Terrariums are miniature worlds inside glass containers, bringing the beauty of nature into your home. This guide will show you how to create a self-growing terrarium with colorful sand, succulents, soil, and moss — a little ecosystem that, with proper care, can thrive for years (almost forever!).
✨ Why Use Succulents, Moss, and Colorful Sand?
- Succulents store water in their leaves, making them incredibly low-maintenance.
- Moss adds lush greenery, helps retain moisture, and softens the look of sand layers.
- Colorful sand creates stunning patterns while improving drainage, giving your terrarium both beauty and balance.
You can easily find vibrant, high-quality colorful sand on Amazon to achieve gorgeous layered effects and I have used them in many workshops and they are great…..
🛠 Materials You’ll Need
- A clear glass jar with lid
- Small pebbles or gravel
- Colorful sand in multiple shades
- Cactus or succulent potting soil
- Succulent plants (various shapes and sizes)
- Sheet moss or preserved decorative moss
- Decorative stones or mini figurines (optional)
- A spoon or funnel
🌈 Step 1 – Create the Base Drainage
Start with a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom of your container to allow excess water to drain away from roots.
🌈 Step 2 – Add Soil
Spread a layer of cactus or succulent soil over the sand. This specialized soil prevents water from sitting too long around the roots.
🌱 Step 3 – Layer in Colorful Sand
Pour in your colorful sand in sections or tilted layers to create an artistic backdrop for your plants. This also supports drainage.
🌵 Step 4 – Plant Succulents
Arrange your succulents, pressing soil gently around each root. Choose a mix of tall and short plants for visual interest.
🍃 Step 5 – Add Moss
Place moss around your succulents, tucking it between plants or at the edges. Moss acts as a natural mulch, helping to keep the soil moist while adding vibrant green color and texture.
💎 Step 6 – Decorate
Sprinkle small stones, shells, or miniature figurines to give your terrarium a personal touch.
💧 Step 7 – Water Wisely
Mist the moss lightly and water succulents. Moss loves light moisture, but avoid soaking the soil.
☀️ Step 8 – Provide the Right Light
Keep your terrarium in bright, indirect sunlight. Rotate weekly to ensure even light for both moss and succulents.
Close the lid and that;s it!
♻️ How to Keep It Thriving Forever
- Balance Water – Watch if the environment is too wet or too dry, then release the cap/lid if it’s too wet, or give some mist if it’s too dry.
- Drainage Layers – The combination of pebbles, sand, and soil prevents root rot.
- Trimming – Clip overgrown succulent leaves and refresh moss if needed.
- Light Rotation – Ensure every plant side gets sunlight.
- Refresh Moss & Sand – Over the years, replace top moss or add new colored sand without disturbing the roots.
By blending succulents, moss, and colorful sand, you’re creating a small, sustainable desert-and-forest garden in one — a piece of living art that you can enjoy for many years to come.
