Are you looking to add some color and life to your home? Succulents for terrariums are a great way to do just that!
Not only are they beautiful and vibrant, but they are also relatively easy to take care of and can easily be incorporated into vivariums.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using this kind of terrarium plant.
We will cover the different types of succulents that are suitable for miniature ecosystems, how to choose them, how to plant them, and how to maintain and care for them.
So if you’re looking to spruce up your home, read on to learn all about succulents for terrariums!
What Are Succulents?
Succulents are a type of plant that is adapted to store water in its leaves and stems.
They are extremely resilient and can survive in almost any environment, making them ideal for terrariums.
They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and their vibrant colors make them a great addition to any home.
Benefits Of Using Succulents In Terrariums
The benefits of using succulents in terrariums are numerous.
For starters, succulents are extremely low-maintenance.
This makes them ideal for those who don’t have a lot of time or experience with gardening.
They are also drought-resistant, meaning they require very little water and can thrive in almost any environment.
Additionally, succulents can be grown organically, meaning they can be grown without the use of chemicals or fertilizers.
In addition to their low-maintenance nature, succulents can also help to improve air quality, as they help to purify and deodorize the air.
They also require very little sunlight, making them ideal for terrariums that don’t receive a lot of natural light.
Lastly, succulents are relatively easy to propagate, meaning you can easily grow more of them to add to your terrarium.
Best Types of Succulents for Terrariums
When choosing the best types of succulents for terrariums, it is important to consider a few factors.
Among them are the size and shape of the terrarium, the amount of light it receives, and the environment of the terrarium.
Popular types of succulents that are suitable for terrariums include plants that are relatively small and easy to propagate.
Here is an in-depth list of the best types of succulents for terrariums:
Chalk Dudleya (Dudleya pulverulenta)
Chalk Dudleya, also known as Dudleya pulverulenta, is a succulent plant native to California and Baja California.
It has thick, fleshy leaves that form a rosette and can range in color from light green to gray-green.
The leaves are covered with a white powdery coating that helps protect the plant from the sun and gives it its common name.
Chalk Dudleya produces small yellow flowers in the summer, and in the right conditions, it can reach up to 2 feet tall.
It is a low-maintenance succulent that can be grown in containers or in the garden and makes a great addition to any rock garden or succulent collection.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Chalk Dudleya (Dudleya pulverulenta).
Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is an evergreen succulent shrub that is native to Madagascar.
It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage and bright, showy flowers.
The leaves are thick and fleshy and range from green to grayish-green in color.
The flowers are bell-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Flaming Katy is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light conditions.
It prefers bright indirect light and should be watered moderately and allowed to dry out between waterings.
With the proper care, Flaming Katy will bloom multiple times a year.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana).
Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica)
Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica) is a type of succulent that is native to South America.
It is a globular cactus with a bright, yellow-green color and white, spiny needles that cover its surface.
Ball Cactus can reach up to 4 inches in diameter and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
It is a low-maintenance succulent that is perfect for terrariums and requires minimal care, such as occasional watering and occasional fertilizing.
It is also frost tolerant and can thrive in a variety of climates, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor planting.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica).
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are a type of succulent that is popularly used in terrariums.
They are small, rosette-shaped plants with thick, fleshy leaves that come in a variety of colors and textures ranging from deep purple to fuzzy light green.
They are low-maintenance and require very little water, making them an ideal choice for terrariums.
They also spread quickly and can form dense mats, so it’s important to keep an eye on their growth and prune them as necessary.
With their bright colors and hardy nature, Hens and Chicks are an excellent choice for any succulent terrarium.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum).
Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Stonecrop, or Sedum spp., is a type of succulent plant that is commonly used in terrariums.
It is a low-growing evergreen perennial with thick leaves that store water.
They come in many varieties, such as the popular Sedum morganianum, which is also known as a burro’s tail.
Stonecrop is a great choice for terrariums because it is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments.
It is also known for its drought tolerance, which makes it ideal for terrariums with limited access to water.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Stonecrop (Sedum spp.).
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is an evergreen succulent that is a popular choice for terrariums.
It has thick, glossy leaves with a jade-green hue, hence its name. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is relatively easy to care for.
Jape plants thrive in full or partial sun and need soil that drains well.
It also doesn‘t require frequent watering and can survive long periods of drought.
In the right environment, the Jade Plant can even bloom small, white, star–shaped flowers.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata).
Plush Plant (Echeveria harmsii)
Plush Plant (Echeveria harmsii) is an attractive and popular succulent that is native to Mexico.
It is a rosette–forming succulent with soft, gray–green leaves that turn a purplish–red color in strong sunlight.
The leaves are covered in short, white hairs and have pointed tips.
Plush Plant is perfect for terrariums because it grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance.
They are ideal for those who are new to succulent gardening.
It is a drought–tolerant plant and prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
When growing Plush Plant, make sure to provide well–draining soil and water only when the soil is completely dry.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Plush Plant (Echeveria harmsii).
Crown of Thorns Cactus (Euphorbia milii)
The Crown of Thorns Cactus (Euphorbia milii) is an evergreen succulent belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family.
It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that is known for its beautiful, bright red flowers.
The Crown of Thorns Cactus is native to Madagascar where it grows in dry, sandy soils and requires very little water to survive.
It is an easy-to-care-for plant that is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor environments.
The spiny stems of this cactus make it an ideal choice for terrariums, as it can provide a unique texture and look to the terrarium.
It is also an excellent choice for balconies and patios as it is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little water to thrive.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Crown of Thorns Cactus (Euphorbia milii).
Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata)
The Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata) is a succulent native to South Africa.
It gets its name from its unique pattern of white stripes on its long, pointed leaves.
This low-maintenance plant is well-suited for terrariums, as its leaves store enough water to allow it to survive in drier conditions.
The Zebra Cactus is also easy to propagate; it can be divided into multiple plants with just a few simple steps.
When it comes to caring, Zebra Cacti need bright, indirect light and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
With its unique patterned leaves and low-maintenance care requirements, the Zebra Cactus is a great choice for any terrarium.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata).
Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
The Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa) is a popular succulent that adds a unique flair to any home.
It is a vining plant with waxy, deep green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
It is an easy-to-care-for plant and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners.
It can be grown outdoors in warm climates and will thrive in a terrarium or indoor environment.
With the right care, the Wax Plant can live for many years, producing beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa).
Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.)
Pincushion Cactus, also known as Mammillaria spp., is a widely popular species of small, spiny cacti native to Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States.
This cactus is known for its unique form, which consists of clusters of small, soft, spiny tubercles arranged in a star shape.
It can grow up to 12 inches in height and spread up to 24 inches, making it a great choice for terrariums.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.).
Wooly Senecio (Senecio haworthii)
Wooly Senecio (Senecio haworthii) is a type of succulent that is known for its fuzzy, wooly leaves that make it highly distinct from other succulents.
This type of succulent is native to South Africa and can be found in the wild growing in rocky crevices.
It is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 inches in height and does best in bright, indirect light.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Wooly Senecio (Senecio haworthii).
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
Kalanchoe tomentosa, also known as the “Panda Plant“ is a succulent that is a great choice for terrariums.
Originally native to Madagascar, it is a low–growing succulent with fury, textured foliage that is thick and white in color and has dark reddish spots along the edges of its leaves.
It produces small, pink flowers that are arranged in clusters.
The Panda plant adds an interesting texture and unique color that makes it attractive in terrariums, plus it is extremely easy to maintain.
It prefers partial sun, but will live in both full sun and partial shade; it requires little water and is easily propagated.
Here’s a complete guide on caring for the Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa).
Planting Succulents in Your Terrarium
Learning how to plant succulents in a terrarium is the perfect project for any skill-level enthusiast.
With just a few simple supplies, you can create a vibrant and beautiful terrarium that will be sure to add life and color to any room.
Here are the steps I recommend taking to assure a healthy colony of success-u-lents:
- Gather the Necessary Supplies: Before you start planting, you’ll need a few essential supplies. You’ll need a terrarium, succulents, soil, charcoal, and a spray bottle. Make sure you have enough supplies for the size of your terrarium.
- Preparing the Succulents for Planting: Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to prepare your succulents for planting. Take each succulent and gently shake off any loose soil, then rinse the roots under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Planting the Succulents in the Terrarium: Once you’ve prepared your succulents, it’s time to start planting. Start by adding a layer of charcoal to the bottom of the terrarium. This will help keep the soil and roots clean. Then add a layer of soil over the charcoal. Use your hands to create a small hole for each succulent, then place the succulent in the hole and pack the soil around it. Give the soil a light spray to moisten it.
- Finishing Touches: Once all your succulents are planted, you can add some decorative elements, such as moss or gravel, to give your terrarium a finished look. You can also add a few drops of water to the soil to keep it moist.
Maintenance and Care of Succulents in Terrariums
When it comes to the maintenance and care of succulents in terrariums, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Watering
Watering is an important part of keeping succulents alive; however, it is also important not to overwater them as this can cause root rot.
Instead, it is best to water them sparingly, about once every two weeks.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is also important, but it should only be done during the warmer months of the year when the succulents are actively growing.
Pruning & Propagating
Pruning and propagating are also important, as they help to keep the succulents healthy and allow them to grow more.
Pruning should be done regularly and only the parts of the succulents that are dying or damaged should be removed.
Propagating should also be done using leaves or stems that are in good condition.
Finally, it is important to monitor the environment of your terrarium and make sure that the temperature, humidity, and light levels are suitable for the succulents.
Succulents prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-85°F.
With proper care and attention, your succulents will remain healthy and vibrant for years to come!
Conclusion
Terrarium succulents are a great way to bring color and life into your home.
With the right knowledge and care, these vivarium plants can thrive in your enclosure and provide you with years of enjoyment.
When it comes to maintenance and care, remember to water your succulents regularly, fertilize as needed, and prune and propagate them for a full and healthy look.
With these tips, your succulents for terrariums will add beauty and life to your home for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, succulents are great plants for terrariums. They require little maintenance and provide a variety of colorful shapes and sizes that look great in any terrarium. Succulents also don‘t require a lot of water and can thrive in closed terrariums, making them a great low–maintenance option.
1. Provide sufficient drainage for succulents in a terrarium.
2. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Provide plenty of light and avoid direct sun exposure.
4. Monitor temperature and humidity levels in the terrarium.
5. Wait to water until the soil is completely dry.
6. Fertilize succulents in terrariums with diluted liquid plant food.
7. Prune succulents in terrariums occasionally to keep them healthy.
No, you do not need activated charcoal for succulent terrariums. Succulents thrive in sandy, well–drained soils, so there is no need to use activated charcoal in their soil.
Putting pebbles on succulents is a popular gardening technique used to improve drainage, retain moisture and make the succulents look more attractive. Rocks, gravel and other small stones can also be used to mulch around the plants to provide protection and keep the soil in place.
Yes, you can put rocks around succulents as a form of decoration. Rocks help retain moisture in the soil, and adding them around succulents provides a visually pleasing aesthetic.