To give guests a unique memento of your wedding day, follow this trend combining botany and creativity by making personalised mini vials or terrariums with succulents. Economical, durable, creative, homemade and natural, these little glass ecosystems will serve both as place cards and guest favours. Easy to create and maintain, and customisable, these mini glass gardens under cloches symbolise love that grows and strengthens over time: a perfect metaphor to celebrate the union of two loved ones! Guests will appreciate being able to keep their vial as a cherished memento of the shared moment. Here’s how to make these small treasures of greenery nestled in glass that will last over time!

Materials needed

  • Small glass or ceramic containers (jars, cloches, jam or yoghurt pots, etc.)
  • Succulents (miniature size)
  • Cactus and succulent compost
  • Small pebbles, coloured gravel or clay pebbles for drainage
  • Decorative moss (facultative)
  • Water spray bottle
  • Ribbon, string or lace to decorate container (facultative)
  • Labels to mark guest places (facultative)
  • Small trowel or spoon to transfer soil and pebbles
  • Soft damp cloth to clean glass
  • Gloves for handling prickly plants
Succulent terrarium

Which plants to use for these terrarium place cards?

Succulents are ideal for glass terrariums, as they need little maintenance and adapt well to life in a closed space. Among succulents best suited to terrariums are Echeveria, Crassula, Aeonium, Sedum, Sempervivum and Haworthia. Some miniature Aloes or very small cacti, such as Rebutia sp. or ball cacti (Mammillaria), will also add a prickly, characterful touch to your arrangement. Choose small, slow-growing species that will develop better in a confined space. Also make sure to select plants with similar needs in terms of light exposure, watering and temperature to ensure health and longevity in the terrarium. Feel free to combine different succulent species to create original, balanced compositions, playing on contrasts of shape and colour. Here are some example combinations of succulents for glass terrariums:

How to make a mini succulent terrarium

How to make a micro glass terrarium?

  • Prepare glass container. Make sure it is clean and dry. If necessary, wash in hot soapy water and let dry completely before starting.
  • Add a drainage layer by pouring a layer of pebbles or clay pebbles into the bottom of the glass container. This layer will ensure good drainage and prevent plant roots from rotting. Layer should be about 1 to 2 cm thick, depending on container size.
  • Add a layer of succulent substrate over the pebbles or clay pebbles. This layer must be thick enough to accommodate plant roots. Use the trowel or spoon to spread substrate evenly.
  • Put on gardening gloves and gently remove succulents from their pots. Remove excess soil from roots and make small holes in substrate with your finger or a suitable tool. Place plants in holes, leaving adequate spacing. Press substrate lightly around roots to ensure stability.
  • Clean glass walls with a soft damp cloth
  • Personalise terrarium by adding decorative moss, small pebbles, driftwood or other elements that match wedding theme. Let creativity guide you!
  • Add a finishing touch by decorating glass container with ribbon, string or lace. You can also add a personalised label with guest name.
  • Mist terrarium with a water spray bottle to slightly moisten substrate around plants. Succulents do not need much water, so advise guests to always water sparingly and keep terrarium out of direct sunlight.
Mini succulent terrarium