DIY Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium

Terrariums are low maintenance and great for those that don’t have much space or if you are botanically challenged like me and don’t have the greatest track record with plants, a cinch to look after! This thrifted cocktail glass terrarium DIY is so quick and simple it makes a great gift for the holidays or a party favour!

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY

The type of plants used for terrariums don’t need a lot of soil or water so you can really get creative with the containers you use to make them. A one of a kind piece of thrifted glassware will make a unique design statement, whether you display the terrarium in your kitchen, bedroom or on your desk!

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - Materials

Supplies:

  • Gravel/decorative stones
  • Activated charcoal
  • Soil
  • Succulents and cacti
  • Glass container (pre washed)
Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - drainage layer

Step 1: First add a drainage layer; this could be sand or pebbles. To add a touch of glamour, I used semi precious gemstones, you can usually buy these fairly inexpensively, but you can always opt for glass stones or crystals and get a similar effect! This allows the water to settle without flooding the plant.

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - next layer

Step 2: The next layer in your terrarium is made up of activated charcoal/activated carbon. This is the kind you would usually find in your water filter or fish tank filter and reduces bacteria and fungi helping to keep the terrarium healthy

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - layer of draining soil

Step3: Add a layer of well draining soil. You need to use a soil specially designed for your plants and make sure that you add enough soil to allow for the plant roots and their growth.

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - succulent plants
Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - arrange plants

Step 4: Add and arrange the plants in the terrarium. Plants such as succulents and cacti tend to work very well in terrariums as they store water and are low maintenance! Break up the soil ball gently until you get to the roots of the plant. You can even separate the plant into smaller plants if you are really careful. Make a well in the soil in your container to place your plant and pat the soil firmly around the plant base.

Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - decoratinve layer

Step 5: Finish with a decorative layer, this might be moss, or more pebbles. I added another layer of semi precious gemstones. You can add figures or shells too if you like. These are great for adding extra character and personalisation to the terrarium.

Succulents plants on glass

Step 6: Give the outside of the container a little wipe if it is a little dirty and then spray the plants a couple of times just to add a little moisture to the terrarium.

Plants on a Glass
Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY - display

A spray bottle is a great accessory for maintaining your terrarium. You only need to water the terrarium about once during the week depending upon the location it is kept in and make sure that the terrarium gets a reasonable amount of indirect sunlight. If the plants look like they are wilting, they need to be watered more frequently, and you may be over watering if the terrarium starts to get mouldy or boggy.

Centerpiece Thrifted Cocktail Glass Terrarium DIY

Keep a look out for interesting containers and accessories so you can make more unique terrariums. You can also try dipping the container in decorative paint. If you use chalkboard paint, you can change up the decorative style with chalk markers whenever you like!