A succulent and cacti terrarium kit is the fastest, most fool-proof way into the hobby, a vessel plus specially formulated soil and everything you need to plant a desert-style miniature garden in under an hour. It's a great activity to do with friends or family, and a lovely gift.
Why succulents need an open terrarium
This is the one thing to get right: succulents and cacti are desert plants that rot in trapped humidity so they belong in an open (unsealed) terrarium with plenty of airflow, never a closed jar. A good kit's free-draining, gritty soil is formulated exactly for this, keeping roots from sitting wet.
How to build it
- Drainage gravel or LECA at the base (no drainage hole = essential).
- Charcoal a thin layer to keep things fresh.
- Cactus/succulent soil the gritty mix your kit provides.
- Plant & top-dress set your succulents, then finish with decorative sand or pebbles.
See our full terrarium-building guide (the layering is the same; just skip the lid for succulents).
Care
Bright light (succulents love it) and infrequent watering a small drink only once the soil is fully dry, roughly every 2–3 weeks.
Where to buy
Browse succulent terrarium kits on Amazon or a geometric planter to build your own. More in our gift guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put succulents in a closed terrarium? No, they need airflow and dry conditions. Use an open vessel; closed terrariums are for moss and ferns.
How often do I water a succulent terrarium? Only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2–3 weeks, less in winter.
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