Discover why succulents are perfect terrarium plants. Get expert tips on choosing, setting up, and caring for your succulent terrarium—perfect for beginners!
Hey there, plant enthusiasts! Have you ever thought about bringing a tiny piece of nature into your home with almost no effort? If so, you’re going to love this guide. I’m Ashley Scott, and with 10 years of gardening experience under my belt, I’m here to tell you all about terrarium plants succulents. These little beauties are perfect for creating a stunning, low-maintenance mini garden that fits right on your desk or shelf. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to make your own succulent terrarium.
Picture this: a glass jar filled with colorful succulents, tiny rocks, and a sprinkle of moss—your very own slice of desert magic. Sound tempting? Let’s dive in!
What Are Succulents?
Let’s start with the basics. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them champs at surviving in dry conditions. You’ve probably seen them popping up everywhere—on Instagram, in coffee shops, or even at your friend’s house. Their plump, fleshy leaves and quirky shapes make them a total eye-catcher.
So, why are succulents such a great pick for terrariums? Terrariums are like little worlds in a jar, and succulents thrive in them because they don’t need much water and love bright light. I’ve been hooked on them ever since I made my first terrarium years ago—it’s like having a pet plant that doesn’t demand much attention!
Why Choose Succulents for Your Terrarium?
You might be asking yourself, “Are succulents good terrarium plants?” Oh, absolutely! Here’s why I’m such a fan:
- Low Maintenance: Succulents are the ultimate “set it and forget it” plants. They’re happy with just a little water now and then, which is perfect for a terrarium setup.
- Variety: There’s a succulent for everyone. From spiky Haworthias to rosette-shaped Echeverias, you can mix and match to create a mini masterpiece.
- Perfect Size: Most succulents stay small, so they won’t out ව�rever outgrow your terrarium in a flash.
If you’re new to this, succulents are a fantastic place to start. Check out my beginner’s guide to terrarium gardening over at ://usagardenhub.com/)—it’s packed with tips to get you started.
Choosing the Right Succulents for Your Terrarium
Not every succulent is a terrarium superstar, so here’s what I look for when picking mine:
- Size: Go for small varieties that won’t take over your container. Think Sedum, Crassula, or Sempervivum.
- Growth Habit: Slow growers are your friends here. You don’t want one plant hogging all the space.
- Light Needs: Most succulents love bright, indirect light. If your terrarium’s in a dim spot, try Haworthia or Gasteria—they’re cool with less sun.
Here are some of my favorite terrarium plants succulents:
- Echeveria: Gorgeous rosettes in all sorts of colors.
- Haworthia: Tiny and spiky—great for texture.
- Sedum: Comes in tons of shapes, from trailing to upright.
- Aloe: Mini versions are adorable and tough.
These are awesome terrarium plants for beginners because they’re hardy and easy to find. You can even snag some at local nurseries near you or online.
Can You Plant Succulents in a Terrarium?
Yes, you can! But here’s the deal: succulents do best in open terrariums. Why? They need air to circulate so they don’t rot. Closed terrarium plants hold too much moisture for most succulents, though some can handle it if you’re super careful with water.
I learned this the hard way when my first closed terrarium turned into a soggy mess. Stick with an open one, and you’ll be golden. Want to know more? My post on open vs. closed terrariums breaks it all down.
Setting Up Your Succulent Terrarium
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s what you’ll need for your succulent terrarium DIY kit:
- Container: A glass jar, bowl, or anything clear with an opening. I love a classic fishbowl vibe.
- Soil: Grab a cactus or succulent mix—something that drains fast. You can DIY it with potting soil and sand, too.
- Drainage: No holes in a terrarium? No problem. Add an inch of pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom.
- Extras: Rocks, moss, or tiny figurines to jazz it up.
How to Do It:
- Clean Up: Wash your container so it’s spotless.
- Layer Drainage: Pop in those pebbles or charcoal to keep roots dry.
- Add Soil: Pile in 2-3 inches of your succulent mix.
- Plant: Shake off extra soil from your succulents and tuck them in. Arrange them however you like—just don’t cram them.
- Decorate: Add your flair with rocks or moss. I once added a tiny dinosaur—it’s still my favorite!
- Water: Mist lightly. Less is more with succulents.
If DIY feels daunting, grab a succulent terrarium DIY kit. They’ve got everything you need in one box—perfect for beginners.
Caring for Your Succulent Terrarium
Good news: these little guys don’t need much fuss. Here’s how I keep mine happy:
- Watering: Only water when the soil’s bone dry—every 2-3 weeks for me. Overwatering’s a killer, so go easy.
- Light: Stick it in bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill is perfect, but skip harsh direct rays.
- Temperature: They like it cozy—60-80°F (15-27°C). Keep them away from drafts.
Need more watering tricks? My succulent watering guide has you covered.
Creative Succulent Terrarium Ideas
Now for the fun part—making it your own! Here are some succulent terrarium ideas I’ve played with:
- Desert Scene: Sand, rocks, and a few mini cacti for that wild west feel.
- Fairy Tale: Tiny fairies or mushrooms—pure magic.
- Hanging Orb: A glass ball that floats your succulents in style.
- Layered Look: Tall ones in back, short ones up front for depth.
Get wild with it! For more inspo, peek at Planet Desert’s blog—they’ve got killer ideas.
Common Questions About Succulent Terrariums
Got questions? I’ve got answers. These are the top ones I hear all the time:
Can I grow succulents in a terrarium?
Yep! They love open terrariums with good airflow. Just don’t drown them.
What succulents do well in terrariums?
Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum, and Crassula are my go-tos. They stay small and chill.
Are succulents good terrarium plants?
Totally! They’re low-maintenance and look amazing in glass.
Can you put a succulent in a closed terrarium?
You can, but it’s tricky. They prefer open setups to avoid rot. If you try it, water sparingly.
How do I care for a succulent terrarium?
Light water, bright light, and a little love. Check the soil before watering—dry is your cue.
For deeper dives, Gardening Know How has solid advice.
Conclusion
There you have it—a full rundown on terrarium plants succulents! They’re the perfect combo of beauty and ease, making them a must-try for any plant lover. I’ve loved watching my own terrariums grow (slowly, of course) into little green worlds. Now it’s your turn—grab some succulents, a jar, and let your creativity shine.
Need more tips? Swing by USA Garden Hub for all things gardening. Happy planting!
