How to make a cactus and succulent glass container garden

A small ecosystem enclosed in glass, designed to maintain a high-humidity environment for tropical plants. The plants grow in a rich, peat-heavy organic soil, and when the "glasshouse" works effectively, water is rarely needed, because the plants can recycle moisture within this environment. If the top is opened, it will expose the plants to an environment more like a desert than a tropical rainforest.

Getting started

First prepare a glass bottle as shown in the picture below

Provide an organic base

Cacti and other succulents are high-light, moisture-retaining plants, but they need to draw nutrients from the soil just like other plants. Spread marble and a layer of horticultural charcoal on the bottom of the desert glass container. Fill with an equal-parts mixture of sharp sand, peat and sterile potting soil. You can also mix equal parts of a prepared cactus mix for houseplants and sand to provide better drainage than a pot with drainage holes. The plants only need about 5-8 cm of soil - cactus roots are short.

Choose plants

Add a low-growing succulent. After planting, water gently to moisten the roots, but not too much, so as not to cause root rot.

Watering

Although cacti are drought-tolerant, they need water and nutrients just like other plants - they simply use them more efficiently. Keep them moist for one week after planting, then water gently only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, supply water only when the cactus skin begins to shrivel.