Succulent Terrarium Candles for Greenery & Glow

No green thumb? No problem. Take an unconventional approach to plant-themed home decor with this DIY candle terrarium project.

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Live plant terrariums have long been popular home decor pieces, especially among nature lovers and avid gardeners. But if you're looking for a fuss-free, low-maintenance option (or if you simply don't have a green thumb!), we've got a fresh alternative that will light up your space in style: DIY terrarium candles.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Video of the Day

This desert-inspired project involves a mini terrarium made entirely of hand-poured wax succulents. Simply add dye to melted candle wax, pour it into mini succulent molds and then leave the wax to harden. Once set, these adorable wax plants can be arranged on a candle to look like a tiny terrarium. Talk about a creative, unconventional way to add a dash of "greenery" to your decor scheme.

Advertisement

Read on to learn how to make your very own succulent candle...no soil or water needed!

Video: Succulent Terrarium Candles for Greenery & Glow

Things You'll Need

  • Wide-mouth glass jar

  • Candle wick

  • Candle wax

  • Mini succulent silicone molds

  • Candle dyes

  • Wick holder

  • Dried orange zest (optional)

  • Heat gun

  • Scissors

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

When using intricate silicone molds, paraffin and beeswax are your best bet. Both options will clearly capture details and create sturdy shapes, making them easy to remove from molds. If you decide to use beeswax, make sure it's white so you can dye it. Another option is soy wax; however, soy candles tend to be softer than others, so you’ll need to be extra gentle when removing succulents from molds.

1. Pour wax in glass container

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Add candle wick to jar, keeping it in place with a wick holder. Wick should be taller than glass container; you'll trim it later. If you don't have a wick holder, simply wrap wick around a pen and lay it across jar. A clothespin also works well.

Advertisement

Tip

Want to make a multiwick terrarium candle? Use an extra-wide container for the glass terrarium and add two or three wicks. You can also turn this into a cactus candle by using cactus molds (like this set from Amazon).

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Melt wax according to product's packaging. You can do this on stove top or in microwave.

Advertisement

Tip

To make a scented candle, add fragrance or essential oils to wax during this step.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Carefully pour melted wax into jar. Let sit to harden. Total time will depend on type of wax, size of your jar and temperature in your space.

Advertisement

Advertisement

2. Make candle succulents

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Melt more wax and then add candle dye. Mix well to combine.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Pour dyed wax into succulent molds. Let sit to harden.

Advertisement

How To Make Succulent Tealight Candles

To make each wax succulent an individual candle, you’ll need to thread a wick through the top of each mold. You can do this by piercing a hole with an awl or thick needle and then inserting the wick. Tie a knot on top of the mold so wax doesn't seep out. Once the wax has hardened, carefully untie the knot and remove the succulent as usual. Gift them as party favors or display them with other candles!

3. Unmold succulents

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

To remove mini succulents, gently separate walls of mold from wax. Stretch the mold with one hand and carefully pull out succulent with other hand.

Advertisement

Repeat process with different wax colors.

Tip

When possible, avoid turning over the mold and pushing out wax, especially if you’re using soy wax. This will increase the risk of cracks and breakage.

4. Add plants to candle

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

The final step is to melt top of candle and add succulents. But take note: You'll need to work quickly! Consider planning placement of succulents (and which ones you'd like to use) beforehand.

Advertisement

Now, run a heat gun over top of candle until there's a thin layer of melted wax. Add a sprinkle of dried orange zest for "dirt" (this is optional) and then add succulents. Press gently to secure.

Tip

Instead of dried orange zest, you can use tea or dried herbs.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Once wax re-hardens (it won't take long!), your terrarium candle is ready to be displayed. Keep in mind that total burn time will depend on type of wax.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

On its own, this terrarium candle holder works well as a centerpiece for botanical table decor. It also makes for a lovely gift idea, especially for Mother's Day, baby showers and housewarming parties (or just because!). You could even use the project as an unconventional birthday candle for a plant-obsessed loved one; simply place it on a large tray or plate and then arrange desserts—like cake balls, cookies or cupcakes—around it. Fun ‌and‌ functional!

For more plant-themed crafts, follow our tutorial for leaf stained glass art made with glue.

Advertisement