Closed Terrariums and Water Terrariums
13 Materials
$35
1 Hour
Easy
Terrariums are a beautiful way to get your green on in the winter months when it’s too cold to grow anything outside. Closed terrariums are lower maintenance as they utilize the water cycle (yeah, that one you learned about in science class) so there’s less watering. And water terrariums are mesmerizing and just as easy to care for. Both add that trending, living element to your home décor.
You’ll also need plants. I love succulents for terrariums. Some plant blogs say that succulents aren’t good for closed terrariums but I use them and they grow huge and out of control in the humid environment. But you can also use mosses, ferns, and other humidity-loving plants.
Start by adding an inch layer of small rocks on the bottom of the glass container.
Then add a layer of activated charcoal on top of that.
Next add at least an inch of dirt.
Tamp down gently with your fingers.
Add the plants.
Top with decorative rocks or moss…or both.
Add water to the spray bottle and spritz the dirt around your plants. You don’t want to soak it but you do want to give a few decent sprays.
Close the lid and place the terrarium in a spot where it gets plenty of light but the sun isn’t beating down on it all day. Mine sits in a window where it gets partial sun and plenty of indirect light.
I spritz the dirt once a week or when I notice that there’s not a lot of condensation on the glass anymore.
You’ll also want to leave it open once a week and let it breathe for about 20 minutes. Clean out any algae growth as you see it.
Water plants - aquarium plants and marimo moss balls work really well!
Place the plants into the glass container.
Add enough decorative rocks to anchor the plant and hide all of the roots.
If you’re using moss balls, add those after the rocks.
Add distilled water and fill until the plant is covered.
Place it in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight.
Change the distilled water once a month to keep the terrarium looking fresh and clear.
And enjoy!
Watch the easy-to-follow video tutorial below! Proceeds from this video (and the entire On The Fly...DIY channel) are also donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations. Watch, like, subscribe, and share to help raise funds for these donations ❤
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2 of 3 comments
![Lynne]()
Lynneon Jan 19, 2021awesome idea!
![Karolyn Fredette]()
Karolyn Fredetteon Feb 12, 2021Nice. Also it is great to read plain, simple directions. These look like a great winter project for those of us suffering from gardening withdrawal.
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Have a question about this project?
Have to be distillate water always?
From all of my research, distilled water is recommend for the best health of your plants. But I have a friend who uses tap water but they treat it with a dechlorinating solution before adding it to the terrarium and they've got healthy plants.
These are so pretty, so is your pooch!! What is the purpose of "activated charcoal "? I've actually never heard of it...
The charcoal also helps filter impurities out of the water and keeps it fresher. You also use it in poant pots and aquarium filters.