Now that spring has arrived, I’m eager to start planting, but with frost still possible here until June I prefer to pace myself. The perfect solution: create an indoor garden that brings the joy of spring inside.

While visiting California recently I saw some beautiful succulent bowls at a shopping center. I considered buying one, but decided I’d recreate it at home instead. I took a photo and later made my own version when I returned to Pennsylvania.

Making this bowl garden brought back happy memories from my trip. For as long as I can remember I wanted to visit the West Coast, and this project felt like a small way to keep that experience alive. Beyond the plants themselves, creating a succulent bowl is about capturing memories and enjoying the process of creating something beautiful for the home.

Here’s how I made my Succulent Garden Bowl.

This is one of my favorite small gardening projects. It’s simple, quick, and makes a lovely indoor display.

Succulent Garden Bowl

Materials you’ll need:

• large glass bowl
• succulents and cacti
• small stones or pebbles
• sphagnum moss
• reindeer moss
• Cactus, palm, or succulent potting mix

Stones, succulents, and cacti can be found at big box garden centers; moss is often available online or at craft stores.

Begin by placing a layer of small stones in the bottom of the bowl to ensure drainage. Add a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the stones; this helps keep soil from sifting down into the pebbles.

Next, add a layer of cactus or succulent potting mix. Leave about 1–2 inches of space from the top of the bowl so you can tuck in plants and add decorative moss later.

Arrange your succulents and cacti close together for a full, attractive look. Tuck each plant about 1/2 inch into the soil, then add a bit more potting mix around the roots to secure them. Grouping different shapes, sizes, and textures creates visual interest.

After all plants are placed and roots are covered, add a final decorative layer of reindeer moss to conceal the soil and give the bowl a finished look.

Your indoor succulent garden is now complete.

Care is simple: water sparingly and allow the soil to dry between waterings, since succulents and cacti prefer drier conditions. Place the bowl where it receives bright, indirect light—many succulents thrive in several hours of sun each day.

I made two sizes of bowls and am very happy with how both turned out. They’ve been a perfect way to satisfy my gardening itch until I can get outdoors and plant in the garden.

Try one for yourself—this project is quick, affordable, and makes a lovely indoor accent or gift. Are you ready to get your hands in the soil?