Have you ever looked at a tiny terrarium and thought, I’d love to make one of those, but I wouldn’t know where to start? The good news is that making a terrarium is much easier than it may seem.
A terrarium is essentially a miniature garden growing inside a glass container. With the right plants, soil, light, and a little care, you can create a beautiful little indoor landscape that brings a touch of nature into your home.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a small garden created inside a transparent container, usually made of glass. It can contain plants, soil, rocks, moss, and decorative elements arranged to create a miniature landscape.
There are two main types of terrariums: closed terrariums and open terrariums.
Closed Terrariums
A closed terrarium has a lid or another type of covering that creates a humid environment inside the container. Water evaporates, condenses on the glass, and eventually returns to the soil.
This creates a small water cycle, which is one of the fascinating things about closed terrariums.
Closed terrariums are especially suitable for moisture-loving plants such as mosses, ferns, and other small tropical plants.
Open Terrariums
An open terrarium doesn’t have a sealed lid, allowing air to circulate freely. These terrariums are better suited to plants that prefer drier conditions.
Succulents and many small cacti are often better choices for open terrariums because they don’t require the consistently humid environment of a closed terrarium.
What Do You Need to Make a Terrarium?
One of the best things about making a terrarium is that you don’t need a huge collection of supplies.
For a basic terrarium, you’ll need:
- A clear glass container
- Small plants suitable for your type of terrarium
- Potting soil appropriate for the plants
- Small rocks or pebbles
- Activated charcoal, especially for many closed terrariums
- Moss, if appropriate for your plants
- A spoon or small gardening tool
- Decorative elements, if desired
You don’t necessarily have to buy a special terrarium container. A large glass jar, vase, bowl, or even a recycled glass container can work beautifully, as long as it is clean and suitable for the plants you’re using.
How Does a Terrarium Work?
A terrarium works by creating a small growing environment for plants.
In a closed terrarium, moisture released by the plants and soil evaporates and collects on the glass. Eventually, the moisture runs back down into the soil.
This doesn’t mean that a closed terrarium never needs water. It simply means that it may require much less watering than a typical houseplant.
An open terrarium doesn’t have the same enclosed water cycle, so it behaves more like a traditional container garden.
Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing plants is one of the most important parts of creating a successful terrarium.
For a closed terrarium, look for small plants that enjoy humidity and indirect light. Some popular choices include:
- Moss
- Small ferns
- Fittonia
- Baby tears
- Small peperomias
- Miniature tropical plants
For an open terrarium, consider plants that prefer drier conditions, such as:
- Small succulents
- Haworthia
- Echeveria
- Small cacti
The most important rule is to group plants with similar growing requirements. A plant that loves dry soil probably won’t be happy living in the same enclosed environment as a plant that needs constant humidity.
How to Choose a Terrarium Container
Your container doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy.
For beginners, a wide glass container is often easier to work with because you can see what you’re doing while adding the soil and plants.
You can use:
- Glass jars
- Glass bowls
- Large vases
- Apothecary jars
- Fishbowls
- Special terrarium containers
A container with a wide opening is particularly convenient when you’re making your first terrarium because it gives you more room to arrange the plants.
How to Make a Simple Terrarium
Now that you know the basics of terrariums, it’s time to create one of your own.
Step 1: Clean the Container
Wash your glass container thoroughly and let it dry completely. Starting with a clean container helps create a healthier environment for your plants.
Step 2: Add a Layer of Rocks
Place a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container. Since most terrarium containers don’t have drainage holes, this layer provides space for excess water to collect away from the plant roots.
Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal
Add a thin layer of activated charcoal if appropriate for your terrarium setup. It can help keep the environment fresher, particularly in enclosed terrariums.
Step 4: Add the Soil
Add enough suitable potting mix to give your plants enough room for their roots. The amount you need will depend on the size of your container and the plants you’re using.
Step 5: Arrange Your Plants
Before planting, it’s a good idea to arrange the plants inside the container while they’re still in their pots.
Place taller plants toward the back and shorter plants toward the front. This gives your terrarium a more natural appearance and allows you to see each plant.
Step 6: Plant Carefully
Make small holes in the soil and gently place each plant into position. Firm the soil around the roots without packing it too tightly.
Step 7: Add Moss and Decorations
If you’re creating a woodland-style terrarium, you can add moss, small stones, pieces of bark, or other suitable decorations.
Keep decorations simple so that they don’t overwhelm the plants.
Step 8: Water Lightly
Give your terrarium a small amount of water according to the needs of your plants.
This is one place where beginners often make a mistake: more water is not necessarily better.
Where Should You Put a Terrarium?
Most terrarium plants prefer bright, indirect light.
A spot near a bright window can work well, but avoid placing the terrarium where strong direct sunlight will hit the glass for long periods. The glass container can become very hot, potentially damaging the plants.
If your home doesn’t receive enough natural light, an appropriate grow light may be helpful.
How Often Should You Water a Terrarium?
There isn’t one universal watering schedule for every terrarium.
The right amount depends on the plants, container, soil, temperature, humidity, and whether the terrarium is open or closed.
Instead of watering according to a strict calendar, check the terrarium regularly.
A closed terrarium should generally have some moisture inside, but it shouldn’t look like a swamp. If water is constantly pooling at the bottom or the plants are sitting in very wet soil, you may be overwatering.
On the other hand, if the soil is completely dry and the plants are beginning to wilt, they may need water.
Common Terrarium Mistakes Beginners Make
Terrariums are relatively easy to care for, but a few common mistakes can cause problems.
Using the Wrong Plants
Don’t simply choose plants because they look pretty together. Make sure they have similar light, moisture, and temperature requirements.
Overwatering
This is probably one of the easiest mistakes to make. A terrarium is a small environment, so excess water has nowhere to go.
Too Much Direct Sunlight
A glass container sitting in strong sunlight can become surprisingly hot. Bright, indirect light is usually a safer choice for many terrarium plants.
Making the Terrarium Too Crowded
It’s tempting to fill every empty space with plants and decorations, but plants need room to grow.
Leave some open areas so your terrarium can develop naturally over time.
Forgetting About Plant Growth
Remember that your plants are alive and will grow. A terrarium that looks perfectly balanced today may become crowded several months from now.
Occasional pruning may be necessary.
Once you know the basics, avoid these common pitfalls with our guide to the 10 Terrarium Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid.
Do Terrariums Need a Lot of Maintenance?
One of the reasons terrariums are so appealing is that they can be relatively low-maintenance.
A healthy closed terrarium may need very little watering once it has become established. You’ll mainly need to observe the plants, remove dead leaves, prune plants when necessary, and watch for signs of excessive moisture or mold.
Open terrariums generally require more regular watering because moisture escapes into the surrounding air.
Can You Make a Terrarium on a Budget?
Absolutely!
You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. A recycled glass jar or vase can become the container, and small plants can often be purchased individually rather than as part of a large collection.
You can also use natural-looking materials such as small stones and pieces of bark to create an attractive design without spending much money.
The key is choosing materials that are clean and appropriate for the plants and environment.
Why Make a Terrarium?
Beyond being a beautiful piece of living décor, making a terrarium is a fun creative project.
You get to combine plants, textures, stones, moss, and miniature decorations to create your own little landscape. And because terrariums are usually small, they’re a great option if you live in a small home or simply don’t have room for a large indoor garden.
They’re also a wonderful way to experiment with plants without committing to a full-sized garden.
Final Thoughts
Creating your first terrarium doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a simple glass container, choose plants with compatible growing requirements, provide the right amount of light and moisture, and give your miniature garden time to develop.
Don’t worry if your first terrarium isn’t perfect. Part of the fun is learning how different plants behave and discovering how to create a tiny landscape that feels uniquely yours.
Once you’ve made one terrarium, you may find yourself looking around the house wondering which glass container could become your next miniature garden!
Ready to get started? Gather a glass container, choose a few small plants, and create your own little world in a jar.
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