I’ve always loved the look of terrariums but hadn’t yet had the opportunity to try my hand. When I found a small plastic terrarium at Dollar Tree recently, I grabbed it and the opportunity to put my own personal spin on this very popular item.
It turned out pretty awesome! You can’t even tell it is made with fake plants at a glance. Terrariums also make great birthday or Christmas gifts!
Below I’ve included an easy and fun step-by-step tutorial on how to make a DIY terrarium with items you can find at the dollar store – no real plants or green thumb required!
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Here are the supplies you’ll need, with links to my recommended products:
- Small terrarium (you can also use a mason jar)
- potted faux succulent or other small artificial plants (Dollar Tree)
- small stones (on hand)
- medium-sized engraved or plain stone (Dollararma)
- moss (loose or sheet from Dollar Tree or Dollarama)
- glue gun
- assorted bits of greenery (on hand)
- thick twine for hanging (Dollarama)
DIY Faux Terrarium Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1:
The first step is to hot glue a few small stones onto the base of the terrarium. I tried putting the stones in without gluing them down and it made the subsequent steps a slippery proposition.
Step 2:
Next, I added a layer of moss on top of the stones. There’s no need to glue it down.
Step 3:
The succulent pulls out of the little pot very easily. If the little stem comes out with it and can’t be easily detached, you may need to cut it off. You want the succulent to sit flat in the terrarium.
Step 4:
Place the succulent on top of the moss to one side and tuck in about three pieces of faux foliage on the other side.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
I added the larger, engraved stone as an afterthought and liked the effect. A plain stone of the same size would work as well.
This little terrarium will sit on a shelf but is generally meant to be hung up somewhere. I chose to hang it in my ensuite so I added some thick twine to the attached hanger on the terrarium.
Adjust the length of the twine so that your little terrarium hangs just where you want it. It’s so easy and inexpensive, you could make several, if you wanted to, and personalize them to your own tastes.
The Argument for Faux Terrariums vs Live Terrariums
If you’re wondering whether you should make a faux terrarium or a real one, here is why I find faux is more fab:
Cost-Effective
Perhaps the most obvious reason to go with a faux succulent terrarium over a real one is the cost, both to make and maintain. Live terrariums can cost anywhere from $50 to upwards of $100 or more depending on the size. But this DIY faux terrarium costs under $10.
Zero Maintenance
Live terrariums can be a bit fussy to maintain; you need to make sure they are in the ideal location for light and moisture. You also have to mist them regularly and make sure there is no mold growing in it.
With a faux terrarium, the only thing you have to worry about is where it looks best in your home!
Allergy-Free and Pet-Friendly
If you have plant allergies, using fake succulents and artificial moss can help prevent flare-ups. You also don’t have to worry about your pets making a snack out of it.
Creative Freedom
When you use real succulents and plants, you only have to be mindful of constructing the terrarium in a way that supports life. But fake ones allow you total creative freedom, and you can use whatever landscapes you want with whatever materials strike your fancy.
Final Thoughts
Faux plants get a bad rap, but they are a fun and affordable way to create cute decor that will brighten the house, even when you’re on a budget or have the proverbial “black thumb.” Not only that, but they can look so realistic that no one will be able to tell!
FAQ
Can you make a terrarium out of anything?
Pretty much any glass container (or even a plastic one) with an opening can be used to make a beautiful terrarium.
Are fake indoor plants tacky?
Some faux plants can look tacky with a shiny, plastic look to them. But faux succulents tend to look more realistic, which is why I recommend using them for terrariums and other home decor projects.
How do you clean fake plants for a terrarium?
If you notice your faux succulents are gathering dust, you can use a feather duster to lightly brush it off. If you can easily remove the fake plants, you could also just rinse them off under the tap and pat them dry before replacing them in the terrarium.
Can you use a mason jar for a terrarium?
Yes, any glass or sturdy plastic container with an opening can be used to make a terrarium!
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