Creating a desert terrarium is a great way to bring a piece of arid landscape into your home. Unlike tropical terrariums, which require high humidity, desert terrariums are designed for cacti and succulents, which thrive in dry, well-draining environments. These low-maintenance setups are perfect for those who love plants but don’t want the hassle of frequent watering. If you want to build your own tropical terrarium, we have a detailed step-by-step guide here.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of building a desert terrarium, covering materials, plant selection, and decoration ideas to make it both visually stunning and easy to care for.

What makes a desert terrarium different?

Desert terrariums mimic arid ecosystems and require:
✔ An open glass container – Unlike closed terrariums, desert terrariums should be open to allow airflow and prevent excess moisture.
✔ Well-draining substrate – Succulents and cacti hate soggy roots, so the soil must drain quickly.
✔ Bright light – These plants thrive in direct or bright indirect sunlight.
✔ Minimal watering – Watering should be infrequent to prevent root rot.

Materials you’ll need

Choosing the right container

Since cacti and succulents need dry conditions, your desert terrarium should always be open. A closed terrarium would trap moisture, leading to rot and fungal growth.
✔ Open glass jars – Perfect for small to medium arrangements.
✔ Glass bowls – A stylish choice that provides plenty of airflow.
✔ Geometric terrariums – Great for a modern look, especially for showcasing succulents.

Substrate and drainage layers

To replicate a desert environment, your terrarium needs well-draining soil and proper airflow around the roots.

✔ Expanded clay balls (LECA) or volcanic gravel – Helps with drainage and prevents root rot.
✔ Perlite – Improves aeration and prevents soil compaction.
✔ Sand – Mimics natural desert soil and improves drainage.
✔ Akadama – A porous clay substrate often used for bonsai, excellent for preventing excess moisture retention.
✔ Universal cactus and succulent soil mix – Provides the right balance of nutrients and drainage.

💡 Pro tip: Layering sand between the soil and gravel creates a stunning aesthetic while maintaining proper drainage.

Choosing your plants

The key to a successful desert terrarium is selecting plants that thrive in low humidity, high light, and well-draining soil.

💡 Best plants for a desert terrarium:
✔ Cacti – Small species like Mammillaria, Echinopsis, or Rebutia.
✔ Succulents – Such as Haworthia, Echeveria, or Graptopetalum.
✔ Lithops (Living Stones) – A unique and low-maintenance option.
✔ Sedum – A trailing succulent that adds texture.

Avoid tropical plants. These require humidity and will not survive in a desert terrarium.

Tools for building a desert terrarium

✔ Soft-tipped tweezers – Helps place plants without damaging their delicate roots.
✔ Long-handled spoon or small shovel – Useful for layering soil and sand.
✔ Chopsticks or skewer stick – Ideal for positioning succulents carefully.
✔ Small brush – Helps remove excess soil from cacti spines and leaves.
✔ Gloves or tongs – Essential for handling spiky cacti safely.

💡 DIY Tip: Wrap a sponge around chopsticks to create a simple, effective tool for dusting off plants and adjusting decorations.

Decorating your desert terrarium

A desert terrarium is not just about plants—it’s about creating a miniature landscape that captures the beauty of an arid environment.

✔ Coloured sand layers – Create stunning patterns for an artistic effect.
✔ Rocks and pebbles – Mimic a natural desert terrain.
✔ Driftwood or dried branches – Adds a rustic, natural touch.
✔ Mini figurines or crystals – Personalize your terrarium with tiny decorative elements.

💡 Tip: Use different textures and sizes of sand and stones to create contrast and depth.

How to build your desert terrarium step by step

1️⃣ Prepare your container

Wash the glass with mild soap and water to remove any residues and dry it completely to prevent moisture buildup. If using a repurposed jar, make sure it is free of chemical residues.

2️⃣ Create the drainage layer

Add 2-3 cm of expanded clay balls (LECA) or volcanic gravel to the bottom. This helps drain excess water and prevents root rot. Slope the drainage layer slightly to add depth and dimension to your terrarium.

3️⃣ Add the soil layer

Mix universal cactus soil, perlite, akadama, and sand to create an airy, fast-draining medium. Spread a 4-6 cm layer of this mix over the drainage layer.

4️⃣ Arrange your plants

Remove plants from their pots, shake off excess soil, and inspect the roots. Start by placing taller cacti in the back and smaller succulents in the front for a balanced composition. Use tweezers or chopsticks to position the plants without disturbing their roots. Space plants slightly apart to allow airflow and prevent overcrowding.

5️⃣ Add sand and decorative elements

Spread a thin layer of decorative sand over the soil for a finished look. Arrange rocks, pebbles, or driftwood to mimic a natural desert landscape.

6️⃣ Watering and placement

Lightly mist the soil around the base of the plants, not directly on the leaves or cacti. Do not overwater – wait at least a week before the next watering to let roots establish. Place the terrarium in bright, indirect sunlight.

💡 Tip: If the terrarium receives direct sun, ensure good airflow to prevent overheating.

Caring for your desert terrarium

A desert terrarium requires minimal maintenance but needs the right care to stay healthy.

✔ Watering: Every 2-4 weeks, depending on humidity levels. Allow soil to dry completely before watering again.
✔ Light: Place in bright, indirect light or near a south-facing window.
✔ Ventilation: Since the container is open, airflow should be sufficient, but avoid placing it in stuffy, poorly ventilated areas.
✔ Dusting: Use a soft brush or air blower to remove dust from cacti and succulents.

Avoid excess humidity! If you see condensation forming inside the glass, reduce watering.

Join our terrarium workshops! 🌵

Want to build your own desert terrarium with expert guidance? Join our desert terrarium workshop in Barcelona! We provide all the materials and plants, plus step-by-step instructions to create your own stunning arid landscape. Check upcoming workshop dates and book your spot here.

Happy planting! 🌵✨