Succulent terrariums are an understated but striking interior accent that invites guests to discover miniature living details inside glass. The trend for low-maintenance succulents continues to grow because these plants bring a boho-desert vibe to any room while requiring minimal care. A glass terrarium elevates that look by creating a modern, greenhouse-like display. Building one is a fun, budget-friendly DIY project, but a few simple tips will help your mini garden thrive and look its best.
This guide shows how to assemble a compact succulent terrarium at home using affordable supplies from general retailers or discount stores. With a few layers of decorative stone, preserved moss, and well-draining soil, you can create a polished centerpiece worthy of your inspiration board.
Supply List
- Medium to large glass display bowl or vase
- Cactus soil or well-draining potting mix
- Black or white river stones
- Lava stones
- Coloured pebbles and/or sea glass
- Preserved mixed moss
- Optional plant stand or hanger
- Assorted mini succulents
- Small personal accents (crystals, figurines, sand, pebbles)
After you gather all supplies, prepare the terrarium by cleaning decorative pieces and choosing the right container. A clear glass vessel with enough room for soil, plants, and decor will make the layers visible and attractive.
Step 1 — Clean the Decorative Stones
Rinse and thoroughly dry pebbles and stones before adding them to the glass. Many decorative stones have a light dust that can cloud the glass. Wash them in a strainer and let them dry on a towel to keep your terrarium crystal clear.
Step 2 — Choose the Glass Container
Select a jar or vase with enough space for plants and decorative layers. Pro tip: avoid overcrowding. Succulents need room to grow — aim for two or three small plants so each has adequate space and airflow.
Step 3 — Base Layer of Decorative Stones
Add a 1.5–2 inch layer of cleaned decorative stones to the bottom of the vase. This base layer provides visual interest and basic drainage for the planting mix above.
Step 4 — Add Preserved Moss
Flatten a layer of preserved moss over the stones. Use a single colour for a clean look and press the moss so it touches the glass around the vase. The moss will compress under the next layers, so add a little extra to be safe.
Step 5 — Colourful River Stones
On top of the moss add a 1-inch layer of coloured river stones. White stones give a crisp finish, but any colour you prefer will create a striking visual contrast with the plants.
Step 6 — Small Lava Rocks
Spread a thin, even layer of smaller lava rocks. These finer stones prevent soil from slipping through to the decorative layers and help with drainage and aeration.
Step 7 — Another Moss Layer
Add another compacted layer of preserved moss on top of the lava rocks. This final moss barrier keeps soil from settling into lower layers. For most medium vases, about 1.5 inches works well.
Step 8 — Add Cactus Soil
Use a spoon or small scoop to place cactus soil in the center of the moss, then gently spread it toward the glass edges. Fill the remaining space, lightly pressing to compact while leaving several inches of visible glass near the top.
Step 9 — Plant the Succulents
Plant your succulents following standard planting practices: create small holes in the soil, nestle each plant in place, and firm the soil around the roots. For cacti, use tongs to avoid pricks. Position plants with enough space between them to allow airflow and growth.
Step 10 — Add Decorative Finishing Touches
Finish by arranging decorative stones, lava rocks, crystals, or sea glass around the plants. Use small pieces of preserved moss to cover any exposed soil and blend the composition. Adjust until you are satisfied with the balance and visual flow.
Succulent terrariums are straightforward to assemble and make attractive decor for an office, living room, or as a thoughtful handmade gift. They’re low maintenance and resilient, tolerant of occasional neglect. Place your finished terrarium near a bright window with indirect light, or position it on a simple plant stand to highlight the layered design.
If you enjoyed this DIY, share a photo of your finished terrarium on social media and tag your account so others can see your design. With the right layers and a few decorative touches, your succulent terrarium will provide months of low-effort beauty.