5 DIY Cactus Terrarium Ideas on a Budget: Create Desert Vibes in Your Home Easily

I’ve always been obsessed with cacti. Their spiky charm and low-maintenance make them perfect for my busy life. But let’s face it—buying a fancy cactus terrarium can be pricey, and I’m all about saving a buck while still making my home look like a Pinterest board. 

That’s why I started creating my own DIY cactus terrariums on a budget. They’re fun, affordable, and add a touch of desert magic to any home. In this guide, I’ll share budget-friendly DIY cactus terrarium ideas. Let’s get crafting!

Why Cactus Terrariums Are Perfect for You

Cacti are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. They thrive in dry conditions, need minimal watering, and love bright light. Whether you’re in sunny Arizona or cloudy Seattle (like me!), a cactus terrarium brings desert vibes indoors without breaking the bank. 

According to Iowa State University Extension, cacti are ideal for indoor gardening because they tolerate neglect and adapt to various light conditions with the right setup.

Terrariums are self-contained mini-ecosystems, making them great for small spaces like apartments or dorms. Plus, they’re a creative way to showcase your style. I love how my terrariums add personality to my living room without the upkeep of high-maintenance plants. 

Best of all, you can make them for under $30 with a little creativity! Before we dive into the ideas, here’s why I’m hooked on DIY cactus terrariums:

• Most supplies are under $10, and you can repurpose household items.
• Cacti are low-maintenance plants; they need water only every 2-4 weeks, perfect for busy folks.
• DIY terrariums are customizable. From rustic to modern, you can match any home decor.
• A touch of greenery lifts my spirits, especially in winter. Architectural Digest notes that plants like cacti enhance home aesthetics and well-being.
• Repurposing containers reduces waste, which I feel good about.

PIN IT

Supplies You’ll Need for a Budget Cactus Terrarium

You don’t need fancy tools to create a stunning terrarium. Here’s what I use, with budget tips:

• Container

Glass jars, thrift store vases, or old fishbowls ($2-$10). I snagged a mason jar for $1 at a garage sale.  You can check more at Thrift stores, Dollar Tree, or Walmart.

• Cacti

Small varieties like Mammillaria or Echinopsis ($3-$8 each). Buy from Home Depot or Succulents Box.

• Cactus soil

Well-draining mix ($5-$10). Make your own with sand, perlite, and potting soil (1:1:1 ratio).

• Decorative elements

Pebbles, driftwood, or dollar store figurines ($1-$5). Check at Michael’s for pebbles and figurines, or scavenge natural items like rocks.

• Tools

Spoon, tweezers, or gloves for handling spiky cacti ($0-$5). You can find these at Home Depot or Amazon.

• Optional

Activated charcoal ($3) to keep the terrarium fresh and prevent mold.

Total cost? Around $15-$30, depending on what you already own. 

My Go-To Budget-Friendly DIY Cactus Terrarium Ideas

Here are five ideas I’ve tried, each easy on the wallet. They range from minimalist to quirky, so there’s something for everyone.

1. Mason jar desert oasis

Cost: ~$15

Vibe: Rustic and cozy

I love mason jars—they’re cheap, versatile, and scream “farmhouse chic.” For this terrarium, I used a $1 quart-sized mason jar from a thrift store. Here’s how I made it:

• Clean the jar with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.
• Spread a 1-inch layer of cactus soil, then a thin layer of activated charcoal (optional) to keep it fresh.
• I chose a small Mammillaria ($5) and a Rebutia ($4). Use a spoon to dig small holes and plant them gently.
• Add white pebbles ($1 from Dollar Tree) and a tiny ceramic cactus figurine ($2). I tied twine around the jar’s rim for a rustic touch.
• Set it on a sunny windowsill. My Chicago apartment gets indirect light, so I rotate it weekly.

This terrarium looks amazing on my coffee table and took 20 minutes to make. 

2. Upcycled teacup terrarium

Cost: ~$10

Vibe: Vintage and whimsical

I found a chipped teacup at a flea market for $0.50 and turned it into a tiny desert scene. Here’s the process:

• Wash and dry the teacup to remove dust.
• Fill with 1 inch of cactus soil. I mixed in a bit of sand for texture (free from a park sandbox—shh!).
• Plant a mini cactus. I used a tiny Gymnocalycium ($3). Tweezers helped me avoid spines.
• Add colorful aquarium gravel ($1) and a small seashell I had lying around.
• Place it on a bookshelf or desk. Mine sits by my laptop for a pop of charm.

This is perfect for small spaces like dorms or offices. Check Succulent City for mini cactus varieties.

3. Glass bowl desert village

Cost: ~$20

Vibe: Modern and playful

I wanted a larger terrarium, so I used a $5 glass bowl from Walmart. This one’s a showstopper with a “village” theme.

• Clean and dry the bowl.
• Add 1.5 inches of cactus soil and a sprinkle of activated charcoal.
• Plant your cacti. I used three small cacti—Echinopsis, Mammillaria, and Parodia ($12 total). Arrange them in a triangle for balance.
• Add tiny houses made from painted pebbles ($2 for paint) and a “path” of white sand ($1).
• Place it on a dining table or entryway console. I added a battery-powered fairy light ($3) for evening glow.

This terrarium feels like a mini desert town! For cactus arrangement tips, see The Next Gardener.

4. Recycled tin can terrarium

Cost: ~$8

Vibe: Eco-friendly and industrial

I’m all about upcycling, so I turned an old coffee tin into a terrarium. It’s quirky and sustainable.

• Remove the label, clean, and dry the tin. Punch a few drainage holes in the bottom 
• Fill with 1 inch of cactus soil.
• Plant your preferred cacti. I used a single Opuntia ($4). Its flat pads look cool in the tin.
• Add crushed glass beads ($2) and a piece of driftwood.  I found one on a hike (free).
• Set it on a kitchen counter or patio table. Mine’s near my sink for a pop of green.

This is great for eco-conscious folks. Learn more about upcycling at Gardening Know How.

5. Hanging glass orb terrarium

Cost: ~$25

Vibe: Boho and elegant

I saw hanging terrariums on Instagram and had to try one. I found a glass orb at a craft store for $8.

• Clean the orb. Wipe it down to avoid smudges.
• Use a funnel to pour in 0.5 inches of cactus soil.
• Plant a cactus. I chose a tiny Haworthia ($5) since it’s small and spineless. Tweezers made planting easy.
• Add moss ($2) and colorful stones ($3). I hung it with twine ($2).
• Suspend it near a window with a hook ($3). Mine’s in my bedroom for a boho vibe.

This terrarium feels like a floating desert jewel. For hanging ideas, check Harddy.

Tips for Maintaining Your Cactus Terrarium

I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my terrariums thriving:

• Water every 2-4 weeks, ensuring the soil dries completely. I use a small watering can to avoid overdoing it.
• Cacti need 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light. I use a grow light (like the GE Grow Light LED) in my dim apartment.
• Open-top terrariums (like mason jars) prevent mold. For closed containers, air them out weekly.
• Dust glass containers with a damp cloth regularly to keep them sparkling.
• Check for pests regularly. Mealybugs love cacti. I dab them with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs if I spot them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve messed up a few terrariums, so learn from my mistakes:

• Overwatering: Too much water causes root rot. I lost a cactus this way early on.
• Poor drainage: Use well-draining soil. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture.
• Wrong container: Closed terrariums trap humidity, which cacti hate. Stick to open designs. Consider looking at an open vs a closed cactus terrarium.
• Too little light: Without enough light, cacti stretch. I use a grow light to supplement dim rooms.
• Overcrowding: Don’t cram too many cacti in one container. Give them space to grow.

FAQs 

Here are frequently asked questions about DIY cactus terrariums and their answers:

Q: Can I use any glass container for a cactus terrarium?

A: Open containers like jars or bowls work best to prevent humidity buildup. Closed terrariums can trap moisture and cause rot.

Q: How often should I water my cactus terrarium?

A: Every 2-4 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity. Check if the soil is dry before watering.

Q: Do cacti need a grow light in a terrarium?

A: If your home gets less than 6 hours of bright light, a grow light helps. I use a 6500K LED for 12 hours daily.

Q: Can I mix succulents and cacti in a terrarium?

A: Yes, but choose succulents with similar light and water needs, like Haworthias. Check Succulents and Sunshine for compatible plants.

Q: How do I prevent mold in my terrarium?

A: Use activated charcoal, ensure good ventilation, and avoid overwatering. I open my terrariums weekly to let air circulate. Check more details at my comprehensive guide for dealing with mold in the terrarium.

Q: Where can I find cheap cacti?

A: Try Succulents Box, Home Depot, or local garden centers. I’ve found deals at farmers’ markets too!

Final Thoughts

Creating DIY cactus terrariums on a budget is one of my favorite ways to bring desert vibes into my home. From mason jars to hanging orbs, these projects are affordable, fun, and endlessly customizable. 

With a few cacti, some thrift store finds, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can craft a stunning terrarium for under $30.  Just remember to provide bright light, water sparingly, and choose open containers to keep your cacti happy.