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Getting started with your DIY terrarium for succulents
Creating a terrarium presents a microcosm of the natural world. It provides the perfect podium for low maintenance plant varieties, like succulents, to be artistically positioned in your home or workplace. Terrariums marry minimalism and lushness, allowing green-thumbed enthusiasts to design their personal oasis indoors. Here’s how you can create your DIY succulent terrarium:
Choosing The Perfect Container
Your choice of container will largely impact the aesthetics and the health of your succulent plants. Succulents thrive in conditions where there’s plenty of light and lower humidity, which makes a glass container – with a removable or open lid – an ideal choice.
Several options exist in terms of style and shape. You could pick geometrical terrariums, fishbowl types, terrariums with stands, or those hanging in glass orbs. The key here is to ensure the container is transparent and facilitates sufficient light intake for your plants. The size of the container will depend on how many succulents you wish to include.
Selecting The Right Succulents
When choosing succulents, consider their size, color, texture, and growth rate to end up with an ideal mix for your terrarium. Succulents like Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum are recommended as they’re compact and slow-growing.
Opt for those species of succulents that can thrive in similar conditions. Some are suited for high light and some for low, some grow more vertically and some spread out. Mixing succulents with different care requirements may lead to a situation where one plant thrives while the other withers.
Creating The Base: Layering Your Terrarium
Here’s a step-by-stem guide on layering your terrarium for the succulent:
– The first layer is called the ‘false bottom’ or drainage layer. It could include small pebbles or coarse sand to help with drainage. Fill this up to approximately 1/4th of the container height.
– Next is the activated charcoal layer. It will keep the water fresh and combat bacterial growth. You only need a thin layer that covers the pebbles.
– Now, introduce a layer of cactus mix or any well-draining potting soil. The height of this layer will depend on your succulent roots’ size and should permit them room to grow.
Planting The Succulents
Make small holes in the soil and gently place your succulents, ensuring the roots are spread out. Keep them away from the edges as it could lead to moisture buildup and invite rot. Once the succulents are in place, fill around the roots with more soil.
Despite all necessary measures taken, achieving just the right balance of essential elements in a terrarium can be tricky. Terrariums with succulents are not entirely error-proof. An incorrect balance can promote the growth of parasites, fungi, or even lead to rotting.
However, by carefully following the above steps, taking time to understand your succulents, and being patient with their growth process, you will ultimately succeed in creating your indoor oasis: a DIY terrarium for succulents.
