Creating a terrarium is a fun and easy way to bring a little bit of nature indoors. These self-contained miniature gardens under glass are low maintenance, visually appealing, and make great gifts. With just a few basic supplies, you can make your own beautiful terrarium in no time.

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is a transparent glass container containing soil and plants. The closed environment allows moisture to recirculate and creates a small ecosystem for the plants to thrive. Terrariums are easy to care for since they don’t require additional watering or heavy maintenance. The glass enclosure acts as a greenhouse, trapping humidity inside so that plants can grow happily in this miniature world.

Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, from large elaborate displays to simple apothecary jars. You can create a lush jungle environment or an elegant minimalist design based on your own style and imagination. The best part about terrariums is that they allow you to have a self-sustaining garden anywhere – on your desk, windowsill, or counter.

Benefits of Making Your Own Terrarium

  • Low maintenance: Terrariums are very low maintenance once set up. The enclosed environment retains moisture so you don’t have to water frequently.
  • Portability: Small terrariums can be moved anywhere around your home to enjoy their beauty.
  • Creativity: Designing your own terrarium allows you to showcase your unique style. Choose from endless plant, container, and décor options.
  • Stress relief: Watching the mini ecosystems thrive can have a calming, meditative effect. Terrariums are great for relaxation.
  • Gifts: A homemade terrarium makes for a thoughtful and unique gift for any occasion.

How to Make Your Own Terrarium

Making your own terrarium is simple. Follow these steps:

Supplies Needed

  • Glass container with lid (jar, bowl, hanging terrarium, etc.)
  • Small gravel or pebbles
  • Activated charcoal
  • Potting soil
  • Plants
  • Moss, twigs, rocks, figurines (optional decorative elements)

Steps

  1. Choose your glass container. Pick something with a wide opening so it’s easy to work inside. Make sure it is transparent to allow light in. Consider the size plants you want to include.
  2. Add a drainage layer. Add pebbles or gravel to cover the bottom inch or two. This allows excess moisture to drain away from the soil and plant roots.
  3. Include activated charcoal. Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel. This helps absorb odors and toxins.
  4. Add potting soil. Use a high quality potting mix suitable for containers and indoor plants. Fill 2/3 of the container with soil.
  5. Plant your greenery. Choose small tropical plants, ferns, mosses or succulents that thrive in humid environments. Plant firmly in the soil and space out the plants attractively.
  6. Include decorations. Add moss, twigs, rocks or other decorative elements. Cork figurines, shells and stones can create fun scenes.
  7. Mist well. Mist the interior with water until the soil is damp but not soggy. The moisture will activate the ecosystem.
  8. Seal the terrarium. Place the lid on tightly to seal in the moisture. Avoid opening it frequently to keep the environment stable.

And just like that, your miniature indoor garden is complete! Now place it in bright indirect light and enjoy watching your terrarium thrive.

Terrarium Tips

  • Open 1-2 times per month to freshen stale air. Misting may be needed if condensation declines.
  • Water carefully by the spoonful if soil dries out. Be careful not to overwater.
  • Wipe condensation that forms on the glass walls to allow light in.
  • Use distilled water if tap water leaves mineral deposits on the glass.
  • Remove dead foliage if it occurs to keep the terrarium looking fresh.
  • Prune back plants that become overgrown.

Ideas for Unique Terrariums

Terrariums offer endless possibilities for creativity! Consider these ideas:

  • Miniature garden: Use mini plants like dwarf succulents, Venus flytraps, and bonsai trees to create a magical shrunken world. Add tiny benches or fairy figurines.
  • Woodland walk: Use mosses, ferns, and leafy plants to recreate a tranquil forest floor. Place twigs and rocks throughout.
  • Desert landscape: Layer cacti, aloe, and drought-tolerant succulents with sand and rocks for a desert habitat.
  • Aquatic oasis: Incorporate mossy balls, floating plants, and decorative marbles to mimic a water ecosystem. Misting is key.
  • Victorian conservatory: Go classic with ferns, ivy, and orchids. Add Victorian elements like cast iron filigree and modeling clay vines.
  • Zen garden: Keep it simple with rocks, moss, and one focal plant for a clean and minimalist look. Add a small Buddha statue.

Which Plants Thrive in Terrariums?

Many tropical plants do well in the warm, humid environment inside glass terrariums. Consider these options:

  • Tropical ferns: Bird’s nest fern, maidenhair fern, button fern
  • Trailing vines: Philodendron, pothos, inch plants, spider plants
  • Mosses: Mood moss, rose moss, haircap moss
  • Low-light plants: Chinese evergreen, peacock plant, cast iron plant
  • Succulents: Burro’s tail, echeveria, aloe vera, hawksworthii
  • Carnivores: Venus flytraps, pitcher plants
  • Bromeliads: Neoregelia, cryptanthus

The choices are endless! Mix textures, colors, and foliage shapes to create your vision.

Common Problems and Solutions

Extreme condensation: Open the lid briefly to allow ventilation and reduce moisture.

Mold or fungus: Remove affected plants immediately. Wipe down the glass and make sure soil drains well.

Insects: Remove insects on sight and replace with new plants/soil if infestation is severe.

Wilting plants: Increase air circulation and light exposure. Reduce watering frequency. Remove dead foliage.

Mineral deposits: Use distilled water and wipe deposits as soon as they appear.

Making a Terrarium is Simple and Fun!

Creating your own enclosed garden is rewarding and meditative. Terrariums allow you to combine your creativity with the beauty of nature. Display your unique terrarium as a centerpiece in your home and enjoy watching it evolve into a thriving miniature world. With just a glass container and a few key supplies, you can easily craft a fascinating indoor garden to cherish for years to come.