3 Easy Examples of How to Make a Succulent Terrarium (With Real-Life Ideas You’ll Actually Use)

Before we talk supplies and soil, it helps to see real examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium that actually work in everyday homes. Instead of a generic formula, think in terms of scenes or mini worlds you’re building.

Here are three of the best examples you can use as a starting point:

• A coffee-table bowl terrarium that looks like desert art.
• A recycled glass jar terrarium that feels modern and minimal.
• A low-maintenance office terrarium that survives under fluorescent lights and your busy schedule.

Each example of a terrarium below includes:

• Container style
• Exact plant types that work well together
• Layout ideas
• Simple maintenance tips

You can copy them exactly, or mix and match details to create your own twist.

Example #1: Coffee-Table Desert Bowl Terrarium

This is the classic “Instagram” look, but simplified so it’s actually doable. If you want one of the best examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium that impresses guests without needing constant care, start here.

What You’ll Need for This Example

For this first example of a succulent terrarium, grab:

• A wide, shallow glass bowl (8–12 inches across)
• Cactus/succulent potting mix (well-draining)
• A thin layer of small gravel or pebbles
• A handful of decorative rocks (white, black, or mixed)
• Optional: a small piece of driftwood or a tiny figurine

For plants, try a mix like:

• One Echeveria (the classic rosette succulent)
• One Haworthia (spiky, dark green, zebra-striped)
• One Sedum or Graptopetalum (small trailing or cluster-forming succulent)

These are sturdy, beginner-friendly choices that most garden centers carry year-round.

How to Build This Desert Bowl Terrarium

Think of this as arranging a tiny landscape rather than following a rigid formula. Here’s the flow:

First, pour a thin layer of gravel or pebbles on the bottom of the bowl. This helps extra water drain away from the roots. Then, add your cactus/succulent mix on top, leaving about an inch of space below the rim.

Next, plan your layout before planting. Place the pots on top of the soil and move them around until you like the look. A common layout that works well: the tallest plant (Haworthia) toward the back, the Echeveria slightly off-center, and the Sedum near the front edge.

Once you’re happy with the arrangement, remove each plant from its nursery pot, gently loosen the roots, and tuck them into the soil. Firm the soil around each plant so they feel secure.

Finally, top the exposed soil with decorative rocks. You can:

• Use white pebbles for a clean, modern look
• Mix in a few larger stones to mimic a desert scene
• Add a tiny figurine (a mini animal, a little house, or a crystal) for personality

This is one of the easiest examples of how to make a succulent terrarium because it’s forgiving. If you don’t love the layout, you can gently lift and reposition plants before they root in.

Light and Care for This Example

Place your bowl terrarium in bright, indirect light—near a sunny window, but not baking in direct afternoon sun behind glass, which can scorch leaves.

Water sparingly. A good rule: check the soil every week, but only water when it’s completely dry at least 1–2 inches down. Succulents prefer underwatering over overwatering. The University of Illinois Extension has a helpful overview of succulent care that reinforces this dry-then-water rhythm: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-01-15-growing-succulents-home

Example #2: Recycled Glass Jar Terrarium With Layered Sand

If you love the look of layered colors and want examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium using things you already own, this one’s for you.

Materials for the Jar Terrarium Example

For this example of an upcycled terrarium, you’ll need:

• A clear glass jar: a large mason jar, a wide pasta sauce jar, or a big candle jar cleaned out
• Coarse sand in one or two colors (play sand is fine if it’s clean and dry)
• A little charcoal (aquarium charcoal works) if you want to reduce odors in a closed-top jar
• Cactus/succulent potting mix
• A few tiny succulents, such as:
  • Graptosedum or Graptoveria (small rosettes)
  • String of buttons (Crassula perforata)
  • Small Sedum varieties

Building the Layered Look

Start by adding a thin base layer of sand to the bottom of the jar. If you’re using charcoal, sprinkle a light layer on top of the sand.

Now, add alternating thin layers of colored sand and cactus mix, tilting the jar slightly as you pour to create diagonal lines. You don’t need perfect layers; the charm comes from the slightly uneven, natural look. Stop when you’re about two-thirds full, making sure the top layer is soil, not sand, so your plants can root easily.

Create small planting holes with your finger or a spoon. Gently tuck in your tiny succulents, spacing them so each one has room to grow without touching the glass.

This is one of the best examples of how to make a succulent terrarium that doubles as decor because the side view is as pretty as the top.

Open vs. Partially Covered Jar

In 2024 and 2025, the trend is strongly toward open succulent terrariums rather than fully sealed. Succulents like dry air and good airflow. If your jar has a lid, keep it off most of the time, or just rest it loosely on top instead of sealing it.

Succulents in jars still need bright light. A sunny kitchen windowsill or desk near a window works well. If your home doesn’t get much natural light, a simple LED grow light can help. The University of Minnesota Extension has a clear guide on using indoor grow lights: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/lighting-indoor-plants

Care Tips for This Example

Because the jar has less airflow than an open bowl, go light on water. A small squeeze bottle or syringe is handy so you can direct water to the soil rather than the leaves.

Let the soil dry completely between waterings. If you’re unsure, wait an extra few days. Over time, you’ll see real examples of how the plants “tell” you their needs: slightly wrinkled leaves usually mean they’re thirsty; mushy, translucent leaves often mean too much water.

Example #3: Low-Maintenance Office Succulent Terrarium

For anyone who wants examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium that can survive a busy workweek, this office-friendly version is ideal.

What Makes This Example Office-Friendly

Office conditions are often less than perfect: fluorescent lights, air conditioning, and dry air. So this example of a succulent terrarium focuses on tough, forgiving plants.

Try a rectangular glass container or a low ceramic dish for a clean, professional look. Fill it with:

• One or two Jade plants (Crassula ovata, or dwarf varieties)
• A small Aloe or Gasteria (aloe cousin that does well indoors)
• A compact Haworthia (these handle lower light better than many succulents)

Use the same basic layering: a thin gravel layer, then cactus mix. Arrange the tallest plant (Aloe or Gasteria) toward the back, then Jade in the middle, and Haworthia toward the front.

Placement and Light in a Work Setting

Place your terrarium near a window if possible, but not right against hot glass. If you only have artificial light, choose a spot under bright overhead lights and rotate the container every week so each side gets similar exposure.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that many succulents can adapt to bright indoor conditions as long as they aren’t overwatered and still receive enough light intensity over time: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP428

Watering and Office Reality

This is where many office terrarium examples fail: people water on a schedule instead of listening to the soil.

For this example of an office terrarium, keep a small note under the container or in your desk drawer that says: “Check soil first. Only water when DRY.” Then, when you think it might need water, stick a finger in the soil or use a wooden skewer. If it comes out dry and clean, you can water lightly.

Because offices tend to be cool and air-conditioned, your terrarium might only need water every 2–4 weeks.

More Real Examples and Creative Twists

So far, we’ve covered three core layouts, but you might be wondering about other examples of how to make a succulent terrarium that fit specific situations. Here are a few more real examples you can borrow ideas from:

A Kid-Friendly “Dinosaur Desert” Terrarium

Use a plastic bowl or sturdy glass container, plant a few tough succulents like Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) and Sedum, then let kids add small dinosaur toys and rocks. This is an example of a terrarium that doubles as a fun science and creativity project.

A Minimalist Black-and-White Terrarium

For a modern living room, pair dark green Haworthia with white gravel and a matte black ceramic bowl. This is one of the best examples if you like a clean, monochrome look.

A 2024 Trend: Long Table-Runner Terrariums

A big 2024–2025 styling trend is using long, narrow terrariums as dining table centerpieces. Think a rectangular glass trough filled with:

• Alternating rosettes of Echeveria
• Pockets of white sand and black pebbles
• A few air plants (Tillandsia) tucked in, even though they’re not true succulents

These examples include both visual drama and low maintenance, perfect for people who entertain but don’t want fussy flowers.

A Gift-Ready Mini Terrarium

Another popular 2024 idea: single-plant mini terrariums in small jars or votive holders, given as party favors or thank-you gifts. A single tiny Haworthia or Sedum, a bit of cactus mix, and a top layer of pretty gravel turn into a thoughtful, living gift.

Seeing all these variations together gives you several clear examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium, plus extra ideas so you can tweak them for kids, gifts, or decor trends.

Simple Step-by-Step Basics (Apply to Any Example)

All the examples above follow the same basic pattern. Once you understand it, you can invent your own versions.

First, choose a container. Open containers work best for succulents because they prefer dry air. Then, create a drainage layer with pebbles or coarse gravel. Add a few tablespoons of charcoal if your container is tall or partially covered.

Next, add your cactus/succulent potting mix. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture. Many garden centers sell mixes labeled specifically for cacti and succulents, or you can improve regular potting mix by adding coarse sand and perlite.

Then, arrange your plants. Start with one focal plant, add supporting plants of different heights or textures, and leave a bit of breathing room between them. Finally, add a top dressing—decorative gravel, sand, or small stones—to give it a finished, intentional look.

Water lightly after planting, then let things dry out before watering again. According to guidance on indoor plants and moisture from sources like Cornell Cooperative Extension, overwatering is one of the most common ways people accidentally damage indoor plants, including succulents: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension

FAQ: Real-World Questions About Succulent Terrariums

What are some simple examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium at home?

The three best examples for beginners are: a shallow desert bowl terrarium for your coffee table, a layered sand terrarium in a recycled glass jar, and a low-maintenance office terrarium in a rectangular glass or ceramic dish. Each example of a terrarium uses the same basic layers—gravel, cactus mix, and succulents—but you change the container shape and decoration to match your style.

Can I use regular potting soil in these examples?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Regular potting soil holds more water, which increases the risk of root rot. For all the examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium in this guide, a cactus/succulent mix works better because it drains faster.

What’s an example of a very low-maintenance succulent for terrariums?

Haworthia is a great example of a plant that stays compact and tolerates lower light, making it perfect for office or apartment terrariums. Jade plants and some Sedum varieties are also good examples of tough, forgiving succulents.

How often should I water a succulent terrarium?

Most indoor succulent terrariums only need water every 2–4 weeks, depending on light, temperature, and container size. For all the examples in this article, the rule is the same: always let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Can I keep a succulent terrarium in a bathroom or low-light room?

Succulents really prefer bright light. If your bathroom has a large, sunny window, you might get away with it. Otherwise, for low-light spaces, consider adding a small grow light or choosing plants that handle low light better, like certain ferns or pothos—though those aren’t succulents.

When you put it all together, these examples of 3 easy examples of how to make a succulent terrarium show that you don’t need fancy tools or advanced skills. You just need the right soil, some sturdy little plants, a container you love, and a bit of creativity. Start with one of the real examples above, and by your second or third terrarium, you’ll be confidently inventing your own.