Learn how to create a stunning succulent terrarium step by step. Perfect for beginners—fun, simple, and creative DIY gardening!
Succulents are the most low-maintenance but bold plants you can bring into your home. And there is no better way to flaunt them than in a terrarium. Even if you think you can’t do DIY projects, you can with these because we have something for everyone. Let’s see what catches your eye.
6 Simple Succulent Terrarium Tutorials
But before diving in, here’s a quick tip: always choose an open container rather than a closed one. Succulents dislike trapped humidity, so open bowls or dishes help them thrive.
1. Mini Garden Inside a Bowl
Succulent displays are totally your thing, and after you create your own arrangement, you’ll be hooked and want to repeat the process over and over. Here’s how to do it: First, grab a clean glass container. Next, add a layer of small and decorative stones to the bottom of your container for water to drain, then add your well-draining soil.
After that, plant your succulents and arrange them however your creativity flows. Then, to complete the display, finish it off with some sand or decorative stones for a clean, finished look that is sure to impress, and hurray, you’ve got a chic arrangement that is sure to spice up your kitchen!
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl—succulents need a little “personal space” to grow without competing for nutrients.
2. Ceramic Bowl Succulent Garden
Let’s change your living room space with some serious arrangement, because we heard you’re tired of whites and greys. A succulent arrangement on your center table is a fantastic way to bring some color and life into your space.
Start with a decorative ceramic bowl, add pebbles and stones for drainage, fill with succulent or cactus soil, and carefully plant your cacti and succulents. Once you’ve carefully planted everything, arrange them neatly and add small decorative accents, and you have a beautiful centerpiece that will definitely be the highlight of the room!
Here’s a small caution: ceramic bowls without drainage holes can trap extra water. To avoid root rot, water sparingly and make sure the topsoil dries completely before watering again.
3. Glass and Succulents
Let’s give your garden some peace! Adding a succulent arrangement alongside your pots and planters is a great way to add beauty outside. In order to create this, pull out your favorite elongated shallow glass bowl that allows for space and breathing.
Add a layer of white pebbles for drainage, then fill it up with soil. Plant your succulents or cacti while arranging them to look neat. Finally, add some moss on top of the soil and some white stones to give it a natural appearance. You now have a garden companion for you and your plants to enjoy slow mornings and coffee breaks!
You can place this arrangement in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight through glass can work like a magnifying glass and scorch your succulents.
4. The Dish is Shallow but not your Succulents
Let’s find your side table a new best friend! A succulent combination is the perfect friend to pair with your books or lamp, and you can’t go wrong with this! To get started with a beautiful display, simply find a shallow glass dish that is right for you.
First, you’ve got to add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then add soil and carefully plant your succulents and cacti, making sure to allow for some breathing room for each one. Next, fill in around the plants with soil and small stones, and finally, arrange them together to create a balanced look, as always, that represents how you like it.
Note: Smaller dishes dry out more quickly. Keep an eye on the soil, and water only when it feels completely dry.
5. Paint it Green!
Are you sick of looking at a blank white wall? Let’s make a gorgeous painted green pot succulent display! First, paint your pot to freshen up the look! Second, fill it with cactus or succulent soil that allows for drainage. As a final step for drainage and added texture, add a layer of white pebbles on top.
Now, add your succulents to the pot, combining colors and shapes to create a unique display! Be sure to leave some space in between, and voila, you’ve just created an amazing succulent display that will add some life to your wall space!
If you’re painting pots, use non-toxic paints or sealants—succulent roots are sensitive, and harmful chemicals can seep into the soil.
6. The Evergreen Black Forest Cake
This terrarium is a nice substitute for a Black Forest Cake without all the calories. How interesting is that! Make this beautiful creation and keep it out in your living room, and guests will love trying to guess whether it’s a cake or a succulent display.
Make this by layering a round bowl with soil, a very thin layer of white pebbles and stones for drainage. Repeat the process with a layer of soil, then carefully plant your succulents in the soil. Finish up with another layer of white pebbles and stones, and then enjoy the joyful banter from your guests as they try to determine whether it is a cake or succulent display.
Also, you can add miniature figurines like tiny chairs, mushrooms, or fairy lights to make your terrarium look like a whimsical landscape.
Making a succulent terrarium is a creative DIY project and a low-effort way to make a beautiful terrarium piece that decorates your desk, shelf, or living room. Furthermore, succulents require very little care, which makes your terrarium easy to maintain and long-lasting. Which one are you trying first? Let us know!
