Terrariums are captivating miniature gardens enclosed in glass containers, forming a self-sustaining ecosystem. They are perfect for bringing a touch of nature indoors, especially if you have limited space or enjoy gardening as a hobby. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to create your own terrarium, including selecting containers, substrates, and plants, as well as essential care tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Contents:
1. What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a small garden enclosed in a glass container that functions as a tiny, self-contained ecosystem. There are two main types of terrariums:
Closed Terrariums: These sealed containers create a humid environment, making them ideal for tropical plants like ferns and mosses. They require minimal maintenance, as the closed environment recycles moisture.
Open Terrariums: Left open at the top, these containers provide better airflow and are suitable for plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents and cacti. They need more regular watering and are better for those who enjoy more active plant care.
Benefits of Terrariums:
Low Maintenance: Once established, terrariums require minimal care.
Space-Saving: Perfect for small spaces like apartments or office desks.
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a natural, decorative element to any indoor setting.
2. Choosing the Right Container
Your container choice is crucial for both the aesthetics and functionality of your terrarium. Here are some popular options with specific use cases:
Glass Jars: Mason jars are ideal for closed terrariums, offering a compact and classic look. For a modern twist, consider our Terrarium Jars with LED Light, perfect for showcasing your miniature garden even in low light conditions.
Fishbowls: Excellent for open terrariums, offering a 360-degree view. Suitable for succulents and air plants.
Glass Vases: Tall, cylindrical vases are perfect for showcasing plants with vertical growth, like small ferns or trailing plants such as Ficus pumila.
Pro Tip: Ensure your container is clean and clear before use, as dirt or smudges can harbor bacteria harmful to your plants and detract from the visual appeal.
3. Preparing the Substrate
The substrate is the foundation of your terrarium, providing support, nutrients, and moisture management. A well-prepared substrate includes several layers:
A. Drainage Layer
Pebbles or Gravel: Create a 2-3 cm layer at the bottom of the container. This layer allows excess water to drain away from the soil, preventing root rot.
Activated Charcoal: Add a 1 cm layer of activated charcoal on top of the pebbles. This helps filter water, prevents odors, and inhibits fungal growth.
B. Barrier Layer
Mesh Fabric: A piece of fine mesh or plastic window screening works well to keep the soil from mixing with the drainage layer.
Sphagnum Moss: This natural option helps retain moisture and prevents soil from slipping through the drainage layer.
C. Soil Layer
For Closed Terrariums: Use a high-quality potting mix blended with a bit of sand for drainage. Aim for a depth of 5-10 cm.
For Open Terrariums: Opt for a cactus or succulent mix that provides excellent drainage and is low in organic matter.
Choosing the Right Substrate Based on Plant Type:
For moisture-loving plants like ferns, use a substrate high in organic material and well-draining.
For succulents and cacti, use a gritty, fast-draining mix with minimal organic content.
Suggested Products:
Using a high-quality substrate is crucial for plant health. Consider our Special Terrarium Substrate Mix, designed to provide optimal drainage and support for a variety of plants. If you are starting with a Jar Terrarium - have a look at our Jar Terrarium Mix, which provides a perfect amounts of gravel, soil and activated charcoal for your base layers!
For added protection, use a Disinfectant to prevent mold and bacteria growth in your setup.
4. Selecting the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants is essential for creating a thriving terrarium. Select plants based on the type of terrarium you're creating:
A. Plants for Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are ideal for plants that thrive in a humid environment with indirect light. Here are some excellent choices:
This beautiful fern features broad, wavy fronds that add a lush, tropical look to any closed terrarium. It thrives in high humidity and low to medium light conditions.
This unique Pilea has delicate, silver-speckled leaves that shimmer under indirect light. It prefers high humidity and indirect light, making it a perfect choice for a closed terrarium.
Known for its striking pink-speckled leaves, this plant adds a splash of color to your terrarium. It loves humidity and indirect light, growing well in the controlled environment of a closed terrarium.
This compact plant features striking silver-striped leaves with dark green veins. It thrives in the humid, low-light conditions typical of closed terrariums.
A showstopper with its dark, almost black, textured leaves. This Begonia is well-suited to the humid, low-light environment of a closed terrarium, where its dramatic foliage can truly shine.
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B. Plants for Open Terrariums
Open terrariums provide better airflow and are suitable for plants that prefer drier conditions and bright, indirect to direct light. Here are some great options:
A rosette-forming succulent with pale green leaves that develop a pink hue under bright light. It prefers dry conditions and bright, direct light, making it a perfect fit for an open terrarium.
This rare succulent has green-blue leaves with a frosty appearance. It thrives in well-draining soil and bright light, adding an unusual texture to your open terrarium.
This hybrid Peperomia features small, round leaves that trail elegantly, perfect for hanging or trailing over the edge of an open terrarium. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
This trailing cactus has slender, segmented stems that cascade beautifully over the edges of an open terrarium. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and adds a delicate, airy feel to your arrangement.
Known for its trailing stems with bead-like leaves that turn purple in bright light. It thrives in well-drained soil and bright, indirect to direct light.
These plants have been carefully selected to suit the specific environments of closed and open terrariums, ensuring that your miniature garden not only looks stunning but also thrives in its new home.
Important Considerations:
Size and Growth Habit: Choose plants that won’t outgrow the terrarium quickly.
Light and Moisture Needs: Match plants with similar requirements to avoid issues with care.
5. Assembling Your Terrarium
With your materials and plants ready, it’s time to assemble your terrarium. Follow these detailed steps:
A. Prepare the Container
Clean your container thoroughly with soap and water, then dry it completely.
Add the drainage layer (pebbles or gravel) at the bottom, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal.
Place the barrier layer (mesh or sphagnum moss) on top of the drainage layer to keep the soil separate.
B. Add the Soil
Pour in the soil, ensuring it’s deep enough to support the roots of your chosen plants.
Create small mounds or dips in the soil to give the landscape a natural appearance.
C. Planting
Arrange your plants outside the terrarium first to plan the layout. Consider plant height and spread.
Start by planting the larger or focal plants, then add smaller plants and moss.
Use a spoon or small trowel to create holes for the plants and carefully place each one into the soil.
Gently press the soil around the roots to secure the plants in place.
D. Adding Decorations
Enhance your terrarium with decorative elements like small stones, shells, or figurines. Choose items that complement the plants and avoid overcrowding.
Suggested Products:
If you’re new to terrarium building, consider our Complete Terrarium Sets that include everything you need: a terrarium jar, substrates, plants, and tools, all in one convenient package.
For precise planting, use our Terrarium Tweezers to place smaller plants and mosses, and our Terrarium Tool Set for larger plant arrangements.
6. Basic Care Tips
Maintaining your terrarium is crucial for its longevity. Follow these guidelines:
A. Watering
Closed Terrariums: Water sparingly. Mist lightly once a month or when the soil looks dry. If you notice condensation on the glass, reduce watering.
Open Terrariums: Water weekly or when the soil feels dry to the touch, especially for succulents and cacti.
B. Light Requirements
Closed Terrariums: Place in bright, indirect light to avoid overheating. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the plants.
Open Terrariums: Succulents and cacti need bright, direct light for several hours daily. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light.
C. Pruning and Trimming
Trim dead or yellowing leaves to prevent decay and promote healthy growth.
Pinch back or cut overgrown plants to maintain shape and space.
D. Cleaning and Maintenance
Closed Terrariums: Wipe down the inside of the glass to remove any condensation or algae buildup.
Open Terrariums: Dust the plants and container regularly to keep them looking their best.
Suggested Products:
Use our Terrarium Scissors to trim dead leaves and keep your plants looking neat.
For hard-to-reach areas, our Terrarium Tool Set can help maintain the perfect arrangement without disturbing the entire setup.
7. Common Terrarium Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to keep your terrarium thriving:
Overwatering: One of the most common mistakes. Too much water can lead to root rot, especially in closed terrariums. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Incorrect Lighting: Too much or too little light can harm your plants. Know the light requirements of your chosen plants and place your terrarium accordingly.
Overcrowding: Cramming too many plants can cause them to compete for light and resources, leading to poor growth. Leave enough space for each plant to thrive.
Using the Wrong Soil: Each plant type has different soil needs. Using the wrong mix can lead to poor drainage or insufficient nutrients.
Lack of Ventilation: For closed terrariums, occasionally remove the lid to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent mold growth.
8. DIY Decoration Ideas
Personalize your terrarium with these creative decoration ideas:
Miniature Figurines: Add tiny animals or fairy garden figurines to create a whimsical scene.
Natural Stones: Use polished pebbles or crystals to add texture and color contrast.
Themed Scenes: Create a desert landscape with sand and succulents or a lush rainforest with moss and ferns.
Pro Tip: Use a small paintbrush to arrange soil and decorations without disturbing the plants.
9. Expanding Your Terrarium Skills
Once you’ve mastered a basic terrarium, explore more advanced projects:
Themed Terrariums: Try creating terrariums based on specific themes, like a desert scene with cacti or a lush rainforest with ferns and orchids.
Water Features: Add a small water feature or a miniature pond for a unique twist.
Terrarium Kits: Purchase or gift a DIY terrarium kit, which comes with all the materials you need and detailed instructions.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I water my terrarium?
A: For closed terrariums, always check the water level and water lightly once a month, if needed. Open terrariums may need weekly watering, depending on the plants and soil moisture.
Q: What are the best plants for a beginner’s terrarium?
A: For closed terrariums, try ferns, mosses, or Fittonia. For open terrariums, succulents and cacti are low-maintenance choices.
Q: Do terrariums need sunlight?
A: Yes, but avoid direct sunlight for closed terrariums to prevent overheating. Open terrariums with succulents need bright, direct light for several hours a day.
Q: Can I use any glass container for a terrarium?
A: Yes, as long as it's clean, clear, and large enough to accommodate the plants and substrate layers.
Q: How can I prevent mold in my terrarium?
A: Avoid overwatering, provide adequate airflow by occasionally opening closed terrariums, and remove any decaying plant material promptly.
11. Shop our Starter Terrarium Supplies:
Ready to start your own terrarium?
Visit our Terrarium Kits Collection, for glass jars, starter plants, terrarium tools, terrarium substrates and a selection of plants perfect to to start your new hobby! Happy planting!
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