In the glass frame of the terrarium, cacti are decoratively displayed at any time of the year. Even a small glass box is enough to conjure up a picturesque cactus paradise. Read how to do it here.
How to plant cacti in a glass?
Cacti in glass can be easily planted yourself by preparing a glass box with a drainage layer made of pebbles, activated carbon and sterilized cactus substrate. Various small-growing cactus species are then planted and covered with pebbles.
Material list
Cacti in a glass are a nice gift idea and imaginative decoration for the windowsill without having to dig deep into your pockets. Only the following materials go on the shopping list:
- 1 glass box
- Small cactus species
- White or colored pebbles
- Activated carbon or charcoal powder
- Cactus or succulent soil (not potting soil)
By combining cacti with different growth forms, you can create a varied appearance. When a small spherical cactus of the genus Echinocactus is joined by a columnar Cereus peruvianus and a white hairy old man of the genus Cephalocereus, no viewer can escape this production.
Planting cacti in a glass – this is how it works
So that the joy of planting your own cactus terrarium is not impaired by hidden pests, please clean the glass box and the pebbles carefully with hot water. Fill the substrate into a fireproof bowl and place it in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes to sterilize it. Meanwhile, dip the root balls of the still potted cacti in lime-free, lukewarm water. How to proceed:
- Spread a 2 to 3 cm high layer of pebbles on the ground as drainage
- Sprinkle some activated carbon or charcoal ash over it
- Fill in the cooled substrate
- Unpot the cacti and plant them as deep as before in the pot
So that the soil lies around the root ball without any air holes, press it lightly with a spoon. Since the cacti are soaked with water, please do not water them. Only when the substrate has almost dried out in the next few weeks will watering be necessary again. Finally, spread a thin layer of pebbles over the cactus soil.
Tip
So that cacti in the glass present their magnificent flowers every year, it is important to keep them cool over the winter. From November to February, place the cactus terrarium in a bright location at 5 to 12 degrees Celsius. Please do not give any fertilizer and either do not water at all or water sips every few weeks.