three actions:
- Check the soil’s moisture content by feeling the surface. Terrariums that are partially or completely enclosed keep their water much longer than the majority of potted houseplants.
- Check for condensation in a closed terrarium. To improve ventilation, remove the top once a month at the very least. Remove the top and wait for the condensation to go away. If you added too much water, remove the terrarium top as well.
- If plants are getting too big for the container, cut them back to a smaller size and remove any yellowing or broken leaves.
In a terrarium, never fertilize the plants. Through the organic decomposition of the potting soil, terrariums provide their own nutrients.