DIY Mini Air Plant Terrariums: Easy, Adorable & Affordable

Do you love plants without the hassle of keeping them alive? Mini air plant terrariums may be the answer! These adorable little ecosystems are not only trendy home decor, but they are incredibly easy, affordable, and fun to create. Even the brownest thumb can cultivate a thriving miniature world with these low-maintenance beauties. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own charming and affordable DIY mini-air plant terrariums.

Thanks to my mother, I discovered the fascinating world of air plants! These unique beauties do not require soil, opening up endless possibilities for display. Imagine them nestled in seashells, adorning driftwood or rocks, clinging to branches, or even gracing sculptures!

Affiliate links are used for your convenience at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me support my blog, which allows me to bring you more free tutorials. Thank you! Please read my full disclosure here.

What are air plants?

Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, are unique epiphytes belonging to the Bromeliad family. Epiphytes grow on other plants or surfaces for support, but unlike vines, they don’t extract nutrients from their host.

Here’s what makes air plants special:

They don’t need soil: Air plants absorb water and nutrients through tiny hairs on their leaves called trichomes. These trichomes also help them capture moisture from the air.

Low maintenance: Air plants are easy to care for because they don’t need soil. They typically only need to be soaked in water for a short period once a week and misted occasionally.

Wide variety: There are hundreds of different species of air plants with a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some varieties even bloom with vibrant flowers.

Adaptable living: They can thrive in various environments as long as they have enough moisture and light.

How do air plants thrive?

Unlike most plants, air plants are superstars of survival! They absorb water and nutrients directly from the air through specialized leaves. Their roots simply act as anchors, attaching them to rocks, trees, or even you! That’s what I find so intriguing about them.

Air plants are disease—and pest-resistant and known for their tough compositions. With just the right amount of light and water, they will thrive for a long time, keeping their vibrant and unique looks on display.

What are the benefits of air plants for your home?

Unlike most houseplants, air plants are double-duty air purifiers! Their tiny leaf hairs, called trichomes, not only absorb moisture from the air but also capture harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, air plants break the mold by photosynthesizing at night. This means they continuously pump out fresh oxygen, even while you sleep, for a breath of clean air around the clock.

Air plants are pet-friendly! Tillandsias are non-toxic to pets.

DIY Mini Air Plant Terrariums

Creating Mini Air Plant Terrariums

There are many options for creating a mini air plant terrarium. Here are three ways that I created some for my home.

The first step is to soak your air plants completely in room-temperature water for 10-20 minutes. Shake off excess water from the plant. I let them dry on a paper towel. You will want them to dry completely before placing them in their display.

Sand & Natural Elements Option

MATERIALS

• Select several small to medium-sized air plants that suit your container and aesthetic preferences.
• 5-inch glass slant bowl or other vessel
• Sand
• small driftwood, fossil rocks, decorative objects (painted rock, antique spool, etc.)

Gather your items for creating this DIY mini air plant terrarium.

Add sand to your glass vessel and leave 1/2 inch from the lowest point if using a slanted bowl.

Add your decorative elements to the sand.

Begin adding your air plants to the vessel. One plant has been placed on the driftwood, and another sits in the hole of the fossil rock.

The third air plant has been placed near the gray rock in the sand.

The glass bowl’s beautiful textures and smoothness create visual interest on a nightstand. Why not take advantage of the air plants filtering the air while you sleep?

Gravel & Shells Option

MATERIALS

• Select three (3) small to medium-sized air plants that suit your container and aesthetic preferences.
• medium glass bowl or vessel
• Pea gravel
• Various sizes of sea shells and a sea urchin shell.

This beautiful bowl was purchased at my favorite store, Linen & Flax. Chaz has a beautiful selection of items for the home and an apparel store. This particular bowl may not be available. If you see something on their online store, buy it before it goes out of stock.

Fill your vessel ¾ of the way with pea gravel for a coastal touch. Then, weave in decorative sea shells to complete the look.

Finish the mini terrarium by tucking the air plants into the various shells.

This mini air plant terrarium is more than just a craft – it’s a treasure chest of memories! Shells collected from our family vacations over the years bring a touch of the beach and a wave of nostalgia to my home.

Decorate Glass & Shells Option

MATERIALS

• Select three (3) small to medium-sized air plants that suit your container and aesthetic preferences.
• Medium glass bowl or vessel
• Sea glass or large chunky glass
• Sea shells, small driftwood, small starfish or sand dollars, fossil rocks, decorative objects (painted rock, antique spool, etc.)

For a touch of the ocean, the bottom of this DIY terrarium will be filled with colorful decorative glass resembling sea glass. You will need three air plants and three sea shells large enough to hold the plants.

The colors of this tumbled glass remind me of the sand, ocean, and sky—beautiful, tranquil, and peaceful colors.

The largest of the three air plants was inserted between two clam shells. A medium-sized air plant sits in a sea urchin shell, which was a perfect fit due to the opening in the sea urchin shell.

Tiny air plants find a cozy home within elegant conch shells (1-2 inches in size). Complete the scene with a graceful starfish or a sand dollar, and scatter your smaller travel-worn shells around the base for a truly captivating terrarium.

Caring For Air Plants

• Light: Air plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh midday sun, as it can scorch the leaves.  East or north-facing windows are ideal locations.
• Watering: Unlike traditional houseplants, air plants don’t need to be watered the same way. Instead, soak them completely in room-temperature water for 10-20 minutes once a week (adjust frequency based on climate). Shake off excess water and let them dry completely upside down before placing them in their display.
• Humidity: Air plants thrive in moderate to high humidity levels (around 50-60%). If your climate is dry, consider misting them lightly 2-3 times a week between soaking.
• Fertilizing: While not essential, a light feeding once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) can give the plant a boost.  Use a diluted water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for epiphytes or air plants.
• Air Circulation: Good air circulation is important to prevent rot. Avoid keeping your air plants in stagnant air or tightly closed terrariums.
• Temperature: Air plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15 and 27°C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heat sources.

Shop My Favorites

You May Enjoy

With minimal effort and budget, you can create beautiful and captivating DIY mini air plant terrariums. These little wonders are the perfect conversation starters and add a touch of personality to any space. They’re also a perfect Mother’s Day or birthday gift!

Hope you make one or two air plant terrariums for your home!