While cleaning and organizing in my basement recently, I found an old fish bowl/terrarium that I had picked up at a thrift store a couple years ago. I had always intended to set up a little nature scene in it, but I never found any houseplants that were small enough, so the terrarium languished, empty, on a shelf.
Then last Saturday morning, I was making the rounds at the Lake Mills citywide rummage sale, when I happened upon a plant sale being held in someone’s front yard. Among the plants there were some tiny succulents — the perfect size for my small terrarium. The hen and chicks plant in the big pot at the top was $2. The three smaller square containers were three (pots) for $5 (and each pot had three or more plants in it). I picked up the plant that looks like peas at Wal-Mart the next day.
I had to buy some cactus potting mix and some small stones (I used aquarium gravel), but the rest of the supplies I already had.
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I started with an inch or so of gravel at the bottom of the container for drainage.
Then I added a layer of charcoal, to filter the air and keep the soil fresh.
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Bonus: the charcoal adds a pretty layered stripe to the terrarium.
On top of the charcoal: the soil. Instead of regular potting soil, I used a special blend that contains a mixture of Sphagnum moss, composted forest products, sand and perlite. It’s designed to promote drainage, which is important for succulents.
I put the largest plant, the “hen” from the hen and chicks plant, in first.
I positioned it toward the back of the terrarium …
… and then burrowed a miniature birdhouse into the soil next to it.
Then I filled in the front with a bunch of the smaller plants.
After I had everything planted, I spread some sheet moss across the top of the soil to make everything look pretty and green.
As a finishing touch, I added a path up to the little house with my aquarium gravel.
I took a few photos through the terrarium glass, but with all the reflection going on, it was hard to get a good shot. This was about the best I could do. It’s a sweet little tableau. Now I just hope the plants grow (but not too fast that they outgrow the terrarium).
This is so cute! I love succulents and I love terrariums. I've tried to make one of these – twice – and both times my succulents died. Have no idea why. Hope yours do well!
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for commenting on my blog today and for the compliment on my photos. I am that way sometimes, that if I don't have something more meaningful to say than “love it” or “great job”, then I won't leave a comment. I'm trying to break myself of that because I don't mind if someone leaves a short comment, so I like to think they wouldn't mind either! 🙂
Now, for your terrarium…I love this and would have never thought of putting one together to have something green and natural in the house. I kill most every plant I touch, so I'm a little “gun-shy” about planting anything. But a terrarium is a really good idea — low budget and easy to take care of…hmmm, may take your cue here! Have a wonderful evening!
This is so cute! I love succulents and I love terrariums. I've tried to make one of these – twice – and both times my succulents died. Have no idea why. Hope yours do well!
Good instructions. I may make this with the granddaughter.
VERY nice tutorial on this! 🙂
VERY nice tutorial on this! 🙂
VERY nice tutorial on this! 🙂
VERY nice tutorial on this! 🙂
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for commenting on my blog today and for the compliment on my photos. I am that way sometimes, that if I don't have something more meaningful to say than “love it” or “great job”, then I won't leave a comment. I'm trying to break myself of that because I don't mind if someone leaves a short comment, so I like to think they wouldn't mind either! 🙂
Now, for your terrarium…I love this and would have never thought of putting one together to have something green and natural in the house. I kill most every plant I touch, so I'm a little “gun-shy” about planting anything. But a terrarium is a really good idea — low budget and easy to take care of…hmmm, may take your cue here! Have a wonderful evening!