Cactus terrarium - Spike & Bloom

Cactus Terrariums are basically miniature, self-sustaining ecosystems. They prove to be an excellent choice for people facing challenges in maintaining their garden or those living in smaller spaces, but want a touch of greenery within their homes.

Terrariums can be broadly categorized into two types: open and closed terrariums.

Open terrariums are best suited for plants that enjoy drier conditions, like succulents and cacti. Having an open terrarium eases plant care and maintenance!

Closed terrariums, on the other hand, recycle water that evaporates from the plants, making them self-sustainable and less demanding in terms of watering as you do not need to water the plants inside.

Factors to Consider With your Cactus Terrarium

When creating a suitable environment for your cactus terrarium, there are several important factors to consider:

Humidity – Cacti are adept to drier conditions and are not suitable for humid environments. Closed terrariums, which are very humid as they trap evaporating water in their casing, are not ideal enclosures for desert cacti.
Water Retention – While cacti are drought-tolerant, they still require some level of moisture. Ensure that open terrariums with cacti have an adequate level of moisture. Only water once their soil has completely dried out. Cacti are susceptible to root rot when planted in overly wet and soggy soil.
Airflow – Placing your terrarium in a location where it receives sunlight and good airflow is important. This helps to keep the soil dry and prevents excess moisture buildup.
Drainage – Proper drainage should be taken into account in order to prevent overwatering and root rot. Use a well-draining soil mix and water your cacti moderately to avoid drowning them. It’s worth repeating: Only water your cactus when the soil has completely dried out. This will ensure that you are not promoting root rot and the demise of your prickly little friends.

Containers for your Terrarium

There are many different types of containers used for terrariums. Some are great for beginners while some are more suitable for experts. When choosing a container for your terrarium, consider your skill level, available space, and the type of terrarium you want to create:

Fishbowl

If you’re only just starting, using a fishbowl as a container is perfect. It’s small, compact, and you don’t really need to put vegetation or plants inside making it perfect for beginner enthusiasts and for people with less space to display terrariums. You can design this tiny terrarium with zero plants to start and it will still look great. Than, once brave enough you can add your cactus plants to it!

Fish Tank

If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to build larger enclosures, a fish tank would be great! They’re spacious enough to house a few plants and even add lighting in the background. You won’t have a problem sourcing one as used fish tanks are usually easy to find. Due to their larger size compared to fishbowls, it is best to have more space in your home for this type of terrarium.

Mason Jar

If you’re looking to build terrariums as more of an ornamental piece than an indoor garden, mason jars are perfect for you! Mason jars are small, easy to work with, and you can create several of them to compliment each other on the shelf.

Building your Own Terrarium

When building your own terrarium, gather the necessary tools and follow these steps to properly set up your plant’s new home.

Tools and Materials

Wooden StakesLong sticks or bamboo shoots for plant support
Scissors for pruning
A bulb-type sprayer to water hard-to-reach areas inside the terrarium
Suitable container (fishbowl, fish tank, mason jar, etc.)
Potting mix suitable for your chosen plants
Accessories like rocks, gravel, natural wood, or foliage
Gloves for handling plants and soil

Steps in Creating a Terrarium

Prepare the Container: Ensure your chosen container is clean and dry.
Create a Drainage Layer: Add a layer of small rocks or gravel to promote drainage.
Add Potting Mix: Fill the container with a layer of potting mix suitable for your chosen plants. Make sure it’s deep enough for the roots and needs to be well draining for your cacti plants.
Plant Selection: Choose plants that thrive in similar conditions in terms of light and water needs. Place taller plants at the back and smaller ones toward the front.
Planting: Poke some planting holes in the terrarium’s soil where you want each plant to live. Gently remove plants from their pots, shake off excess soil, and place them in the holes. Pat the soil gently around the plants to secure them.
Accessorize: Add rocks, gravel, natural wood, or foliage to create a natural and visually appealing landscape. Be mindful not to overcrowd the terrarium.
Watering: Using the bulb-type sprayer, water the terrarium lightly to settle the soil and hydrate hard-to-reach areas.
Maintenance: Place your terrarium in an appropriate location with the right amount of light. Water sparingly and prune plants as needed.

Caution: Nearly all terrariums lack drainage holes in their bottoms. It’s easy to overwater your terrarium if you have never had one before. Only water a tiny amount and keep an eye on the water buildup on the bottom of your terrarium.

Rainbow Cactus – The vibrant pink and white spines of the Rainbow Cactus, along with its magenta and yellow flowers, add a burst of color to your terrarium. It’s especially eye-catching when it blooms in the spring.
Cinnamon Cactus – This miniature prickly pear cactus is ideal for terrariums as it only reaches heights of eight to ten inches. Its compact size and unique appearance make it a standout choice.
Peanut Cactus – The Peanut Cactus resembles a cluster of peanuts and has a distinctive finger-like shape. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets and open terrariums, as the joints of the plant drape elegantly.
Thimble Cactus – Native to Mexico, the Thimble Cactus is small, slow-growing, and easy to care for. Its diminutive size and attractive appearance make it a popular ornamental choice for terrariums.
Domino Cactus(Easter Lily Cactus) – Known for its beautiful evening-blooming flowers, the Domino Cactus is an excellent addition to terrariums. It’s a beginner-friendly choice due to its spineless nature, making it easy to handle and maintain.

Why Create a Cactus Terrarium

Terrariums provide a controlled and nurturing environment for plants, making them particularly beneficial for certain species like cacti and succulents. Overall, cactus terrariums are a practical and enjoyable way to cultivate and care for these unique plants, even if you lack outdoor garden space or live in an environment less suited to cacti.