Building your own terrarium at home is one of the most satisfying DIY projects you can do — and with a Cute Farms kit, it's easier than you think. Whether you're making an air plant terrarium or a succulent garden, this guide walks you through every step so your miniature garden comes out looking beautiful from day one.
Below you'll find two complete build guides — one for air plant terrariums and one for succulent gardens — plus care tips to keep your creation thriving long after build day. Let's get started!
Air plants don't need soil, which makes them perfect for open glass terrariums. Follow these steps and you'll have a stunning display in under 15 minutes.
Spray & Set Aside Your Air Plant
Spray your air plant with Cute Farms Air Plant Food and set it aside on a paper towel while you build your terrarium. This gives it a good drink before its new home is ready.
Build Your Base Layer
Add pebbles, gardening vermiculite, or coarse sand to the bottom of your glass container. This base layer helps water drain away from the plant, keeping the roots dry and healthy — essential for air plants.
Add Your Decorative Moss Layer
Build a decorative layer of moss on top of the base. This is also the perfect moment to add your miniature dinosaurs, tiny twigs, shells, or any found objects that give your terrarium a personal touch. Make it yours!
Place Your Air Plant — You're Done!
Nestle your air plant into the terrarium on top of the moss layer and you're finished! No soil, no mess. Step back and admire your new miniature garden.
Succulents have roots that need soil, so this build has one extra step. The result is a lush, long-lasting miniature garden that practically takes care of itself.
Soak Your Succulent's Roots
Place the roots of your succulent in a cup of water at room temperature and set it aside while you build the rest of the garden. This hydrates the roots before planting and gives them a healthy start.
Build Your Base Drainage Layer
Add pebbles or gardening vermiculite to the bottom of your container to create a drainage base. This layer lets excess water drain away from the roots — most succulents like to stay dry between waterings.
Add Your Cacti Soil Layer
Pour a layer of cacti soil on top of your drainage base. Take your succulent out of the water cup and gently allow the excess water to drip off before planting. Cacti soil provides the fast-draining environment succulents thrive in.
Plant Your Succulent into the Soil
Carefully press your succulent's roots into the cacti soil, making sure it sits upright and feels secure. Gently firm the soil around the base so the plant stands on its own.
Add Moss & Decorations — Done!
Finish your garden by layering decorative moss around the succulent base. Add your miniature dinosaurs or any personal touches you like. Your succulent garden is complete and ready to display!
How to Care for Your Terrarium
Once built, your terrarium needs very little maintenance — that's the beauty of it. Here's everything you need to keep both air plants and succulents happy long-term.
Light for Air Plants
A sunny window in your bedroom or kitchen with indirect sunlight is ideal. A desk lamp or ceiling light works well too — air plants are flexible with artificial light.
Light for Succulents
Indirect sunlight is best. A sunny bedroom or kitchen window works perfectly. Artificial light from a desk lamp or ceiling light is also a good alternative.
Watering Air Plants
Spray daily with Cute Farms Air Plant Food or filtered water. Your plant should feel dry to the touch after ten minutes. If it's still wet, water less often.
Watering Succulents
Water once a week or as needed. Slowly add small amounts until water reaches the top of the base layer — no higher. Soil should be dry to the touch after 10 minutes. Never overwater.
- Daily use plant food — air plant food or succulent fertilizer depending on your kit
- Miniature dinosaurs — because every garden needs a tiny T-Rex
- Everything you need to build your first terrarium right out of the box
- This build & care guide so you always know what to do next
The Bottom Line
Building a terrarium at home is simpler than it looks — and the result is a living piece of decor you built yourself. Whether you went with an air plant or a succulent garden, follow the care tips above and your miniature world will thrive. Share your creation with us using #CuteFarms — we love seeing what you build!