Learn how to make a faux terrarium using vintage glassware and succulents. Create unique and inexpensive home decor in a jar – in minutes!
Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never made anything before, you’ll be able to do this terrarium project. It’s the easiest ever.
Have you ever tried a DIY terrarium? I’ve been collecting vintage mason jars for a while but I could never figure out what to do with them.
Recently I’ve been trying to decorate my little apartment and I wanted some sort of plant to make the space appear more organic – and since I don’t have a green thumb, I decided I couldn’t use real plants. That’s how this faux succulent terrarium idea was born.
I found these realistic looking faux succulents and thought my vintage mason jars would be the perfect vessel for them! Learn how to make this home decor below.
Faux Succulent Terrarium
Gather These Supplies
- Vintage mason jars
- Floral foam
- Box cutter
- Spanish moss
- Faux succulents
- Twine
I snag my vintage mason jars at thrift stores (can you believe this one was just $0.99?). You can also find them at antique stores and flea markets but they will be pricier. Once you get your mason jar, clean it real good.
Some of them may still look gunky after the cleaning process, but that’s because they’re very old. You may want to deep clean it, but I just gave mine a quick wash to keep that old, vintage-y feel.
Cut up your floral foam so it fits in your mason jar.
Now we want to hide that ugly foam – use Spanish moss and stuff it around the foam and on top. If your mason jar has a small mouth like mine, you might want to use a long object (such as a ruler, a wooden dowel or even scissors) to help you guide the moss into the nooks and crannies.
Next, stick your succulents in! I used a variety of different-looking ones to create visual interest. Some of them might be harder to stuff in especially if your mason jar has a small opening. Again, use a long object to help stuff them in.
If any of the floral foam show after adding your succulents, take more Spanish moss and cover it up to keep it looking clean and finished.
Finally, add some twine to your faux terrarium for a rustic, finished look. Cut off the excess and the flyaways from the string.
I love these faux gardens in a jar. They’re a great organic accent for the home or even a cute centerpiece for a wedding or a party! The best part is that you can make them weeks beforehand, and you don’t have to worry about care.
My opinion is if you’re going to make faux terrarium, you should make two. They look great as a grouping – I think two or three are nice together, especially when they’re different shapes and sizes.
I just can’t get over how realistic the plants look inside the mason jars. I’m sure upon closer inspection a succulent expert could tell that these are fake, but we’re not worried about the experts!
Faux Succulent Terrarium
Equipment
- Box cutter
Materials
- 2 Mason jar(s) Vintage
- Floral foam
- Spanish moss
- Faux succulents
- Twine
Instructions
- Wash and dry your mason jar using mild soap and water.
- Cut the floral foam so it fits in your mason jar.
- Hide the foam. Use Spanish moss and stuff it around the foam and on top. If the mason jar has a small mouth, use a long object to help you guide the moss into the nooks and crannies.
- Stick the succulents into the floral foam. Use a variety of faux succulents to create visual interest.
- If any floral foam is showing after adding succulents, use more Spanish moss and cover it up.
- Replace the lid and add some twine. Wrap around several times, tie a knot, and trim with scissors to finish.
I hope you loved this faux terrarium tutorial! For more terrarium related excitement, visit these posts. Happy crafting, friends!
gkerr
Friday 13th of January 2017
mary, loved this!! just one question..you don't have to use any potting soil? and why is this?
Amy
Friday 13th of January 2017
Hi there! The succulents aren't real - but if they were, yes, you should add potting soil! :D
Mary Rodgers
Friday 2nd of September 2016
I love your idea of maison jar sedum terrarium and might slightly adapt it to include a little bit of compost and gravel and do a bit of glass painting around the bottom of the jar to make it attractive for a Christmas craft to make with seniors. Thanks for your idea. Mary
Amy
Friday 2nd of September 2016
That sounds like a fun idea Mary!