Terrarium Care

Lighting

Succulents and cacti require bright, direct sunlight to thrive. Place your terrarium in a south or west-facing window to ensure it receives enough light. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, you can supplement with grow lights.

Watering

Overwatering is the biggest danger for succulents and cacti. In the hot and dry climate of Phoenix, it’s important to be careful when watering. Check the soil or sand regularly and only water when it’s completely dry. When watering, water thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the terrarium. Do not let the terrarium sit in standing water.

Soil/Sand

For a soil terrarium, disperse water evenly across the top until soil is saturated through. For a sand terrarium, use a syringe, dropper, or turkey baster to evenly squeeze the water to the roots of the plant until the underlying soil is saturated.

Fertilizer

During the growing season  spring and summer  you can fertilize your succulents and cacti with a cactus or succulent-specific fertilizer or worm castings once a month.

Pruning

If your succulents or cacti become leggy or overgrown, you can prune them back. Use a clean pair of scissors or shears to make a clean cut at the base of the stem.

Temperatures

Succulents and cacti are adapted to thrive in hot and dry environments.. however, they do not do well in extreme temperatures, especially below freezing. Keep your terrarium in a temperature-controlled room, away from any cold drafts or extreme heat sources.

Pests

Watch out for pests like mealybugs and spider mites, which can infest succulents and cacti. If you notice any signs of infestation, isolate the affected plant and treat it with an insecticidal soap.