Air Plant Terrariums 101

Hello, I hope this post finds you well and happy! Air plant terrariums 101 was created in the hopes of saving the lives of countless air plants and inspiring you to create. Most importantly, I want to share this info to build your confidence that not only can you create a terrarium for your little guy, but you can keep it alive too. With much down time on my hands these days, I decided to share more information via online as my beloved Eugene Saturday Market is opening late this season. I have really missed my fellow artists and meeting/helping new people every Saturday. The part I miss the most, though, is helping people of all ages make their own terrarium at my: Build Your Own Terrarium Station. So, I created an online version of this, Custom Terrarium Kit, with all of the same choices that one would have at market!

You can watch my video below: Air Plant Terrariums 101

Air plant terrariums 101 will be a helpful guide for you whether you have purchased one of my kits or you have come up with your own supplies and air plant and want to get creative!

Basic Care for Air Plants (Genus Tillandsia):

Water – completely submerge plants in water for 20-30 minutes, weekly. Gently shake out excess water and lay out to dry before returning to terrarium. It’s important to not let air plants remain wet for long periods of time.

Light – air plants require bright, indirect light, either as sunlight or consistent indoor home/office lighting. Avoid direct, intense sunlight.

Display – jars, terrariums, driftwood and shells are all popular. Do not put lids on jars as air plants need air circulation. Remember to not put air plants in soil.

Building Basics for Air Plant Terrariums:

Container – choose a glass container that is clean with an opening large enough that enables you to remove the air plant for watering. Also, keep in mind how large your air plant is and choose a container that is an appropriate size for it.

Build a base – add sand, pebbles and/or moss to your terrarium. You can use a combo of these items or just one. If using sand, always add it first. The base will hold the decor and accent pieces in place. Remember to fill the terrarium only ¼ to ⅓ full of base material, so as to leave room for decor pieces and air plant.

Add some decor – add 2-3 decor pieces, such as beach glass, glass pebbles, driftwood, shells, hemlock cones, abalone or feathers. Arrange them in a way that creates balance, try placing them in a triangular or circular shape.

Add accent piece – choose an accent piece that creates a focal point or theme and complements the decor and plant. Examples: sea urchin shell, gemstone, clay sea turtle, clay dolphin, clay mushroom, clay hummingbird, clay nest or message in a bottle.

Add air plant – add your happy and hardy air plant! Gently push air plant into sand or pebbles, tuck behind some moss or into a shell, or prop it against a piece of driftwood. 

Placement – you can place your terrarium on a counter top or window sill, use as a centerpiece or hang it using one of my macrame terrarium hangers. Enjoy!

Please email me with any questions about basic air plant care or the terrarium building process at: goosehillgifts@gmail.com

Brigitte McBride, writer and maker of pretties!