What Container Do I Need to Create a Desert Terrarium?

A traditional terrarium is a closed system in which the plants are nourished by condensation produced during the continuous water cycle. There's little need to water the plants within such a terrarium because the closed system prevents evaporation. In contrast, a desert terrarium is an open-dish planter that contains a variety of cacti and other succulent plants. Because desert terrariums rarely need watering, they may be left in the open air and watered as often as a closed terrarium.

1 wide, shallow bowl that has a drainage hole on the bottom
1 circle of screening
Activated charcoal
Potting soil
Sand
Scissors
Small cacti and other succulent plants
Stones, pebbles and other decorative pieces
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Clean and dry the bowl. If chemical residues from the manufacturing process or biological contaminants remain in the bowl, this may affect the plants’ health.
- 2
  Place the screen in the bowl, positioning it over the hole. The screen keeps the soil from falling out and allows air to circulate.
- 3
  Line the bottom of the bowl with 1/2 inch of activated charcoal. The charcoal purifies the water and soil. Although charcoal is essential to traditional terrariums, it's optional for an open-air terrarium.
- 4
  Fill the bowl halfway with potting soil recommended for desert plants. Arrange the larger stones into the soil. Fill with more soil, leaving 1 inch of room in the bowl. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of sand over the soil.
- 5
  Remove the plants from their containers and trim any excess roots. Use your fingers to create holes in the soil and plant the cacti and succulents in the holes. Press the soil and sand lightly around each plant to eliminate air pockets.
- 6
  Spread more sand over the surface area and water the terrarium lightly.

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