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
I LOVE this, Andrea! I totally want to try it out for our home, we need some greenery in there, and I think my black thumb has the best chance of keeping cacti alive 😉
xo,
Kylie
Thank you! Can't get any easier than these plants that barely need watered!! xo
You had me at under watering. 😉 That I can handle!
It looks beautiful! I've had my eye on a globe terrarium for a while, and I'm definitely thinking I'll be DIYing.
Ha! The best kind of plants, those that can be forgotten about!!
I love love love how this turned out. Want to make me one now? Ha. So beautiful, and I love how it brings the feeling of spring indoors (which I desperately need since it's snowing here today!)
Thanks Kayla! We are finally getting a little taste of spring in Kansas City. It snowed here in May last year, so I'm not holding my breath! Thanks for having me again in the challenge!
This is seriously so cool. I'm just trying to figure out how you made it look so amazing when you had such a little hole to work in!
I think I should have worn gloves (and didn't), and my hands paid for it later on!! Thanks Sarah!
That globe planter is fantastic. I want a dozen. What a wonderful idea. Succulents are my favorite.
I have become the succulent and plant hoarder at my house! Love them too! Thanks for stopping by!
This is just so cool! I have wanted to try one of these forever. Thanks so much for the how-to and for sharing it with us over at The Makers. 🙂
Andrea, this is so beautiful! I have a terrible black thumb but maybe I could try keeping lovely succulents alive in something this pretty!
Amy | Club Narwhal
I think even black thumbs can keep this alive!! Make it and basically forget about it! 🙂
I love this! The cactus adds the perfect touch of color. I need to make one of my own:)
Thank you Ginnie!! I love the pop of pink as well, it makes the whole look complete! Good luck if you try one, they are so low maintenance!
Love how your terrarium turned out! Saw it featured on Persia Lou "The Makers" Link party. I made one similar awhile back and I love it! Growing great!
Pinning it!
Thanks Bobbie for pinning and for stopping by!!
This is wonderful! I love it, specially because my dear Mil had something like your terrarium and always admired it. Thanks for the tutorial, I will try to make one myself ! You are featured ay WUW.
FABBY
Thank you Fabby! Good luck making one, it's super fun to do!