How to Care for a Terrarium Succulent Leaf Plant

Vegetable and flowering plants thrive in outdoor gardens around the nation, but must always follow specific seasonal calendars. Indoor gardens, on the other hand, thrive around the year. Terrarium gardens incorporate enclosed, fully protected growing situations and offer opportunities for hotter, more self-sufficient environments. Tropical plants and heat-loving succulents flourish in terrarium gardens, though these growing situations require some specific considerations.

Terrarium
Gravel
Charcoal
Potting soil
Rocks

Instructions

- 1
  Use a terrarium with a lid for succulents, and remove the lid to encourage best air flow. These plants enjoy the warmth and protection of a terrarium but don't do well with over watering or high, contained humidity.
- 2
  Build a quick-draining foundation for the plant. Lay 1 inch of gravel along the bottom of the terrarium for water collection and 1/2 inch of charcoal for cleaning. Cover the charcoal with 3 to 5 inches of quick-draining potting soil, depending on the size of your terrarium. Use bagged garden loam as an alternative to potting soil.
- 3
  Plant the succulent along or with similar companions. Don't plant the succulent with tropical plants or moisture-loving vegetables as these require a different environment. Place rocks and other decorations in the terrarium for effect.
- 4
  Put the terrarium in a spot with indirect or filtered light, or indoors with artificial light. Direct light burns and kills terrarium plants. Watch the succulent for yellowing or brown leaves, which signify burnt foliage, and move the terrarium to shadier locations as necessary.
- 5
  Water the plant sparingly with 2 inches of water every 10 days. Succulents don't require generous moisture, and the terrarium holds more moisture than standard pots. Watch the terrarium for water condensation on the glass, and water only if there is no condensation.

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