Even if you don’t think of yourself as crafty, you can probably make this DIY terrarium project. If you’re searching for a unique centerpiece, think about a succulent terrarium! These simple and modern arrangements are a perfect (and gorgeous!) way to bring the outdoors inside your wedding reception space.
Supplies
- Low, broad container
- Succulents
- Cactus potting mix soil
- Small pebbles
- Sphagnum moss
- Horticultural charcoal
- Decorative elements of your choice
To Make Your Soil
It is important to equip your terrarium with your own built-in filtration system. To prevent mold and bacteria, start by mixing activated charcoal into your soil. Charcoal is an excellent means of keeping your terrarium clean and fungus-free. To mix your self-filtering soil, add your cacti or peat potting mix to a large mixing bowl. You’ll need enough for a 1 to 2 layers of soil for a small terrarium or 3-4 for a larger container. Next, mix in your charcoal. A good ratio is one tablespoon of charcoal for one cup of soil. Next, add water and mix. Add enough to moisten the soil mixture thoroughly, but not so much that your mixture becomes fluid and muddy. It should stick to your hands, but still clump up on its own. Adding water now pre-waters your terrarium and ensures even watering throughout.
To Assemble Your Terrarium
Line your clean container with a half to one inch base layer of pebbles. This is your drainage layer. Next, add your sphagnum moss, ensuring it reaches the walls of your container. The moss layer will prevent soil erosion into your drainage layer. Over the moss, sprinkle a thin but thorough layer of additional charcoal for extra filtration. Now it’s time to add your soil mix. Using a spoon or a scooper, carefully spoon the mixture loosely into your container, being careful not to smear too much onto the walls of your vessel to ensure a clean presentation.
Create small impressions into the soil where you want your plants to go. Start with your largest plant and arrange the additional, smaller plants around the focal plant. Allow for at least one square inch of soil space per plant. Position your plants gently but firmly into the soil, lightly packing them in with additional soil over the tops of the roots. Follow up with adding a layer of moss or pebbles, if desired. This serves the dual purpose of preventing your soil from drying out prematurely and also making your terrarium look good! A layer of sand in your succulent terrariums looks incredible. Finally, add any adornments or decor you have chosen as your finishing touch!
This DIY terrarium project featured on United With Love.
