Make a Desktop Desert Terrarium

Terrariums are a great way to grow plants that need high humidity. But what do you do if you want a cactus terrarium? Using a glass fishbowl, you and your kids can create a low-humidity, open-topped terrarium perfect for drought-tolerant succulents. Succulents make great plants for kids because they're easy to care for, only needing a quick spritz from a water bottle every so often.

What are succulents? Desert plant life is largely made up of succulents, plants with thick, often waxy skin. They can survive the dry desert climate because they retain water well, storing it in their leaves, stems, and even roots. One of the best known succulents is the cactus, recognizable by its prickly spines. Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.

What You Need:

• Fish bowl or other open-topped container
• 2-3 small succulent plants (visit a nursery with your child and let him pick out the plants he likes)
• Gravel
• Sand
• Tongs
• Spoon