Open air terrarium building advice

Terrariums are a fantastic way of decorating even the smallest space in your home or office. They are easy to create and even easier to care for. If you have never assembled your own open air terrarium, you are in for a real treat! Below you will find out exactly what you need as well as a step by step guide to ensure that your plants look great and will be happy in their new home.

Open air terrarium supplies:

  • 1 terrarium
  • 3 to 5 succulents
  • cactus soil
  • preserved or dried moss
  • rocks (approximately the size of a peach pit)
  • sand

Method:

  • An open air terrarium, just like any other terrarium, will not have drainage holes. This is why it is so important to create the appropriate layers. This will allow for drainage and keep the plants happy and healthy.
  • Start by adding approximately half an inch of sand.
  • Now carefully add your rocks. Take care not to disturb the layer of sand below. You need approximately 1 – 2 inches of rocks.
  • Add some dry moss. You should only need one layer since they are usually about an inch thick.
  • Next you need to add your cactus soil. Take note of the size of your plants and their root systems when determining the amount of soil needed.
  • Add your plants and make sure that they have room to grow.
  • Add some soil on top of the roots to hold them in place.
  • Place your terrarium in an area that receives at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Water by adding just a few tablespoons of water around the base of each plant every 2 – 3 weeks.

Not only will your open air terrarium look great with all the layers, but these layers also serve a purpose. They allow water to drain away quickly while providing the plants with the nutrients they need.