How to Build a Succulent Terrarium

Terrariums are often thought of as enclosed, self-contained growing environments suited for plants that prefer high humidity. This damp condition is not appropriate for growing succulents that thrive in dry, desertlike settings. However, succulents can grow in an open terrarium. Building a succulent terrarium is similar to creating a dish garden, except you use glass containers in place of the shallow dish containers. Choose open glass containers large enough for several inches of growing medium and the succulents.

Glass container
Pea gravel
Horticultural charcoal
Cacti-type soil mix

Instructions

- 1
  Place the succulent terrarium in a warm location with lots of light, but not where the sunlight reflects through the glass to prevent burning the succulents.
- 2
  Add a layer 1- to 2-inches thick of pea gravel on the glass container’s bottom. Other materials you can use include small pebbles, rocks or perlite.
- 3
  Covering this layer with 1/2 inch of charcoal keeps the soil fresh and lessens the chance of bacterial problems. Add a layer of at least 1-1/2 inches of a cacti-type soil mix.
- 4
  Place the succulent plants in the terrarium in various locations while they are still in their pots to determine the best plant arrangement. Use odd amounts of plants and place large plants in the back if the terrarium is viewed from one side. Try putting larger succulent plants in the center, if the terrarium is viewed from all sides.
- 5
  Make holes in the soil mix just deep enough to bury the succulent plants at the same depth they grew in their containers. Firming the soil around the succulents holds them in place.
- 6
  Wait for at least two days before water the succulents after placing them in the terrarium to prevent root rot, and then water them sparingly.

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