Desert Terrarium DIY

Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Ellen Christian

This desert terrarium DIY craft was inspired by a craft I found in Terrariums Reimagined.  Learn how to make a mini dessert planter of your own.

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Desert Terrarium

Desert Terrarium DIY

We don’t have a desert in Vermont to enjoy and I had never seen a real cactus growing anywhere but in a pot before my recent trip to Texas.  It was really neat to see cacti growing along the side of the road, and since I was missing the sun and warmth, I decided to make my own little desert.

Of course, it still isn’t warm and sunny in my desert but I can pretend for a while.  I found this desert terrarium craft in Terrariums Reimagined: Mini Worlds Made in Creative Containers by Kat Geiger.

Materials

Instructions

Desert Terrarium

  • Pour Perlite or other drainage material into the bottom of  your glass vessel until it is about 1″ deep

Desert Terrarium

  • Gently remove the cactus from its pot and place it with the soil on top of the Perlite.

Desert Terrarium

  • Add cactus friendly potting soil to the container until it covers the Perlite by 1″ and surrounds the bottom of the cactus root.

Desert Terrarium

  • Add colored soil or gravel until the soil and the top of the cactus root are covered.  Adjust the plants so they are standing up.
  • Add decorative objects.
  • Lightly water your cactus terrarium with 2 tsp of water from a medicine dropper once a month. Place it in bright indirect light.

This desert terrarium DIY craft was inspired by a craft I found in Terrariums Reimagined.  Learn how to make a mini dessert planter of your own.

Variations on this craft

One of the fun things about making a desert terrarium is that each one looks so different.  A variety of different containers can be used from a large fish tank to a small canning jar. You can choose any type of grafted cacti or succulent that you like. The decorative materials you add will really make your desert terrarium unique.  I chose plastic horses since I was missing my them from my trip to Austin.  Plastic lizards or tortoises could be added as well.

I found everything I needed except the glass bowl at our Home Depot. I used Miracle Gro Perlite, Miracle Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus Soil, and Mosser Lee Pearl Stone Soil Cover.

There are lots of different types of terrariums you can make including tropical, tilandsia and even children’s themed terrariums. If you are looking for more ideas or more in depth planting information on the types of soil for each type of terrarium, I recommend Terrariums Reimagined: Mini Worlds Made in Creative Containers by Kat Geiger.

27 thoughts on “Desert Terrarium DIY”

  1. This would be so great for my grandchildren to do. I love that it doesn't need a lot of attention to maintain it. Which is perfect for my grandchildren.
    Reply
  2. This was totally going to be my craft this week until I went to Home Depot, lost and confused and not a soul who saw me asked if u needed help, I walked out very disappointed, but it's nice to see one made! Lovely! 
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    • Aw that is too bad.  The book told me exactly what I needed so I didn't end up needing help from anyone thankfully.
      Reply
  3. That is really cute!And the cactus you used are pretty.This would be perfect for someone who doesn't have a green thumb ;)
    Reply
  4. What a great idea! I was planning to give my grandkids their own "pet cactus" plant - but this is such a better way to get them involved in the care of it. I appreciate the step by step directions for doing it right! Thanks!
    Reply
  5. So cool!  I've always wanted to try a terrarium.  This looks like a project I could actually tackle :)
    Reply

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