DIY project for plant lovers: Making an air plant terrarium

by Vincent Zhang 05/15/2023

Air plants don't require soil to live, so making a terrarium to display them in is a perfect DIY project. With just a few materials, you can make a beautiful habitat for your air plants that's also unique home decor. Here is a guide for how to make your own air plant terrarium:

What you'll need

Open glass vessel or terrarium
Pebbles, sand or aquarium gravel
Decorative rocks, wood, shells or other accessories
Your choice of air plants

Which air plant is best?

All air plants are part of the Tillandsia genus but come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. While they all require the same basic care, some are more drought-tolerant than others. If you're a forgetful waterer, choose air plants with silver foliage rather than green. The greener the plant, the quicker it will dry out. The choice of plant is completely up to your preference.

Step by step

To start this simple DIY project, clean and dry your chosen container thoroughly. If you opt for a terrarium or vessel with a lid or hatch, leave it open to provide airflow.
Carefully pour your base layer into the bottom of the vessel. If your vessel is particularly deep, you can use multiple materials to create a layered effect.
Add decorative rocks, wood, shells or other items.
Carefully place your air plants in an arrangement you find aesthetically pleasing.
Place your terrarium where it will get plenty of bright, indirect light.
To keep your air plants alive and looking their best, soak them in water about once per week. Make sure to allow them to dry completely before placing them back into the terrarium.

About the Author

Vincent Zhang

I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.

I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.

In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.

I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience.

If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.

Yours truly, Vincent Zhang