Succulents, known for their resistance, beauty and diversity of shapes and colors, have become the preferred choice for those who want to create decorative spaces full of life, easy to maintain and, above all, environmentally friendly. Set up a succulent terrarium using recycled materials It is an excellent sustainable choice to add a natural and personal touch to any corner of your home, office, or studio, while also contributing to recycling.
In this guide we explain, in detail and in a practical way, How to make your own succulent terrarium with recycled materials, integrating professional advice, the best techniques, and all the tricks to achieve a result that lasts over time and looks spectacular.
Why create a succulent terrarium with recycled materials?
The rise of succulent terrariums is no coincidence. These miniature mini-jungles are perfect for save space, decorate small surfaces such as desks, shelves or tables and, most importantly, require simple maintenanceUsing recycled materials is a growing trend that fosters creativity and contributes to the recycling of objects, showing you that eco-friendly design can go hand in hand with aesthetics and functionality.
Furthermore, Cacti and succulents are ideal for these projects Because their water requirements are low and they grow slowly, allowing the terrarium to retain its beauty for much longer without much maintenance. Creating your terrarium sustainably is, therefore, a double success: you both decorate and protect the planet.
Essential recycled materials for your terrarium
To set up your terrarium you will need to gather a series of essential materials, many of which you can recycle or easily find at home. This will make your project economical, eco-friendly, and unique.
- Container: Clear glass is ideal to appreciate the interior design, but you can also opt for plastic bottles or jars (clean and free of chemical residue), glass jars, cups, mugs, or even pieces of natural bark.
- Earth or substrate: Special potting soil for succulents or cacti, light and well-draining. You can recycle soil from other pots, if it's clean and not compacted.
- Small rocks: Aquarium gravel, stones collected from the beach or in the countryside, lost marbles, construction stones.
- Coarse sand: Optional, ideal for creating decorative layers and promoting drainage.
- Activated carbon: As an extra detail, charcoal (from aquariums) prevents bad odors and mold formation, especially useful in closed containers.
- Moss or decorative elements: Natural moss (preferably dry) or decorative moss, small figures, shells (well washed), crystals, pieces of wood, etc.
- Succulents and cacti: Choose varieties that have similar requirements. Smaller species are better suited for compact terrariums.
Useful tools: Spoons, chopsticks, small brushes for cleaning leaves after planting, and long tweezers for handling plants in narrow containers.
Step by step to create a succulent terrarium with recycled materials
- Wash the recycled container wellThis eliminates bacteria and chemical residue. You can disinfect with water and a few drops of vinegar if it was previously used for other purposes.
- Create the drainage layerAdd a base of small stones or gravel (about 2-3 cm depending on the size of the container). This layer will prevent water from pooling near the roots.
- Incorporates activated carbon (optional but recommended if the container will be sealed). Place a thin layer of water to filter the water and prevent unpleasant odors and mold growth.
- Add coarse sand, if you want to add a decorative touch and provide extra filtration. It's not essential, but it does enhance the visual appearance with layers of different colors and textures.
- Place the substrate for succulents. It should be a sufficient layer for the roots to develop, but not compacted. Succulent soil usually comes with perlite or sand, which promotes drainage. You can enrich it with a little very mild fertilizer if you wish.
- Make the holes to plant the succulentsUse a small spoon, a thick toothpick, or even a protected finger to form each space where the plant will go. Make sure to leave space between them to allow for their development and prevent them from competing for resources.
- Place each succulent in place, gently holding it at the base and covering the roots without compacting the soil too much. If you're using cacti, it's helpful to use tweezers or a piece of paper to avoid pricking yourself.
- Complete with decorationHere, your imagination is the limit: add dried moss, colorful stones, small recycled figures, or well-washed shells. Anything that enhances the terrarium's personal style, while not disturbing the plants' surroundings.
- Water lightly for the first timeUse a spray bottle or syringe to moisten the substrate without overwatering it. It's important to avoid directly wetting the leaves to prevent the appearance of fungus and spots.
- Place the terrarium in its final location, preferably near a window where it receives bright, indirect light. Succulents don't tolerate direct sunlight through glass well, as this can create a magnifying glass effect and damage them.
Practical tips for the success of your terrarium
- Do not overload plantsSucculents grow slowly but require air and space. If you overfill the terrarium, they'll compete for nutrients and moisture, and you may end up losing some of the composition.
- Choose the species wellIt's best to choose succulents with shallow roots. Small cacti work well, but not those that require depth or a lot of space. Also, always choose healthy, compact plants.
- attention to cleanlinessKeep the glass clean so it always looks decorative, and check it periodically for dry leaves, mold, or insects.
- Personalize with creativity. Reuse small toys, figurines, beads, etc. Just make sure they're made from materials that don't release toxins or disrupt the indoor environment.
How to care for a succulent and cactus terrarium
Once assembled, keep Your succulent and cactus terrarium in perfect condition It is not complicated, but it is advisable to follow some guidelines to prolong the life and health of your plants:
- Light: Terrariums work best with plenty of indirect light. If the environment is dark, the plants will stretch and lose their compact appearance. If the environment is very bright, make sure they don't receive direct sunlight, especially behind glass, to avoid sunburn.
- Irrigation: It's vital to avoid overwatering. Water only when the substrate has completely dried out. Depending on the season and location, this may be every two or three weeks. Use water sparingly and apply only to the substrate, never to leaves or stems.
- Ventilation: If your terrarium is closed, remember to open it a few hours a week to refresh the air. This prevents mold growth and keeps your plants healthy.
- Temperature: Succulents prefer warm, stable environments. Avoid sudden changes and cold drafts.
- Fertilizer: It's not necessary to fertilize frequently. You can add a specific succulent fertilizer once a year, in small, diluted doses.
- Pruning and sanitation: Remove dry or dead leaves promptly to prevent infections and control pests such as mealybugs or mites if they appear.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them in your terrarium
To ensure your project succeeds, it's important to know the most common mistakes:
- Excessive water use: The main enemy of succulents and cacti. If you see yellowing leaves, the substrate may be too wet. Adjust the watering amount and make sure the drainage is working properly.
- Containers not properly cleaned: Waste can be harmful to plant health. Take the time to clean each recycled material before using it.
- Lack of light: Low light stresses succulents and causes leggy growth. Find a spot with adequate light, but always protect it from direct sunlight.
- Substrate compaction: Don't press the soil down too much. It should be slightly loose so the roots can breathe and grow.
Other ideas and recycled materials for original terrariums
One of the advantages of this type of miniature gardens is the infinite variety of alternative materials and containers that you can recycle:
- Preserve jars: Large and small, perfect for creating decorative sets.
- Bottles of wine or soft drinks: Carefully cut, you can achieve hanging or landscape terrarium effects.
- Old cups, mugs or teapots: Ideal for placing on desks, and very easy to handle.
- Crystal glasses and cups of different heights: Play with different levels to achieve eye-catching compositions.
- Recycled toys or unusual items: Like little houses, cars, boats, that add fantasy and personality to the terrarium.
- Disused fish tanks: They allow you to create large compositions with various succulents and cacti.
Just remember that whatever the container, must be able to clean inside and, if possible, have enough space for planting and decorating. Also, if you use plastic containers, make sure they're high-quality and don't release harmful substances over time.
Creating a terrarium for succulents with recycled materials is a process that combines Creativity, sustainability and the pleasure of growingYou can start with simple materials and, as you gain experience, try more complex or themed designs. This activity is also ideal for sharing with family or children, promoting both recycling and a love of plants.
