Here are the pics 2 weeks in...

I guess the majority of my pieces are Echeveria, just not sure what variation they are..

While terrarium-type plantings look nice, they really need to be watched especially if you potted succulents. Layer of pebbles+bark+layer of spaghnum, IMO, will hold lots of water. You may be able to see how wet it is because of glass. But the best would be planting succulents into a container with drainage anyway.
In large glass container, I see Echeveria nodulosa (green with red stripes), kalanchoe - plant with red flowers, and one immediately next to it with buds looks like kalanchoe too. There is kalanchoe seedling in one of the smallest pots, also a leave from e. nodulosa (can't say for sure from photo, but I see some red on the leave) growing a baby. Light colored plant (grey-pinkish) looks like E.Perle von Nurnberg. It would be easier to ID plants if you post close-ups of plants and perhaps number them.
The mix looks good, maybe not even necessary to screen - mind you since you are using container without drainage, that was probably better. What was left over after screening? I would think not too much of 'fine stuff'?
I personally don't mist succulents. Many do, but still be careful about water accumulating in rosettes of succulents - for many, that could cause rot. If center of plant rots it is usually difficult to save. Succulents actually don't like humid conditions. And watering when top of potting mix is dry may not be right, you need to know how wet it is where roots are. Hopefully, you can judge from looking thru the glass. I would rather use a wooden skewer or pencil, stick it in (in your case down to bottom of that glass container) - if it comes out with some particles sticking to it, or feels cold/damp when against skin, it is still too wet.
Rina

There is a reason why everyone says not to pot succulents in glass containers and containers without drainage holes. Your plants may look fine for a while, but especially with moss in the mix, it will never dry out fast enough to sustain these plants.

My mother-in-law had some similar succulents in a glass terrarium that she rarely watered. I re-potted them for her last week. When I took them out of the mix they had hardly any roots left. The ones that were left were rotting. She hadn't watered in weeks and the mix was still damp. I placed them in some dry gritty mix but I really don't think they will bounce back.

I think some people can get away with misting if they have proper air circulation but it's not recommended for succulents. It's best to allow the potting mix to completely dry out then give it a good watering. Not only does it create a humid environment (especially in a glass container) but you are only getting the leaves wet. They leaves are already storing water that they pull up through the roots.

Honestly if you want these plants to remain healthy and living for longer than a couple months, repot into a better container with gritty mix and no moss.

-Erica

Here are more pictures/w closeup, these were taken last Sunday and I numbered them:

1) Echeveria - E.Perle von Nurnberg

2) Echeveria (?)

3) (?)

4) Kalanchoe with red flowers (?)

5) Echeveria (?) - same as #2

6) Echeveria - Nodulosa

7) Echeveria (?) - same as #2

Another close up view

Numbered the smaller pots too..

1) Pups from, Kalanchoe with red flowers

2) Pups from (?) - definitely not a kalanchoe, I saved this baby seedling from my boss's rotting plants, and decided to pot it here until it gets stronger

3) Seedling (?) - likewise, saved this seedling from another plant

4) Echeveria

5) Seedling from EEcheveria - Nodulosa

6) Pups from a dying Echeveria, this guy looks really weak and flattened, but am determined to revive it

Thanks for all the advise (Erica and Rina), I kind of saw this coming as a deathwish, after I potted them in a terranium glass container knowingly because it's prettier looking. Eventually down the road, I might need to repot them into another home.

As for now, whenever I water, I do not water blindly till I see water in the bottom of the surface. In fact, since introducing the gritty mix, the bottom (at closer inspection) of the terranium is still dry, even right after repotting, I did not thorough wet the mix. The mist nozzle I used is adjustable, so when I water, I only aim directly under the leaves towards where the roots of the plants are. I do in small pulses and stop when I start hearing seeping sounds of the mix absorbing moisture from the water. I do plan to get a long thin headed syringe to seep out the moisture from the contents under the mix. (Read it in some terrarium blogs that it's posible)

Partly as well, the climate here is really dry due to the cold weather, and my apartment air is really dry, so that contributes to the reduced humidity I presume in the bowl. Maybe I really have to change things come Summer when the air really gets more humid.

The pictures posted of the mix are already screened, there were alot of dust and sandy particles after the insect screen mesh (which surprised me), and the remainder in the bags now are the larger rocks/pieces after the hardware mesh screening, so I'm glad I'm doing something right at least.

My next question is how often should I fertilizer them? I bought some foilage pro liquid and schwultz catcus food.. Going to be really cautious before I feed them, as I've heard alot of horror stories from over fertilizing.

The issue with over-watering is not the bottom of the container remaining wet, it's the top remaining wet where the roots are. If you are only watering it a little bit at a time, you still can't see what is going on directly under the plants where those roots are, just the outside of the container.

I have not seen any success in growing succulents in glass containers but ultimately it is the growers personal preference as to how they care for their plants. I prefer a healthy, thriving plant over any visual appeal of a container.

I really don't think using fertilizer on succulents in a glass container will do anything but further harm the plant. Fertilizer will encourage growth but without a healthy root system that is sustained through mostly dry soil conditions the effects of the nutrients would be more harmful than beneficial.

Best of luck to you in your growing.

-Erica

Terrarium and succulents should not be used in the same sentence or paragraph. They should not be thought of together.

Where you numbered small pots - #4 is NOT kalanchoe (you wrote in your notes), it is echeveria.
#2 and #3 in pot together with kalanchoe are impossible to ID - plants are too small & hard to see in the photo. In large glass dish, #3 is NOT kalanchoe.

I don't have any more comments on your watering practice, or using glass container - suggested all I could. Wantonamara said it well... And I wouldn't fertilize stressed plants either.

Rina

I hate to say this, but I hope your first succulent terrarium is your last succulent terrarium. For most, they are a recipe for disaster

Harry, yours is not a terrarium, and is outdoors, and you are an expert, so that does not count. :)

Christopher

Harry
Definitely what Christopher said - you are an expert...you know what you are doing.
Rina

My advise is this: using a drill press and a diamond-coated hole saw, put holes at the bottom of that glass thing. Then put the gritty mix back in, replant. Leave the moss and pebbles out.

Pagan

Rina: Thanks for spotting my ID list, I just edited to correct it. I'll post a picture of my the parent plant when I get the chance tomorrow, maybe it will help with the ID-ing.

Erica: Appreciate your advise, maybe I should pull them out to see if the rooting fine? But I gave them a tug just now, and they seem to be thrive despite the rainy weather these past few days.

Harry: You plants looks fabulous! Care to share some tips on how to take care of them via a glasspot/tray?

Pagan: Thanks for the heads up, I might have to relook into the options of getting new "true pots" with drainage, else I will probably put holes in the glass vase - and will definitely leave out the stones and moss. For some reason, I remember reading a blog that said that moss and stones prevent mould buildup, so she recommended it in the lower level of a terranium for drainage purpose. So I guess that should be false.

Well, I'm really sorry so many of you here are so offended by my idea of a terrarium, I really thought my plants had a fighting chance and they seemed to be doing well thus far.

I will have to look into repotting these babies this weekend.

Bernard
Pls. don't think everybody is offended - we are just offering advice you asked for. As few of us commented, while it may look pleasing, it's not that easy to grow succulents in glass container without drainage. What could be even worse is a glass container that is either deep or recurved, causing more humidity build-up.
Look at Harry's planting: his potting mix looks free of any organic matter; it is shallow and the mix looks to me slightly mounded.
Drainage and air circulation are as important as light.
You'll find lots of "how to plant terrarium" on internet, and many for sale even in greenhouses, garden centers that should know better. Nobody is blaming you for following that advice, but you can see it wasn't really that good - just for looks, not for growing healthy plants for long term. Layer of sphagnum moss is more like a sponge, definitely not for succulents. Terrariums are great for appropriate plants. Unless you have really good experience growing succulents, know water/growing requirements of each plant, more than likely it will cause problems.
Holes could (and should) be drilled on any container that doesn't have them.
Pls. re-read all comments you got on this thread and maybe some others before re-potting again, just to make sure you don't miss something. Your plants will not die by this weekend...but you sound like you want them long term.
Rina

I like to break rules, so if you prove us wrong, our collective hats will be removed in admiration. Hablu has done it so it is not impossible. It is a hard way to learn.

Don't be too discouraged, I think that arrangement is absolutely beautiful and has great potential. We've all seen worse, at least your terrarium is not enclosed glass globes with close to no air flow, those are absolute death sentence for succulents. Either try to drill a hole with the glass bowl, or use a large round pot with drainage instead, it will give you pretty similar effect, while having much higher success rate in the long run.

Bernard, you have a nice collection of succulents and would hate for you to lose them to rot in a container w/o drainage.
My happiest succulents love direct rays of sun on southern window. The mix of cactus & succulent bagged soil has alot of perlite to make it lighter and they love it. I also use top dressing of larger pebbles to keep leaves off of the mix. This basket is just one years old, similar to what you are starting with now. Please, consider another container with a drainage hole, it would be a lot of less worry and would increase the odds of succulent success.
-Nancy

Rina: Thanks for breaking things down and explaining them to me how Harry's potting style works, it really does help me demystify certain questions I have in mind.

I really do care for my plants and definitely want to give them the best possible chance to thrive, but at the same time deep down I don't believe I should compromise the aesthetic level of the container. Having said that, I do agree with everyone here, something needs to be done with drainage. Which brings me back to 2 options, drill a hole in the vase or got a new pot with holes. Have you had success growing succulents in glass pots/vases? Any tips of advise on drilling will be much appreciated!

I'll lay off on the re-potting until I believe the plants are ready for a move, and when I have the new pots set up. I think weather plays a part too, I honestly think my apartment is too dry due to the cold.

Wantonamara: Yea totally on the same page, sometimes rules needs to be broken. Nonetheless I will be watching my plants closely, don't wish to lose them to any root rot. As mentioned, I am planning to do something about the drainage system.

David: Thanks for your encouragement, it really does go a long way knowing you have support not only for yourself, but for your plants as well. Do you have similar experiences to share in regards to drilling glass pots?

Nancy: Thanks for your compliments. Your succulents looks really pretty! I would love for mine to have the same success and growth rate as yours. Which means more homework to be done researching (drilling holes/buying a new pot with drainage that is consistent to my aesthetic)

Unfortunately no I have never drilled any pots in the past so can't help you with that

Compromise the aesthetic level of the container? Is glass really that more aesthetically pleasing than a traditional clay pot, for example? To each his own, but in my opinion, you are making things hard on yourself, not to mention your succulents. But good luck with it.

Christopher

Hey Bernard,

How about repotting your succulents into small pots and placing those back into the diffrent layers of your terrarium?

That's what I did with the adenium I gave my mom: I like glass containers and terrariums too, yet having read succulents and other desert plants don't do well in those, I tried an alternative:

First, I transplanted the adenium into a plastic pot with drainage holes, filled with clay pellets; then, I filled the bottom of a glass container (about 6" of diameter, 10" of depth) with rocks, making a sort of "well" where I could sit the potted adenium; and finally, I covered the top part with a single layer of those same rocks.

I decided to use semi-hydroponics because I was afraid of over-watering, even with gritty mix, in a container that didn't have holes; as the pellets don't retain much water, it all goes down through the pot's drainage holes to the bottom of the glass container — the trick is not to have water over the layer where the inside pot sits so that the roots remain dry. I kept the adenium a couple of months before I gave it to my mom and only watered when most of the water had evaporated, figuring that, as it did, it probably kept the clay pellets somewhat moist. I never had any issues with this plant apart from the lack of light (but that is an entirely different problem). Ever since I gave it to my mom (with instructions on how/when to water), who has a brighter-lit living room than I do, it seems to be thriving. (I will remember to take a picture next time I visit.)

In any case, whether your terrarium works out or not, I think you should give it a try if it is something you want to experiment — yes, you might kill a few plants in the process — or not (after all, everyone seems to have given some good advice) — but learning also means trials and errors... and achievements... I'm positive you will find a way to make it work, whether it is through various methods (pots in the glass, semi-hydro, holes in the glass containers...) or just getting really experimented :)

SixSilver beat me to it...I was just to suggest very similar solution: plant them in separate pots and put pots in larger container. You'll have chance to lift pots out for watering and/or better drainage. Little bit more work, but it could work to start with. As you get to know more about individual plants, you can re-work your planting.
I tried growing few plants in glass containers few years ago & wasn't successful; that was before I joined GardenWeb. I am sure it was my lack of knowledge. I never tried to drill glass, but had drilled plenty of terracotta/clay/china and even metal containers. If you get proper drill bits it is not difficult.
I understand that since you are in apartment, you would like to have display in different kind of container. So you have to decide direction you really want to go. It just could make it more complicated, with some disappointments along the way...My 'fanciest' containers are just terracotta, few are glazed (all with drain holes added), otherwise just plain plastic pots. All plants go outside as soon as weather permits. Here are few of my pots - nothing special...

edited to add: I already mentioned that succulents don't need high humidity. And most can take temps to even below 50F. I had mine spending winter in 48F, none died of cold. Give them as much light as possible.

Found pictures of the adenium I mentioned in my previous post on my computer...

...as you can see, I used a glass container and white rocks...

1.

2.

...what you can't really see it the plastic pot sitting in the "well" and the clay pellets:

So far, as I said, the main problem with this plant has been too little light...

Here is my take………..
Coupla things:

- Most all roots need air (and oxygen) flow among their strands to exchange gases, even underwater a current grows healthier plants. In an aquarium with a closed lid gases will not be allowed to escape and it can affect the plants and aquatic life in the water. A glass container with no drainage will hinder healthy gas exchange. Not to mention - microcritters that grow in the soil and break down nutrients need oxygen, too - part of the bio-cycle intrinsic to plants health. Otherwise no gas exchange, no oxygen = swamp and a smelly decaying mess.

- Fertilizer will accumulate rapidly if you "spritz" it on without drainage
If not used up by roots, it will dry on the mix and each time you spritz more of it will begin to accumulate and again dry. Eventually this can burn the roots that grow toward it and touch it dry. Better not to fertilize small cuttings. Wait till they are fully established and bigger.

- Combine quickly drying fert around the plant with hard water in most cities and you will make the mix inhospitable to your plants. Especially plants that don't like wet feet. When watering, actually flushing out is a good idea. An open draining container will allow water to wash through and flush away accumulated fert and hard water deposits and keep our plants happy.

I think you can make the glass arrangement work, but, you have to modify some things to keep plants safe and happy. Nothing is impossible. It's how one acquires wisdom in anything by experiments and knowledge of how particular plants grow.
:]

Thank you folks for all your constructive comments! I really needed and appreciate the support.
Aztcqn - thanks for breaking it down through your explanation.

Today I made the move and finally decide to repot all my plants into a varying pots separately. It is too much of a hassle to rent a drill-bit and get the specific type to drill my vase/mason jars, so I bought a few new pots and gave it a go.

I must say, even with a southwest facing window, my enceverias weren't doing so well, in terms of becoming very leggy, and had close to no root growth at all.
I know I was really cautious with my watering routine, but I didn't expect the roots to all be so sparse and dry.

The new arrangement looks very nice! The bonsai container, color of gravel, mix and plants looks lovely.

Plants don't look bad, but they will languish without enough light.
From the web - "Sunlight
and carbon dioxide react together in the chlorophyll and produce two
by-products: oxygen and glucose (sugar). The glucose is used by the
plant for energy, and the oxygen is released into the surrounding
atmosphere. "

Seems to me that may be the biggest issue, now. With their new homes the roots should begin to multiply and grow. It's a matter of experience (which you're acquiring) to find how often to water in your particular conditions.

Love that new pot! I think you'll find they will be much happier in there.

-Erica

Thanks aztcqn and erica!

Aztcqn, the plants get close to 10 hours of sun each day (with the weather getting better now), despite being behind the window. But there are days, there is almost close to no sun for a week. Well at least I know I already gave them the best fighting chances, and these bonsai type pots are really growing on me.

Sharing more photos of them in some photosynthesizing action:

So pretty! Love them, too ^^

Those look great in the bonsai pots! Even though you already found your solution, I'd still encourage you to put holes in your glass container if you like! I've nearly worn out a diamond bit putting holes in thrift store finds. It's a bit tedious, but not hard! And you would just buy a bit, not rent. They're not super expensive, but probably not worth it for just one project. But you already have some babies there... Soo...It's a great way to get super cheap aesthetically pleasing pots and healthy plants at the same time :)

Everything looks good - the mix, the containers, the plants.

Thanks guys so much for all your tips and advise!

Rybe - I'd definitely love to pick up that project down the road. For now I want to focus on strengthening the growth of these plants first, and when the additional babies are strong enough to be repot, I'll look into it. Do you have any pictures to share? I would love to steal some inspirations from you. (:

Can anyone ID the last picture of the guy in the middle? Still trying to id the one with the fuzzy leaves.

I think I got the name

Crassula mesembryanthemoides

http://www.cactusjungle.com/plant_pages/crassula_mesembryanthemoides.htm

Looks like it might be exactly that :)
Hope someone confirms...

Last night, I spotted multiple tiny white dots on my Nodulosa pup. I panicked, took a toothpick and scrape them off the plant. They came off fairly easily, seems like dust. Or maybe I'm being paranoid. I tried squishing the dots on the toothpick, there is no colored splatter as described in mealy bugs (producing red fluid)

I'm going to closely monitor them. I don't understand how my plants can get an infection so quickly? Perhaps it from my new plants I bought home/pots.

I temporarily left the plant away from my other plants, but how far is far away? 1 feet?

Photo?
Are they same as what you saw on gollums in Chinatown (you posted here: white dots )

Rina

Rina, unfortunately I didn't wait to take a photo before I removed them. But definitely not similar, the spots are more sporadic and they only seemed to be found on the upper surface of the leaves. I'll check up on it again when I get home tonight.

Weird, almost sounds like mildew, but that would be strange since you just got them drier homes. ): hopefully someone can help you a bit more.

Here's a few pics of stuff I've drilled. I'm kind of a thrift store bum, so I like hunting for pots :) especially when they're only $1-2. (I'm posting from mobile, so hopefully nothing goes terribly wrong!)

Those are my only succulent pots atm... Want to find a teapot to round out the collection, hah

Recent, non succulent pot addition (he's scraggly from being abused while moving, not his pot!)

And a big empty one I usually put moisture hungry annuals in just to show the holes. I'd put in way more holes for something like succulents (and probably not use that pot regardless)

Mildew would not show up as a 'granules' - 'tiny dots'; it would be on most of the surface of leave , kind of powdery. Same with mold. And hard water stains (or fertilizer) are also more blotchy.

Rina

Rybe, Those tea cups are so cute! What did you drill those with? I've tried to drill some other glazed-type containers with mixed results, sometimes it went well, sometimes it chipped and looked awful or broke the container.

I used a diamond bit. Sometimes the glaze on the far side of what I'm drilling will chip a bit, but it's usually full of dirt anyway so it's bit usually a big issue. Just have to go slow(ish), don't press hard, and keep the bit wet and cool.

Thank you. I have been using the diamond bit but didn't wet it and might have pressed too hard. I'd love to do some teacups like that. Looks great.

I found this old thread, might be useful to share with you guys..

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1761992/so-do-you-buy-pots-you-dont-need?n=40

Rybe, love the teapots! I went on a drilling campaign in the yard until I cam up against a ultra think glass container. Bit wouldn't eve make a dent.
Anyway I have several new containers for future succulents.
Bernard, the haw in bonsai is really lovely! They look so elegant.
I did similar, but, like your pot better.

You inspired me. I went to Goodwill and found this cute teapot for $1.99 (I got some China cups, too), and i drilled it and found these little succulents on the bargain shelf at the local BBS for $1 each (the little aloe "Blizzard" is one of my rooted babies). "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." ;-)

Thanks azt, I love the colors! contrasting cobalt blue from your bonsai pots and the bright green bouncing off your haw!

I think David mentioned Haws need DEEP pots for their roots grow downwards.

I love the concept, but I might eventually repot this bonsai pot for other succulents, maybe for my jade. I got them off etsy for about $5.99. :D

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211039314/bonsai-pot-5-ceramic-pk-only-1-pot-not-a?ref=shop_home_active_23

Stonetreehouse - cute little set up there! love the teapots

omg that teapot is cute!! I was looking for a teapot to go with my cups, but couldn't find a sufficiently cute/cheap one the last few times I looked. Heh, sorry to hijack your thread, bernardyjh!