It’s time for another Look For Less Challenge! I wanted to make something “spring like”, and you know my obsession with all things plants! I created a sweet little terrarium for my office space. I’m in love with how it turned out. The circular shape, bright colors, and plants just sing to me! Here’s how to create a DIY terrarium for your own home. This would also make a great gift idea.
The inspiration for this challenge came from Etsy. There are so many GORGEOUS terrariums online, but I thought I could try to DIY one at home for less. I have never tried to make one, so I thought this would be a good way to save some money and try something new.
There are several globe terrariums for sale on Etsy, but some of the ones I were drawn to ranged in price from $70-100.
I was able to create a DIY globe terrarium with succulents and cactus for about $23.
Supplies Needed for DIY Terrarium
I purchased all of the items I needed to make this terrarium at a local nursery (including the globe vessel), with the exception of the rock and white sand. I purchased those two items at the dollar store. This is such a customizable project because you can choose whichever plants, succulents, cacti speak to you. There is no right or wrong here.
How to Assemble the DIY Terrarium
I started out with a clean globe and added a layer of white sand to the bottom.
Next, I added the potting soil (I used specific for cactus and succulents) on top, with more along the back, so it slopes down toward the opening.
I then started layering the cactus and succulents. You can remove the plants from the original container, and bury the roots in the soil. Once inside, add more soil on top to cover the roots. After the plants were positioned where I liked them, I added different kinds of moss all around the top of the soil and around the plants. I purchased a container of moss at the nursery for $1.50 that had several different types and colors of moss. This was perfect for what I needed!
Lastly, I added some rock to the front of the opening for additional texture and layering. It it tricky to fit your hand inside the opening to arrange everything, especially with prickly cactus front and center. You might want to use tweezers towards the end when it starts to get full.
I plan to spray the inside of the terrarium with water every 2 weeks or so. All of these plants like to be very dry, so it will take some trial and error, but I always err on the side of under watering!
This terrarium has found a new home on my desk, next to my computer, and right by a window that gets bright light.
Cost Breakdown
Globe – $10, 8 inches, from local nursery
Succulent #1 – $1.99, from local nursery, smallest size they offer
Succulent #2 – $1.99, from local nursery, smallest size they offer
Cactus #1 – pink, $4.00, from local nursery
Cactus #2 – prickly ball, $3.00, from local nursery
Moss – $1.50 from local nursery, used about 1/3, $.50
Sand – $1 from Dollar Tree, used about half, $.50
Rocks – $1 from Dollar Tree, used about half, $.50
Soil – $4.99 from local nursery, only used about 1/5, $1
Total cost, including the glass globe was around $23. I am so happy I have leftover sand, moss, rock, and soil, so I can try to make another one as a gift or for another room in the house. Low maintenance, fun to assemble, and very striking! XO