What’s a girl to do when she’s dying to get a terrarium but brown fingers say no? Do terrarium candles! These delicious candles couldn’t be easier to make and they look amazing like the real thing from Afar. Even if you don’t burn them, they’ll look great sitting on a bookshelf or painting an entry table for years to come.
DIY Beeswax Candles with Cacti
If you have done beeswax candles, then you can do the following. All you need is a few cactuses, two glass jars, some beeswax, and a smidge of candle. Then it’s just a matter of melting, pouring, and waiting. Easy!
Best for cacti
First, let’s talk about mold. You can find tons of 3D cactus online. Look for silicone types that are designed for epoxy or resin, as they will give you the most lifelike cacti. We use these people cacti mold because there are 9 different types and sizes, each 1 to 2 inches long. plus, movers have a flat bottom which means they sit nice and flat on the candle.
Ingredients made for chocolate or baking will also work, but these make a flat crust that can break when you remove them from the mold.
Best for terrarium candles
From there you will want to consider your wax. There is no substitute for beeswax and DIY. It’s the hardest wax out there, meaning it will freeze into the mold without cracking or sticking. and Survive the no-shaping process.
That can’t be said for soy or paraffin wax, which are on the softer side. If you’re a vegetarian, you can try using candelilla wax, but honestly, I haven’t tried it myself. (If you try it, let us know in the comments how it goes.)
Colorful terrarium candles
For those who color, I recommend using a candle dye. Candle wax dye is the only dye that will not block the wick as your candle burns. You can buy different colors online for cheap, and mix them to get the hues you want. If a closed wick doesn’t bother you, feel free to use crayons, dried pigments, or brushes to make your own.
Choosing a container for cactus candles
Finally, you will need a container large enough to hold many cacti. I used a 4 inch food preservation jar that I found at Target for a few bucks. I like that they have a hood, which makes them look even better. In addition, when you are done cactus candleyou can clean the pot and use it for storage.
How to Make a Candle Terrarium
You will need:
-Essential oil, optional
-Clothespins or chopsticks to hold the wick in place
Step 1 | Make head candles
Start by making your beeswax candle. Keep the wick at the bottom of the pot and hold it with a cloth or a few things. Melt beeswax in a double boiler, add essential oil and pour into the glass until it is about two inches high.
You want to make sure there is enough space to stand up properly without them peeking over the edge of the bag. (Note: if the bag is cold, rinse it under running water to prevent spoilage.)
Let the candle cool for 1-2 hours.
Step 2 | Make some kind of cacti
Meanwhile, make cacti. Also melt a little beeswax in a double boiler, then add the candle dye and stir until melted. I made my own image by mixing several dyes.
Step 3 | Pour the wax into the mold
Pour the colored wax into the 3D object and let it cool for about 30 minutes before removing it.
You won’t know what color it is until the wax cools, so don’t be afraid to play! Add more or less green leaves as you make more cacti.
Step 4 | Add cacti and candles
Once everything is solid, melt 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler. Dip the cactus soil into the melted wax and place it on top of the candle. Keep it in a wick, if possible, to help keep it from melting.
Hold it in place until it is fully assembled and does not move. Add different cacti and succulents until it starts to look like a terrarium.
Step 5 | Light the wick and light
After the wax melts, cut the wick and light your candle. If the melting cactus fills the wick and extinguishes the flame, use a spoon to remove some of the wax before lighting again.
Question Succulent Candles
Can you use soy wax and silicone molds?
Soy wax is considered a soft wax, which means it probably won’t hold its shape when you remove it from the mold. I recommend sticking with a hard wax, like beeswax, over the silicone version.
Are beeswax candles safe?
Yes! Unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, beeswax candles do not release carcinogens and other toxins into the air as they burn.
Why do beeswax candles sink in the middle?
As the beeswax cools, it thickens, often leaving a hole or dimple in the center of the candle. To fix this, wait until the candle has completely cooled, then pour a thin layer of melted beeswax on top to fill the sinkhole. Let it cool completely before adding your succulents.
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