diy succulent terrarium ideas for small apartments

DIY Succulent Terrarium Ideas for Small Apartments

Creating a succulent terrarium is an engaging way to bring a slice of nature into your small apartment. Terrariums not only serve as wonderful decor but also act as low-maintenance plants suitable for indoor living. Here are some creative DIY succulent terrarium ideas, complete with step-by-step instructions and design tips.

1. Classic Glass Globe Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass globe or bowl
• Small pebbles
• Activated charcoal
• Potting soil
• Assorted succulent plants
• Decorative stones or sand (optional)

Instructions:

1. Layering the Base: Start by adding a layer of small pebbles (about an inch) to the bottom of the glass globe for drainage.
2. Charcoal Layer: Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent odor and promote a healthy environment.
3. Soil Addition: Place about 2-3 inches of potting soil on top of the charcoal.
4. Planting Succulents: Create small depressions in the soil for each succulent. Remove them from their pots gently and place them in the soil, packing it around the base.
5. Decorate: Finish with decorative stones or colored sand to enhance the appearance.

2. Vertical Mason Jar Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Mason jars (wide-mouth preferred)
• Potting mix
• Small pebbles
• Succulent plants
• Decorative moss (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pebble Layer: Pour a layer of small pebbles at the bottom of the jar for drainage.
2. Soil Layer: Add a couple of inches of potting mix over the pebbles.
3. Succulent Placement: Make a small hole and plant your succulent. Ensure it has enough space to grow.
4. Moss Topper: If desired, you can top off with decorative moss to retain moisture and enhance the look.

3. Wooden Box Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Wooden box or crate
• Plastic liner
• Small rocks
• Potting soil
• A variety of succulents
• Decorative items (toys, stones)

Instructions:

1. Liner Preparation: Line the inside of the wooden box with a piece of plastic to retain moisture.
2. Rock Layer: Add a layer of small rocks at the bottom for drainage.
3. Soil Layer: Fill the container with potting soil, leaving enough room for the plants.
4. Arranging Plants: Plant various succulents, varying their height and form for visual interest.
5. Add Decor: Enhance the terrarium with charming decorative items like miniature figurines or inspired stones.

4. Hanging Succulent Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass orbs with openings
• Twine or fishing line
• Small pebbles
• Potting soil
• Succulents
• Decorative stones (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Orb: While holding the glass orb, begin by adding a layer of pebbles, similar to previous ideas.
2. Charcoal Addition: Include a thin layer of activated charcoal, if desired.
3. Soil Layer: Add enough potting soil for the plants.
4. Plant Selection: Carefully insert your selected succulents into the soil.
5. Hanging Method: Use twine or fishing line to hang your orb in a bright but indirect light area.

5. Colorful Layered Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• A clear container (bowl or vase)
• Colored sand or gravel
• Small pebbles
• Potting soil
• Assorted succulents

Instructions:

1. Layering Sand: Begin with a colorful sand layer—choose your palette for a vibrant effect.
2. Pebble Drainage: Add a layer of small rocks on top of the sand for drainage.
3. Soil Addition: Place a layer of potting soil.
4. Planting: Insert your succulents into the soil at varying depths for an engaging look.
5. Final Touches: Use additional colorful sand to accentuate the soil or around the base of the plants.

6. Terracotta Pot Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Terracotta pots
• Saucers (to catch moisture)
• Small pebbles
• Cactus soil
• Mini succulents

Instructions:

1. Pebble Base: Pour a layer of small pebbles into the bottom of each pot for drainage.
2. Soil Layer: Add the cactus soil, which is specially formulated for succulents.
3. Planting: Arrange your mini succulents in the soil, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
4. Decorate: Use small decorative stones or moss to cover the soil’s surface.

7. Aquascape Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass container
• Aquarium rock or gravel
• Activated charcoal
• Water plants
• Assorted succulents

Instructions:

1. Rock Layer: Start with a layer of aquarium rocks to create an intriguing water feature.
2. Charcoal Addition: Layer activated charcoal on top of the rocks to prevent any odors.
3. Add Water Plants: Plant water-loving plants suitable for the aquarium environment.
4. Succulent Planting: Consider placing succulents in separate areas that are dry and well-drained.
5. Terrarium Maintenance: Regularly check water levels for the aquatic plants and adjust them accordingly.

8. Teacup Succulent Terrarium

Materials Needed:

• Vintage teacups or mugs
• Small pebbles
• Cactus soil
• Mini succulents

Instructions:

1. Pebble Layer: Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the teacup for drainage.
2. Soil Layer: Fill with cactus soil, allowing enough space for planting.
3. Succulent Placement: Insert your chosen succulents into the soil, gently patting the soil around them.
4. Decorate: Use small rocks or crystals for a decorative touch.

Tips for maintaining Terrariums:

• Light: Ensure your terrarium receives bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the plants.
• Watering: Succulents require minimal watering. Check the soil; if it’s dry, it’s time for a small splash of water.
• Pruning: Regularly prune any dead leaves or overgrown plants to maintain the terrarium’s aesthetic.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests, like mealybugs, that might invade your succulents.

Creating a DIY succulent terrarium is not just a fun activity; it also adds a touch of greenery and charm to small apartments. With these diverse ideas, you can customize your terrarium style to suit your decor while enjoying the benefits of indoor gardening.