LOVE TERRARIUM
I created a succulent terrarium this weekend for the little love birds, Brooke & Trever. Its no Paula Hayes, but it is awfully cute. Right before I began, I thought this might be a good DIY for MStetson; below are my how-to steps. It was such a fun project; I highly recommend it!
{ Step No. 01 | BUYING SUPPLIES }
GLASS CONTAINER | Now, if you plan on using succulents, as above, it is best to have a glass container with a large opening versus a traditional terrarium container. Succulents (most succulents, I should say) prefer dry, desert-like conditions. A traditional terrarium with little-to-no opening are very humid and will not support the proper climate for succulents or cacti. Also consider how many plants you would like to be placed in the container, as well as the height of the plants.
ROCKS | You will need to purchase a bag of rocks that will allow for drainage and air circulation for the roots.
HORTICULTURAL CHARCOAL | This will be the second layer in your terrarium. This helps “sweeten” the water and lessen the chance of any molds or bacteria.
CACTUS SOIL | Using pre-mixed cactus soil is a perfect way to avoid having to mix your own. Succulents and cacti need soil that have extra good drainage, so if you opt to mix your own, do some good research on soil/sand proportions.
PLANTS | It is really important when you pick your succulents, to select ones with similar sun conditions. These below are full sun, which are perfect for sunny Southern California.
{ Step No. 02 | CREATE }
LAYER ROCKS & CHARCOAL | I poured in about a 2 1/2″ layer of rocks, smoothed them out evenly and then carefully poured in the 1″-1 1/2″ layer of charcoal. I know once the soil starts to settle and the terrarium is watered, the layers may not look as clearly defined, but until then, I wanted them looking perfect.
POUR IN SOIL | I then poured in about one quarter of the container’s worth of soil and smoothed out evenly. Again, upon watering, the soil will begin to compact.
PLANT YOUR SUCCULENTS | Arrange the succulents to your liking. (I went through a few rounds.) I tried to place the ones with a bit more height in the center. Plant them and gently pack the soil surrounding them.
ADD ANY FINAL TOUCHES | I decided to insert a garden maker with Brooke & Trev’s new phrase, “we are hoehne”. But, I have seen rocks, figurines, etc.
{ Step No. 03 | GIFT WRAP }
HOW-TO TAG | I opted for a hand-written “how-to” tag. (I am on the computer way to much!) It reads:
How to care for your Succulent Terrarium.
No. 01: Don’t over water.
No. 02: These succas like it hot! (full sun).
No. 03: Love on them & enjoy.
WRAP | I’m going to be honest, this was no easy task for my container. It was so large, it was hard to find anything large enough to wrap the whole thing. A fabric or cloth might have been a good option, however I decided to work with kraft paper and come to terms that the bottom may be exposed. (Ya, not the most forgiving and flexible material.) I cut out a large circle and centered it on the top. Then, I carefully began to tuck in layers and ended up stapling them because the double-stick tape wasn’t actually sticking. Upon completion, I used a small ribbon to cinch the wrap around the top lip of the container. Finally, I made a little gift tag and voila… 
p.s. I am addicted to these. I’ve already made a small one for my house and planted the extra succulents outside… don’t be surprised if you get one for your birthday!
What a wonderful idea! It turned out really well & what a fun gift. Great job!
we love it stets!!! you are brilliant!
this is great! what an awesome gift.
one of our favorite gifts every was all the “ingredients” + the instructions for a terrarium that my daughter got from a buddy for her 4th b-day. we had a blast putting it all together.
Hi! Saw this on Decor8 and had a question – where did you buy your excellent succulents? They look so pretty, and you have such a nice variety! I’m in the midwest, so we have different stores here, but if you had any suggestions (or if any of your readers do), I’d greatly appreciate it! (The only thing I know is that Home Depot has a pretty crappy selection.)
Kelly – Lowes has a surprisingly wide variety of succulents now. If you have one nearby, it’s worth checking out their nursery area.
These are adorable! I’m definitely going to give some for upcoming occasions – thanks!
what a great idea =) does the water just dry out on the bottom because there is no hole in the glass jar?
Thank you all for your great responses! You will love making them. I actually found some succulents from Lowes and some from Home Depot; it looked like they had just received a pretty good delivery when I was there. But, if you are willing to venture online for a purchase, you could also contact Succulent LA, the California Cactus Center, or GoSucculent.com.
And, in terms of watering, most of the online research I did recommended watering with a spray bottle every few weeks, but to make sure the soil is completely dry before doing so. The rocks and the this type of soil are supposed to help with evaporation. I might have to do a progress report in a few weeks!
xoxo, linds
Great post, and the pictures are practically edible. I did a similar project outdoors in a terrecotta pot and along the edges of garden beds to help stunt soil erosion– in the right conditions (well-drained soil, full sun, intermittent watering) you can grow succulents, even in soggy New England! My favorite succulents are “Hens and Chickens” or Sempervivum, and Dragon’s Blood, one of the nearly 600 varieties of sedum out there. WOW! Thanks again– I’m adding you to my blog list, and will visit often.
Can you let me know where to get Horticultural Charcoal? Would it be in the plant nursery of Home Depot?
thenay,
I purchased my charcoal at a local nursery next to the bags of soil; I think it was about $4. I wasn’t able to find it at Lowes or Home Depot. You could also try an online store like BackyardGardner.com.
I would love to see pictures of your creations!
This is fantastic idea! I’m definetly going to try this!
This is fabulous and i’m going to make one for my BF.
Can you please tell me where you got your jar??
It's a great gift idea, which will last a long long time!
The tag is crucial I think, because over watering is the best way to kill the plants.
And love the photos too! Well done!
Wow, thanks for sharing your beautiful terrarium. I have done some, if you'd like to see them: http://miacasadepano.blogspot.com/
thanks!
Thanks for your detailed directions! It helped me make a cute terrarium in a fishbowl that I plan on giving away… eventually. :)
love that even after all this time, these instructions inspire! love seeing everyone's creations! lindarfar, it's tough to part with it for sure, but your recipient will love it! p.s. I was in Corona del Mar for the 4th, too!
xo stets