How to Make a Terrarium

6 Materials
$65
1 Hour
Easy

A terrarium is a great way to nourish that green thumb during those winter months. You are able to get a little dirt under your nails and revel in the satisfaction of watching something grow under your care.

That being said, don’t limit yourself to only planting and nurturing a terrarium when it’s cold out! A well-planted and well-maintained terrarium will thrive year-round for many years! My closed terrarium is 5 months old and thriving! The only maintenance required is minimal, infrequent watering and trimming back my wee jungle.


What are some plants that will thrive in a closed terrarium?

What are some plants that will thrive in a closed terrarium?

Plants that thrive in moist and humid environments will be most successful in a closed terrarium. For my 2 gallon jar, which is 7.5″ in diameter and 14″ tall, I used 3 plants (2.5″ pots) and 1 clump of moss. For a long list of suggested plants, pop over to the full blog post.What Materials are Needed (other than the plants!)

You need your vessel. I used this Anchor Hocking 2-gallon Glass Ja r, but any clear jar with a lid will work. You could also use a Cloche like this, but it will be on a smaller scale given the depth of the glass tray. Another option, and one that I am rather drooling over, is a Wardian Case. I can just imagine one of these beauties sitting on my dining room table with a lovely orchid inside!River rocks or pea gravel to provide drainage. Horticultural Charcoal acts as a filter and keeps your terrarium and soil fresh

Potting soil. You can make your own mix with one part sterilized potting soil, one part sand, and one part peat moss. Or you could purchase African Violet Potting Mix.A piece of screen, like window screen (optional, but nice) to keep the soil from filtering down to the pebbles. I cut a circle out of a roll of window screen we already had in the garage.I have an earthworm in my terrarium but will add another when I see a stray one.How to Maintain Your Terrarium

These indoor gardens require very little maintenance.Add a little bit of water when you notice that there is no condensation on the lid or sides of your jar. It seems that I add water every 4-6 weeks and then only about 1/4 cup for my 2-gallon container. You will need more or less depending on the size of your jar.The ONLY problem I have ever had with my terrarium was when it was brand new and I over-watered it. As a result, I lost 2 plants. If you do overwater, simply keep the lid off for a bit to let it evaporate.Resist the urge to fertilize. You want your plants to stay small and manageable.You will need to pop in with your scissors and trim your plants. I trim my peperomia at least every other week.

A note on the cost indicated...other than the jar and plants, I was able to use all the other materials to make two other large terrariums.

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Lynn @ Nourish and Nestle
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • Ingrid Prahl Ingrid Prahl on Mar 04, 2020

    Beautiful, I have a fish round tank, how I can create a terrarium, thanks, and regards Ingrid

  • Monica Monica on Mar 24, 2020

    I have a 5 gallon aquarium with a fitted, slide-on screen lid. Would screen lid work or do I have to use glass? Yours is Beautiful. Thank you

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