Gardens in Glass: Miniature Living Sculptures

A tiny bromeliad or cactus begs to be viewed up close—perfect for temporary display indoors in a clear glass vase. Shop for plants in 1½- or 2-inch containers at nurseries and big-box stores. Create the illusion of a miniature garden by surrounding the potted plant with pebbles or sand. The living sculptures look especially pretty when softly illuminated from above.

How to Grow a Plant in a Glass

Assembly

Fill the bottom of a vase with 1–2 inches of polished river rock, sand, or aquarium pebbles. Place a container without a drain hole on top, conceal with more pebbles. Slip the plant (still in its plastic pot) into the container.

Watering

Dribble water into the center cup of a bromeliad when dry. For cactus, dribble water to lightly moisten soil every two weeks or so.

Light

Bright and indirect.

Transplanting

After four to six weeks, replant into larger containers; move cactus outdoors.