How to make a terrarium

Simple decorations added to a succulent terrarium is the perfect way to dress your home

Looking for an easy craft idea? We've teamed up with Dobbies to create easy-to-make succulent terrarium.

What you will need:

  • A hanging terrarium
  • An assortment of mini succulents
  • A hand trowel
  • Gravel
  • Gardening gloves
  • Compost suitable for cacti and succulents
  • Seasonal decorations of your choice
  • Moss
  • A small watering can

Step-by-step

1. Prepare the base

terrarium with rope on wooden table

(Image credit: TBC)

Place a layer of small gravel in the base of your terrarium. This will allow excess water to drain away for future watering.

rope in terrarium on wooden table

(Image credit: TBC)

Place a layer of small gravel in the base of your terrarium. This will allow excess water to drain away for future watering.

terrarium with rope on wooden table

(Image credit: TBC)

Push the gravel up at the back to create some height and form a sloping hill.

2. Add specialist soil

terrarium with soil and rope

(Image credit: TBC)

On top of the sloping gravel base add roughly an inch of specialist cactus compost – this is fast draining soil that doesn’t retain moisture.

3. Water the soil

terrarium with green watering pot

(Image credit: TBC)

Before you can plant, the soil needs to be moist. Using a small watering can lightly water the soil. Be cautious not to go OTT, too much water causes the roots of the succulents to rot.

4. Plant succulents

terrarium with plant

(Image credit: TBC)

Now it's time to plant your succulents. Choose taller plants for the back to add height. Work forwards planting the remaining succulents in height ascending order. Space them evenly; not too overcrowded. Make sure the roots are completely covered in soil, adding a little extra to stabilise the plants if needed.

5. Add pebbles and moss

plant in terrarium with stones

(Image credit: TBC)

Gently brush off the excess soil from the leaves. Next top-dress the terrarium with moss and pebbles to add a decorative finishing touch.

6. Decorate

terrarium with easter egg

(Image credit: TBC)

Dress your finish succulent terrarium with simple Easter decorations to make it seasonal. Coloured eggs, felt checks and daffodils are all great choices for an instantly recognisable Easter decorating theme.

7. Hang with pride

terrarium with plant and easter egg

(Image credit: TBC)

Choose the perfect spot to hang your succulent terrarium. Choose somewhere bright but not in direct sunlight to give it the best home.

Will you be making this terrarium?

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.