How to Build the Geometric Kit (No Plant Edition): A Step-by-Step Terrarium Guide

Worried you'll kill it? Don't be.

The No Plant Edition of our Geometric Kit exists for one simple reason: you should get to choose what grows in it. You get the same faceted, modern glass vessel as the original kit, plus every styling piece you need to build a finished terrarium; the only thing missing is the plant, and that's on purpose. This guide walks you through the entire build, layer by layer, so there's no guesswork from unboxing to a finished piece on your desk or shelf.

Why We Made a No Plant Version

A lot of people already have a succulent sitting around that they never quite found a home for, or they'd rather pick one out in person instead of leaving it to chance in a box. Others are buying this as a gift and want the recipient to make that choice themselves. So we built a version of the Geometric Kit that includes everything except the plant: the vessel, the soil, the styling materials, and the guide. You bring the plant. We handle the rest.

The soil in this kit is formulated for succulents, which makes it the easiest pairing if you're after something low-maintenance. But air plants and other small, low-light greenery work well in this shape too, so you've got real flexibility to build around whatever you already have.

What's Inside

Here's everything in the box: a faceted geometric glass terrarium, succulent soil with fertilizer, white pebbles, preserved reindeer moss, natural gem chips, a random decorative figurine, terrarium tools, a spray bottle, and a printed build and care guide. Every piece is pre-portioned, so you're never guessing at quantities or second-guessing whether you've used too much of something.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Just your plant of choice. Everything else ships in the box, vessel included. Set aside about 15 to 20 minutes and a clear surface, and you're ready to go.

The Build, Step by Step

1. Add the drainage layer. Pour the white pebbles into the base of the geometric vessel, about ½ inch deep. This layer keeps excess water away from the roots, and it matters more in a faceted vessel than people expect, since the angled sides make it easy to misjudge how much water is actually pooling at the bottom.

2. Add the soil. Layer the succulent soil over the pebbles, mounding it slightly toward the back of the vessel to give the finished build some depth.

3. Place your plant. This is where the kit becomes yours. The soil is formulated for succulents, but air plants and small greenery do well here too. Nestle the roots into the soil and press gently to secure it in place.

4. Layer in the reindeer moss. Use the terrarium tools to tuck the moss around the base of your plant, covering any exposed soil. This is the step where the build starts to look finished instead of just planted.

5. Add the gem chips. Scatter the natural gem chips wherever you want color and shine. The clean geometric lines of this vessel actually make a scattered, asymmetric placement look more intentional than a perfectly even one.

6. Set your figurine. Place your random decorative figurine to finish the scene. It's a small detail, but it's what gives the build its own personality.

7. Mist and finish. Give your build a light mist with the included spray bottle, then find your geometric terrarium a bright spot with indirect light.

Keeping It Alive After the Build

Care is simple once it's built. Mist lightly with the included spray bottle every one to two weeks, and only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Bright, indirect light suits most plants that pair well with this kit, so keep it out of harsh direct sun magnified through the glass. Geometric vessels often have snugger-fitting lids than open jars, so vent yours occasionally to keep air moving and prevent mold from building up.

Mistakes Worth Skipping

A few habits trip up nearly every first-time builder: skipping the drainage layer, overwatering because it feels like more attention, placing the terrarium in harsh direct light, and sealing the vessel completely with no airflow at all. Skip those four and your build already has a strong head start.

Build It Your Way

The No Plant Edition gives you the same striking faceted silhouette as the original Geometric Kit, but the plant inside is entirely up to you. Whether that's a succulent you already own, an air plant you've been meaning to use, or something you're leaving for the person you're gifting it to decide, this kit adapts to you instead of the other way around.

Ready to build yours? Shop the Geometric Kit (No Plant Edition) and follow along with the full printed guide included in every box.

Available on Amazon.

Visit our tutorial page for the Geometric Kit (No Plant Edition).