A terrarium is a miniature garden enclosed in glass, bringing a piece of nature indoors. Whether you want to create a low-maintenance tropical forest or a desert-inspired succulent display, terrariums are a beautiful and easy way to decorate your space with greenery.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to design, build, and maintain a terrarium, ensuring your mini garden thrives for years.
1. What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics natural environments within a glass container. It allows plants to grow in controlled conditions, making it perfect for small spaces, offices, and indoor gardens.
🌿 Types of Terrariums
🔹 Closed Terrarium – A sealed container that creates a humid environment, ideal for ferns, mosses, and tropical plants.
🔹 Open Terrarium – A container with an open top, suitable for succulents, cacti, and air plants that need airflow.
🌟 Tip: Closed terrariums require less watering because they recycle moisture, while open terrariums need occasional misting to maintain humidity.
2. Choosing the Right Container
The first step in making a terrarium is selecting the perfect glass container.
✔ Best Terrarium Containers
✔ Glass jars – Mason jars, apothecary jars, or recycled glass containers.
✔ Aquariums – Great for larger, more elaborate designs.
✔ Geometric glass terrariums – Modern and stylish, ideal for succulents.
✔ Hanging glass globes – Perfect for small, decorative air plant terrariums.
🚫 Avoid containers without drainage holes, as excess water can cause root rot.
🌟 Tip: If using a closed terrarium, choose a container with a lid to trap humidity.
3. Selecting the Right Plants
Different plants require different terrarium conditions.
🌱 Best Plants for a Closed Terrarium (High Humidity)
✔ Mosses – Soft, green, and perfect for a rainforest look.
✔ Ferns – Thrives in humidity; great for a lush effect.
✔ Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) – Delicate and fast-growing.
✔ Fittonia (Nerve Plant) – Colorful leaves, loves moisture.
✔ Peperomia – Compact, easy to maintain.
🌵 Best Plants for an Open Terrarium (Low Humidity)
✔ Succulents – Jade plant, echeveria, sedum.
✔ Cacti – Small varieties like Mammillaria or Haworthia.
✔ Air Plants (Tillandsia) – No soil needed, absorbs moisture from the air.
🚫 Don’t mix high-humidity and low-humidity plants in the same terrarium—they require different conditions.
🌟 Tip: Choose small, slow-growing plants to prevent overcrowding.
4. Essential Terrarium Layers
A terrarium consists of four main layers to support plant health.
🪴 How to Layer Your Terrarium
1️⃣ Drainage Layer (Pebbles or Gravel)
- Adds drainage to prevent root rot.
- Use small stones, pebbles, or crushed ceramics.
2️⃣ Activated Charcoal (Purification Layer)
- Absorbs odors and toxins.
- Keeps water clean and fresh in closed terrariums.
3️⃣ Soil Layer (Nutrient Base)
- Use moisture-retentive soil for closed terrariums (peat moss + potting mix).
- Use sandy, well-draining soil for open terrariums (succulent mix).
4️⃣ Plant and Decoration Layer
- Arrange plants carefully, leaving space to grow.
- Add decorative rocks, wood, figurines, or moss.
🌟 Tip: Tilt the container slightly when adding layers to create a more natural, dynamic landscape.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling a Terrarium
🔹 Materials Needed:
✔ Glass container
✔ Small rocks or pebbles
✔ Activated charcoal
✔ Potting soil (moisture-retentive for ferns, well-draining for succulents)
✔ Plants (ferns, succulents, moss, etc.)
✔ Tweezers or a small shovel
✔ Decorative elements (rocks, figurines, driftwood)
🌿 Step 1: Prepare the Container
- Clean the glass container with mild soap and water.
- Dry thoroughly before adding layers.
🌿 Step 2: Add the Drainage Layer
- Pour 1-2 inches of pebbles at the bottom.
- Add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top.
🌿 Step 3: Add the Soil Layer
- Add 2-3 inches of soil, depending on plant root depth.
- Make small holes where you’ll place the plants.
🌿 Step 4: Plant Your Greenery
- Gently place plants in the soil, starting with the largest.
- Use tweezers or a small stick for better positioning.
- Press the soil lightly around each plant’s roots.
🌿 Step 5: Decorate Your Terrarium
- Add moss, small rocks, driftwood, or miniature figurines.
- Arrange elements to create depth and dimension.
🌿 Step 6: Water and Maintain
- Lightly mist the soil with a spray bottle (avoid overwatering).
- If in a closed terrarium, leave the lid slightly open for the first few days to prevent excess moisture buildup.
🌟 Tip: Arrange taller plants toward the back and low-growing plants near the front for better visibility.
6. How to Care for a Terrarium
Terrariums are low-maintenance, but they still require proper care.
💦 Watering Guidelines
✔ Closed terrariums – Water once every 2-4 weeks (or when condensation disappears).
✔ Open terrariums – Water once a week (less for succulents).
✔ Air plants – Mist twice a week or soak in water for 30 minutes every 10 days.
🚫 Avoid overwatering—excess moisture can cause mold or plant rot.
☀ Light Requirements
✔ Bright, indirect sunlight (near a window, but not direct sun).
✔ Closed terrariums – Keep in moderate light (too much sun can overheat them).
✔ Open terrariums – Tolerate brighter light, but avoid excessive heat.
🌟 Tip: If plants start stretching or losing color, they need more light.
🌱 Pruning and Maintenance
✔ Trim dead leaves and overgrown plants to keep the terrarium tidy.
✔ Wipe the glass with a damp cloth to remove dirt and condensation.
✔ If mold appears, increase airflow by keeping the lid open for a few hours.
7. Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mold or fungus | Too much moisture, poor airflow | Open the lid, let air circulate |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering | Water less frequently |
| Plants rotting | Poor drainage | Add more pebbles at the bottom |
| Leggy growth | Not enough light | Move to a brighter location |
🌟 Tip: If a plant is struggling, replace it with a hardier variety suited to your terrarium type.
Final Thoughts
Terrariums are a beautiful, self-sustaining way to bring nature into your home. Whether you create a lush rainforest in a jar or a desert oasis with succulents, a well-designed terrarium adds greenery, tranquility, and charm to any space.
🌿 Start your own terrarium today and enjoy a low-maintenance mini garden inside your home! 🌿
