How to Grow Succulents in Jars

Create a base layer of stones or gravel 1 to 2 inches thick. This promotes drainage, so that the roots aren't standing in water.

Cover the gravel with a mesh screen, which keeps soil and charcoal from setting into the stones. This preserves the stones’ drainage effect.

Add one-half inch of crushed charcoal to the jar. This helps regulate the terrarium or jar garden’s odor.

Add a thin, even layer of cactus soil on top of the charcoal. Another option is using equal parts sand and potting soil.

Place succulents or succulent cuttings in the terrarium. If you can't get your fingers down in the jar for planting, grasp the succulent with chopsticks and nudge it in place. If you can use your fingers, nestle the plant so its roots sink into the soil. Add all succulents in this manner.

Sprinkle water in the jar wetting the soil. Thereafter, sprinkle the soil with water when it feels dry to the touch or if the succulent's leaves look wrinkled. Do not drench the soil.