HOW TO MAKE A TERRARIUM: 4 DIY TERRARIUM IDEAS
Terrariums are a fun DIY gardening project. I think of them as living art. Here you’ll learn how to make a terrarium in four ways including container choice, plant choice, steps, care, and things good to know.
A terrarium is a miniature garden. Be creative and enjoy the process!
TERRARIUM CONTAINER CHOICES
There are many to choose from in regards to size, shape, trim color, style, open container or closed container, and price. Just make sure it’s a glass container as you want to see your beautiful terrarium.
If you’re new to this, open terrariums with larger openings are easier to plant and work on.
TERRARIUM PLANTS
Plants that require moderate to high humidity do best, especially in closed terrariums. I wouldn’t use succulents because they don’t like to stay moist nor do they need the humidity. If you want to use them, I’d recommend an open container.
Slower-growing tropical plants do better over the long haul because you won’t need to prune or replace them as often.
Small plants, in 2″ and 3″ grow pots, are the easiest to work when using the average-sized container. I bought these plants on Etsy. The majority of local garden centers don’t carry plants this small because of maintenance reasons. Once planted in a terrarium, taking care of them is a snap!
Here are some terrarium plant choices: ferns, ivy, foliage begonias, polka dot plant, nerve plant, peperomias, mosses, selaginella, neanthe bella palm, crotons, baby’s tears, and pileas. Flowers can get a bit “funky” in closed terrariums due to condensation build-up but I have seen mini African Violets used if you want a blooming addition.
Venus Flytraps and Pitcher Plants are well suited for use in closed terrariums but you’ll need to feed them!
TERRARIUM DIY MATERIALS
Plants and containers.
Tools for planting. You can buy a set like this or make do with what you have. We used pasta thongs, chopsticks, plant stake, mini trowel, and a broken car antenna.
Potting soil, peat-based, and well-draining. I mixed up a blend of 2/3 potting soil, 1/3 coco coir, and a few handfuls of coco chips.
TERRARIUM MAKING STEPS
Make a plan of the plants to use. It’s easier to do this before rather than as you’re planting in a tight space.
Water the plants the day before planting.
If the soil mix is dry, wet it the day or two before. You want it to be moist but not dripping wet.
Clean the inside of the container. It’s hard to do once planted. You can clean the outside after planting is done.
Gather the materials & it’s time to plant!
Add charcoal to the bottom (optional). How much of each layer depends on the size of the container. You can get an idea from the photo below & also from the video.
Here you can get an idea of how much charcoal, pebble, & soil mix was used.
Add a layer of pebbles or rock over that.
Add a layer of moss (optional) over the pebbles. This helps prevent the soil from seeping down.
Add in the soil mix. I put this in all at once because it’s hard to get more in once the planting is on the way.
Shake any excess soil off the root balls.
Make holes with whatever tool suits you best & plant. Arrange the mix in an even layer around the plants.
Put on the top dressing over the bare soil areas if desired. Adorn away!
Water lightly.
TERRARIUM CARE
Place yours in a spot where it doesn’t receive direct sun. The glass heats up fast and your little plants will burn.
The care of open terrariums is different from closed terrariums.
Closed terrariums are practically self-sustaining. If the soil mix and plants are wet when planting, your terrarium should only need a sprinkle once or twice a year.
I water terrariums around the edges and a bit in the middle. I like this bottle for watering or a small can with a long neck to control the amount of water going in.
How often you’ll have to water depends on a few factors like temperature, lights, soil composition, etc. Below are generalizations:
Closed – water every 6 months or so.
Open – As needed. I’ll have to see how mine dries out and get back to you in a few months.
Condensation can build up in closed terrariums. You can wipe it off the glass (with something like a soft cloth attached to a chopstick) and crack the top open for a bit.
GOOD TO KNOW
Plants that like humidity do best in terrariums.
Trim dead or broken leaves off before planting as this is easier.
Give plants room to grow.
Keep your terrarium out of the direct sun.
Go easy on the watering. Just a bit as needed. Avoid soaking the foliage.
Once growing, you may have to prune plants that are crowding out others.
Your terrarium may become overgrown and will need to be repotted and redone.
Condensation will build up in a closed terrarium.
Happy gardening,
Nell
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?