As many of you have seen across our social media channels, our recent significant lumber acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting construction phase in the nursery. Before we delve into building, however, our immediate focus is transforming the space with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling. We’re aiming to complete this crucial step today and tomorrow, with a dedicated update coming your way this Monday. It’s truly a moment to celebrate as we finally bid farewell to those stubborn door-overspray marks!
While we immerse ourselves in painting, I wanted to share a wonderfully simple “anyone-can-do-it” project that brings a touch of vibrant life indoors (and yes, it involves living things!). Most notably, our home now hosts a tiny, enchanting deer residing peacefully within its own miniature glass sanctuary.
The great news is that our little deer figurine is immortal – a perk of being plastic! However, the living plants sharing its abode are very much subject to the delicate balance of nature and care.
This project serves as a fascinating experiment to truly test the claim of “low-maintenance plants.” As many of you know, my past track record suggests I’m far from possessing a natural green thumb. Do you recall when I sought your invaluable advice on keeping my cacti alive? Well, I’m thrilled to report they are not only still alive but thriving, more than two months later! This unexpected success has truly boosted my confidence in indoor gardening, even for those with a notoriously ‘black thumb’.
The Secret to My Cacti Success: Masterful Neglect
Curious about my secret to keeping them flourishing? It’s surprisingly simple: complete and utter neglect. Seriously, 100%. I’ve only watered them once in two months! Everyone advised me to provide just a few drops when the soil felt completely dry, and I’ve taken that wisdom to heart. It appears they truly appreciate this hands-off approach. Or at the very least, they don’t actively despise me and aren’t staging a protest by dying off. Some keen-eyed readers even spotted them looking healthy and vibrant in last week’s chair post. You go, little cacti. You go.
Following this decent, albeit accidental, success with a genuinely no-maintenance planting experience, you might imagine I now consider myself a top-tier botanist. (Just kidding, my plant confidence still hovers around zero – note the “succulents” on the shelf in the background of that picture? They’re cleverly disguised fakes from HomeGoods!) However, this small victory did inspire me to try another theoretically “self-sustaining” situation: a terrarium.
Unveiling My Latest DIY Home Decor Project: A Self-Sustaining Terrarium
The journey to creating this enchanting indoor garden began a few weeks ago when I discovered an incredible glass container at a local lighting shop, The Decorating Outlet here in Richmond. These pieces are typically sold as light fixtures, much like this design. However, this particular one, for reasons unknown, hadn’t been drilled for electrical components, leading to a fantastic markdown to just $16. It practically whispered to me, “Fill me with vibrant green things and a tiny plastic deer. You know you want to.” And so, I embraced the challenge, hoping my infamous “black thumb” could not only create but also, crucially, maintain a thriving terrarium – ideally, with absolutely minimal intervention.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how I brought this miniature ecosystem to life, proving that creating a beautiful and easy-care succulent terrarium is achievable for any aspiring indoor gardener.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own DIY Terrarium
Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Glass Container
Forget cutting a hole in a box (unless that’s your aesthetic!). The crucial first step is to find an appealing glass container. Your choice of container significantly impacts the type of terrarium you create. You could opt for a large glass jar like this, an elegant apothecary jar, or even repurpose a unique piece as I did. Consider whether you want an open terrarium (better for succulents and dry-loving plants) or a closed terrarium (ideal for moisture-loving plants like ferns and mosses, as it creates a self-sustaining environment). The one I found was perfect for a closed succulent terrarium. UPDATE: Shades of Light now actually sells this exact piece specifically as a terrarium!
Step 2: Researching Terrarium Best Practices
Before diving in, I immersed myself in research, poring over about 20 different terrarium tutorials online. While various methods exist, the ones incorporating horticultural charcoal seemed the most promising for creating a truly self-stable ecosystem. Charcoal acts as a natural filter, absorbing toxins and odors, thereby helping to maintain a healthy environment within a closed terrarium and reducing the need for frequent watering or opening. This was key for my goal of a truly low-maintenance indoor garden. Understanding the ‘why’ behind each layer is essential for long-term success, especially for beginners.
Step 3: Gathering Your Essential Terrarium Supplies
Based on my research, I compiled a list of necessary materials: drainage gravel, horticultural charcoal, quality potting soil, and a selection of small, resilient plants. I ingeniously sourced some bagged potting soil from our garage and borrowed a handful of gravel from our driveway. For the plants, I headed to Home Depot and picked up two small succulent containers for around $5 – succulents are fantastic for beginner terrariums due to their minimal water requirements. Finding horticultural charcoal proved slightly trickier; many plant stores carry it, but Home Depot didn’t have it in stock that day. So, I visited a local greenhouse, Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, where I snagged a tiny bag of charcoal for just $1. Always check specialty garden centers for these specific terrarium components.
Step 4: Creating the Drainage Layer with Gravel
The first foundational layer in any successful terrarium is drainage. I carefully added about an inch of gravel to the bottom of the glass container. This layer is crucial because it prevents excess water from sitting around the plant roots, which can lead to root rot – a common pitfall in closed environments. Proper drainage is key to maintaining a healthy succulent terrarium.
Step 5: Introducing the Horticultural Charcoal Layer
On top of the gravel, I added approximately an inch of horticultural charcoal. As mentioned, this layer is vital for filtration. It helps absorb impurities, reduces odors, and keeps the terrarium environment fresh, making it a more self-sustaining ecosystem. This is especially important for closed terrariums where air circulation is limited. Don’t skip this step for best results!
Step 6: Adding the Nutrient-Rich Potting Soil
Next, I layered 2-3 inches of potting soil over the charcoal. This is where your plants will derive their nutrients. Ensure you use a good quality potting mix, ideally one formulated for succulents if you’re planting them, to provide the best environment for your chosen plants. The depth of this layer should be adequate for the roots of your selected plants to spread comfortably.
Step 7: Thoughtful Plant Placement
With the layers prepared, it was time to introduce the stars of the show! I carefully placed my small succulents into the potting soil, gently arranging them to create an aesthetically pleasing layout. When planting, be mindful of the plants’ mature size to prevent overcrowding. Use long tweezers or tongs if your container has a narrow opening for easier manipulation. This step is where your creative vision for your indoor garden truly comes to life.
Step 8: Personalizing with Decorative Elements
For a touch of whimsy and personalization, I introduced Bambi’s fictional nephew, Bob, a miniature deer figurine. Adding small decorative elements like figurines, interesting stones, or tiny branches can truly transform your terrarium into a unique focal point in your home decor. Choose items that are small enough not to overwhelm the plants and that complement your overall design aesthetic.
Step 9: Initial Watering and Sealing the Ecosystem
Finally, I provided the initial hydration. Rather than a delicate mist (though that works too), I opted for a slightly more robust approach: dunking my hand into a bowl of water and splashing the inside of the terrarium a few times. The goal is to moisten the soil adequately without oversaturating it. Once watered, I sealed everything up. For closed terrariums, this seal is crucial as it traps moisture, creating a self-regulating cycle of condensation and evaporation, which is the hallmark of a truly low-maintenance indoor garden. For an open terrarium, you would simply leave it uncovered, adjusting watering based on humidity and plant needs.
Observing Our Miniature Ecosystem: Early Days of the Terrarium
It’s been over a week since its creation, and my little terrarium inhabitants have proven themselves to be quite resilient. There’s no drooping, and if anything, the plants appear even happier than they did in their plastic Home Depot containers. There hasn’t been significant “Titanic-esque glass-fogging” or dramatic changes yet, which is a good sign of a balanced environment. The jury is still out on whether this will become a long-term, thriving miniature world or a short-lived experiment for my notorious “black thumb.” I promise to keep you updated on its progress. In the meantime, I’d be incredibly grateful for any and all terrarium tips you might have, especially given how wonderfully your advice helped me with my cacti!
Update: On a rather amusing note, thanks to my Instagram feed, I discovered that Michael from Inspired by Charm created a similar fern terrarium just yesterday using a RedEnvelope kit for $79! His project offers a fantastic ready-to-assemble alternative for those seeking convenience. Also, his photography is absolutely stunning, and his terrarium dome is elegantly blinged out in gold. Me-ow! What a stylish take on indoor gardening!