Terrarium Building Instructions

Before You Begin:
Examples and full plant care instructions are at the end of this page.
Please read all instructions before starting—helpful tips are included throughout.

Step 1: Work Station Prep & Painting Miniatures

Workstation Preparation
  • Lay down a protective layer (plate, plastic mat, paper, or newspaper).
  • Make sure your surface is flat and stable
  • Prepare: acrylic paint, paint brushes, clean water, paper towel, palette or disposable plate
  • Shake paint bottle well to ensure smooth consistency
Miniature Painting
  • Apply two thin coats, instead of 1 thick coat
    • Let each layer dry completely before adding the next.
  • Mix colors on a separate palette
    • This keeps your main paint clean and helps create custom shades.
  • Dry your brush thoroughly before dipping into paint
    • Excess water can thin the paint too much and affect coverage

Step 2: Planting Succulents & Prepping Air Plants

  • Fill your planter with soil
  • Dig small holes sized appropriately for each succulent.
    • Do NOT plant air plants in soil. This may create rot
  • Place each succulent into a hole and gently cover the roots with soil.
  • Lightly wet the soil around the base of each succulent. Gently tamp (press down) the soil to remove air pockets.
  • Build up soil around the base if needed to help support the plant.
  • Smooth and flatten the remaining soil in preparation for the next step.
  • Air plants should not be planted in soil. Instead, place them on top of decorative sand, rocks, or pebbles (See step 3)

Step 3: Building Your Terrarium

        1. Add Sand & Rocks
  • Use the provided spoon and cup to layer sand and rocks on top of the soil.
  • Distribute evenly across the surface.
    Tips:
    1. Gently shake the spoon for smoother, more even coverage.
    2. Use a clean paintbrush to smooth sand into tight corners or around plants.
      2. Decorate your Planter
  • Add the provides accessoriores such as moss, faux greenery, decorative rocks, animal figurines
  • Once your painted miniatures are completely dry, place them into your design.
  • Set the air plant on top of the sand or rocks — do not plant it in soil.
Tips:
  • Less is more — leave some open (negative) space helps highlight your plants and miniatures.
  • Plan your layout and leave space for painted pieces before placing anything permanently

Voila! Your planter is complete. See below for examples and care instructions.

Plant Care

Light Requirements
  • Succulents & air plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight for about 6 hours daily.
  • Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
  • Place plants 6–10 inches from a South- or East-facing window for best results.
Watering 
Air Plants
  • Do not plant in soil (they don’t root in the ground).
  • Mist thoroughly or dunk in water every 2–3 weeks.
  • After soaking, let them dry completely before placing back
Succulents
  • Water about ½ cup every 4–5 weeks, aiming at the base of the plant.
  • Water more frequently in summer if soil dries faster.
Tips:
  • Less is more—succulents store water in their leaves.
  • To check if water is needed:
    • Gently squeeze a leaf:
      • Firm = no water needed - wait a few days
      • Slightly soft/squishy = time to water
    • Insert a toothpick into the soil
      • Wet soil on toothpick = wait a few days
      • Dry = water
  • Consider using a plant tracking app for reminders.
  • Use Google Image Search to identify your exact succulent for more specific care instructions.
Miniature Japanese-themed landscape in a glass terrarium with small statues, a red torii gate, decorative stones, and paper cherry blossoms.
Miniature Asian garden with red pagoda, torii gate, Buddha statue, and small Zen garden in a wooden planter, surrounded by various succulent plants.
Miniature fantasy scene inside a glass container with pink rocks, a mushroom, flowers, a unicorn figurine, a gnome figurine, a wooden sign, and greenery.
Miniature whimsical fairy garden with a mushroom house, succulents, small fairy figurines, and decorative objects all arranged in a wooden planter.
Miniature garden with tiny statues, plants, a small pond, and decorative elements like a red umbrella and bridge in a glass container.
Miniature beach scene with sand, rocks, miniature pool with rubber duck and toy whale, plant decorations, small sandcastle, decorative surfboard, and umbrella located in a wooden tray.
Miniature fairy garden with a small mushroom house, pink and purple figurines, plants, and decorative flowers on rough gravel and white sand base.
Miniature beach scene inside a glass bowl with a yellow umbrella, blue chair, toy duck, turtle, seashells, glass pebbles, and small plants.