1. Home
  2. Design Ideas

Create An Unforgettable Air Plant Terrarium

We at Decoist love air plants! Not only do they have the power to make a big difference (no matter how small), they can be displayed in a variety of unique ways through the help of items such as pods and faceted pots. Today’s display strategy of choice: terrariums! Not only can you order a variety of terrariums online, many of them come with the air plant itself, as well as a range of embellishments. [from Sea & Asters]

Stunning air plant terrarium from Etsy shop Sea & Asters

Today we take a look at ways to create your own unforgettable air plant terrarium. Whether you order your supplies in a bundle or you gather each item yourself, the possibilities are endless. After all, since air plants get their moisture and nourishment from the air, there are no required terrarium ingredients (no soil or special fertilizers required). The resulting flexibility increases your design options and provides plenty of opportunity to let your creativity shine!

DIY Air Plant Terrarium Ideas

We begin with a selection of DIY terrarium project ideas, and then we’ll highlight a few places to purchase the necessary supplies. This first DIY project proves that keeping it simple can lead to design greatness. There’s nothing like the clean form of a glass globe and the contrast between greenery and rocks. In fact, for this DIY Air Plant Terrarium, Ciera of Ciera Design incorporated special rocks and shells from her vacations to create an earthy base for the plant.

Air plant terrarium with rocks

A glass bowl forms an ideal air plant receptacle for this DIY Air Plant Terrarium designed by Lauren Donaldson (created for Houzz). Other key embellishments: gold spray paint to embellish the bowl with a simple geometric design and navy beans to serve as a stylish, affordable alternative to gravel.

DIY air plant terrarium project/photo credit: Lauren Donaldson

What makes an air plant terrarium unforgettable is often the special touches that personalize each creation. The project idea below served as a special gift, and handmade clay tags honor the giftees while adding style to the vignette. Other ingredients of interest in this DIY Air Plant Terrarium from MStetson: white sand, dried craspedia/billy balls and rocks. The white-on-white effect is quite striking!

DIY air plant terrarium gift idea

Let’s talk supplies! You can find a slew of online sources for air plants, such as Air Plant Supply Co. and Etsy shop CTS Airplants. Not to mention, sites such as Etsy offer interesting containers and glass globes. What else should you consider adding to your terrarium? The sky is the limit! Since no soil is required, you can go to town with sand in vibrant hues or create a base using items such as crushed shells. When it comes to sand in vivid shades, it’s hard to beat the range of colors offered by Etsy shop Eclectic Zen Marimo:

Terrarium sand in vibrant hues

Also consider shells and other quirky tokens of the sea. For example, this red sea fan from Seashell Supply would make a stunning addition to your DIY terrarium:

Red sea fan

Also keep in mind that mineral specimens and polished pebbles can serve as focal points in your terrarium vignette. Not to mention, selecting an unusual container makes a big difference. Below we see a Small Terrarium from Etsy shop Sun and Glory.

Air plant terrarium with minerals and a special container

If you select a glass sphere with air holes as your container, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the design. Tuck tall accents such as yarrow into the terrarium via the small circular openings to add height and interest! This Green Yarrow Air Plant Terrarium from Etsy shop Sea & Asters is pretty unforgettable, don’t you think?!

Air plant terrarium with yarrow

Air Plant Terrarium Kits

It can be fun and challenging to gather the supplies of your terrarium one by one, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, consider ordering a terrarium kit that provides you with everything you need. Not only does this Air Plant Terrarium from VivaTerra boast a unique fruit-shaped form crafted of recycled glass, it arrives with four air plants, as well as sand.

Fruit-shaped air plant terrariums

The footed container of this Table Top Terrarium from Etsy shop William’s Grove is filled with sand, a red sea fan, and a marble cone shell. Mini beach pebbles form a soft cushion for the Tillandsia Ionatha. All of the supplies are yours with one order!

Footed air plant terrarium with shell

The bright blue recycled glass of this Air Plant Terrarium (also from William’s Grove) makes a big impression, especially the way it contrasts the white mushroom coral. Black sea fan and a Tillandsia Ionantha are other standout supplies in this complete set.

Air plant terrarium with blue recycled glass

Add dimension and color with moss and smooth pebbles when you order this 5″ Air Plant Terrarium from Brooklyn Terrarium. Sand and a soft green air plant complete the look:

Air plant terrarium with sand and rocks

Did today’s post give you some fresh ideas for your very own air plant terrarium? Remember that taking the time to select truly interesting accent pieces (mineral specimens, colorful sand, unusual items from the sea) can elevate your terrarium to “unforgettable” status! Happy crafting!

 

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

You might also like