All About Layering your Terrariums

We’ve given you the dirt on why terrariums are f-ing fabulous and why you should be adding one to your desk or window sill immediately. If you’re all about the DIY, book yourself into our Build Your Own Terrarium Bar and learn how to elevate a space and make it your own. 

Onions have layers; Ogres have layers and Terrariums have layers - 

We’ll paint you a picture - you head to our BYOTB workshop, sit yourself down with a beverage and are presented with a glass container, soil, sand, charcoal, decorative layers and your little succers. Where do you start, what do you do, what’s next, this is too overwhelming *aaaargh*.
The panic (can be) real.
So we had the brilliant idea of creating a little guide where you can learn more about the different layers, why they follow a pattern and what function they have.

1. The Glass Vessel
Terrarium containers can be any shape or size, but they should be made out of glass. The type of plants you will be putting in the container will determine whether it should be sealable or left open to the environment.
Succulents don’t do well in moist conditions and an open source so the water in the soil and other layers can evaporate. We’ve found that open containers are the best option (think fish bowls, cylinders and prisms).

2. The Charcoal layer
Sometimes optional, but important for maintaining the health of your little succers. The charcoal layer has a similar effect in your terrarium as the Bioré Charcoal Mask has on your skin. It draws out the toxins and maintains optimum conditions for growth and plant health in the container. The charcoal also prevents P.O (aka plant odour) from developing.

3. The Sand Layer
Sand can be used as a decorative element on top or at the bottom of your terrarium. It’s also great for filling holes or hiding the roots of your succers.

4. A functional yet decorative layer
We choose to use coloured pebbles or sand for our decorative layers. While they may add a pop of colour to your terrarium, they are pretty useful too. The pebbles serve as a drainage system for the succulents - drinking away any excess water that’s lying about. Since the optimum condition for succulents/cacti is a semi dry environment, excessive moisture may lead to them rotting. Take our advice, being stoned is great.

5. Soil
The same as any potted plant, the soil makes up a crucial layer and is essentially where your succulent will get all the nutrients it needs. The soil helps in anchoring the roots, and is necessary for growth and the health of your plant babies.
Pick a type of soil suited to succulents - the soil is better suited to drainage and won’t hold moisture as easily, thus making it the perfect environment for the mini cacti. 

6. The Succers
It goes without saying that this is our favourite layer - and it’s not just because we love succulents. Plants are the personality of your terrarium and you can choose from a delicate, flowery echeveria, spiky aloe vera, or replicate a reef with a beautiful coral cactus - the options are pretty endless.

7. The fun bits
This is you, essentially building your own mini garden and adding personalised touches and flairs.
Are you someone who loves bright colours? Add multi colored sand or pebbles.
Going with the reef theme? Toss in some pretty shells or a mermaid miniature.
All about that minimalistic life? Ditch the decor and let your plants shine.

Get tips from the experts themselves…
Get your hands dirty and build your own terrarium from scratch at our Build Your Own Terrarium Bar. Let your creativity run wild and choose your perfect vase, little succers, decor and more, to build the mini garden of your dreams.
Tickets start from just $20 and the events run all year round. Head here to find out more and book into our next session.