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How to Make a Terrarium to Keep Succulents Alive

Not all of us are blessed with a green thumb worth a solarium. For those erring on the cautious side of blooming furniture, terrariums are a low-maintenance way to keep succulents alive in their own micro-habitat. They also make for effortlessly beautiful centerpieces and accent pieces that add a little greenery to your table. If you haven't picked up a gardening kit, keep following for the easy, DIY way to build a terrarium habitat your plants will love.

Materials

  • Sand

  • Soil

  • Succulents

  • Rocks

  • Glass jar or display

  • Brush (optional)

Build a Base

Succulents require less water than traditional houseplants, but they're still susceptible to root rot and mineral contamination. Wash and rinse the glass jar or display thoroughly to make sure it's clean of dust or contaminants.

After drying the glass, add rocks to the bottom of the container to form a small layer of protection from the roots sitting in drained water. Porous stones like lava rock, are best for drainage, but river stones or washed rocks from your yard can also offer protection against root rot.

Add a few inches of soil to allow for additional root growth. A good guide is twice the length of your plants' current root ball size. So if your plants have two to three inches of root growth, add two to three inches of soil to the bottom layer.

Secure Your Succulents

Add plants to the base layers, packing a layer of topsoil on top to secure them in place. Once the plants are well potted, add a layer of sand above the new topsoil layer. Then add decorations like tiny homes or moss.

Tip: Use a brush to evenly distribute topsoil and sand over the succulents.

Maintaining the Terrarium

Water the terrarium and place it by a bright window. Water every two weeks or as needed when the soil is dry to the touch. Check for excess water by lifting the terrarium and checking underneath, being careful not to overwater.

Use as a live centerpiece to add greenery to a kitchen table or entryway.

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