We've all been there: the last tendrils of smoke wisp from the end
of a tired wick and (sigh) the candle finally extinguishes forever. Most
people throw the candle out without a second thought. I was one of
those people too, until I realized that the shape and size of a Yankee
or Village Candle holder is perfect for an open terrarium for
succulents! And believe me, you don't have to be an expert gardener to
make this tiny ecosystem work.
How to recycle a Yankee Candle holder into a terrarium:
Step One: Clean
Make sure that the inside of the glass is perfectly clean and free of soot. Some gentle detergent and a sponge should do it!
Step Two: The Base
Because there are no drain holes in the bottom of the glass container,
you must place small pebbles or rocks on the very bottom to act as
drainage. I used pretty pink stones from Lowe's, but you can use
gemstones, broken glass, or even rocks you find out in your driveway.
Step Three: The Charcoal
There needs to be a layer of broken charcoal above the rocks to help
soak up the water. Remember that half used bag of charcoal from last
summer's BBQ? Well, put it to good use by smashing up a few pieces in a
plastic bag until they are grainy, and spreading a thin layer over your
rocks.
Step Three: The Soil
What do
plants need to grow in? Soil, of course! You can find a great mix at
your local greenhouse or a chain store like Lowe's. I would recommend
the Cactus blend if you are planting a succulent. Place a fair amount of
soil over the charcoal layer, around an inch or so.
Step Four: The Plant
This is my favorite part! You can find a pre-grown succulent at any
greenhouse or garden supplies store for around $4.00. Make sure it's
small enough to fit into your candle container! Gently remove the plant
from its original pot, making sure to leave the roots intact. Place it
on the soil layer of your container, and then add soil around the plant
until it is snugly embraced by dirt.
Step Five: The Toppings
After your little succulent is fixed into its new home, I like to add
some sheet moss (again, inexpensive and easy to find at any garden
store) over the top to give it a more natural feel. The moss can peek
over the edge of the candle. You can decorate the top with tiny glass
ladybugs or butterflies to make it extra beautiful!
To Care for Your Plant:
Follow the instructions that came with the original succulent, but
keep in mind that generally speaking, succulents don't need a lot of
watering! They actually live longer with under-watering than with
over-watering, especially since your little ecosystem is perfect at
holding moisture! And remember, don't stop at old candle holders! I have
made terrariums out of mason jars and used sauce jars, and they always
turn out adorable!
