The Wonderful World of Terrariums

5 min readMar 30, 2022

terrarium, terrarium plants, how to make a terrarium, what is the purpose of terrariums?

Do you think your space needs some interior upgrading? Let me tell you about the wonderful world of terrariums.

First and foremost, let us know what is a terrarium?

Think about it like an aquarium, but instead of seeing fishes swimming around, you see leaves and flowers sprouting from the inside. A terrarium is like having a miniature garden enclosed in a container which is usually made of glass. The glass can be sealed but is sometimes left partially open to let air circulate inside. Terrariums are designed to be self-sustaining so it is also easy to maintain and handle even for first time plant parents.

They are sometimes called ‘garden under glass,’ and make excellent gifts and presents. They are also perfect decorative addition to homes with limited spaces like condo units and apartments. Aside from making your space look pretty, they also contribute in cleaning the air around you!

How to Make a Terrarium?

Getting excited to make one? Take a look at these simple and easy steps on how to make terrariums and start filling your space with these cute, little gardens!

Step 1: Pick a Container

Glass and plastic containers are the most popular options when it comes to where you want to grow your terrarium. You can opt for glass containers like mason jars or your old goldfish bowl as they are cheaper and widely available. However, there could be limited options for size and shape. On the other hand, plastic containers are durable and lighter but can be prone to scratches and may lose its color over time.

But whatever your preference is, you can surely find your terrarium container that will best fits your style and personality. Also, be sure to pick a container with a wide mouth so it will be easier for you add your soil, plants and other decorative items. If you still call for narrow mouth containers, you can use tongs or chopsticks to place all the elements inside. Pat the damp soil down inside using a cork attached to the end of the tong.

Step 2: Open or Close

Also, you need to decide whether you are going for an open terrarium or a closed one. There are sun-loving plant species and that makes open terrariums the best habitat for them. However, they are more prone to condensation and fungal problems. On the other hand, a closed terrarium is the best choice for plants who thrives in high humidity.

Step 3: Choose the Plants

Choose plants which will best thrive in the condition of you terrarium. For instance, succulents and cacti is good for open terrariums while polka dot plants thrive best in an enclosed space.

Here are other plants that can be placed inside terrariums:

· Pothos

· African Violet

· Small Ferns

· Creeping Fig

· Lucky Bamboo

· Nerve Plant

· Club Moss

Include varying sizes, colors, texture, and leaf size to make it more appealing to the eyes! Also, make sure that they are small enough to fit inside and that the leaves don’t touch the sides of the terrarium.

Step 4: Add drainage layers

Unlike traditional house planting, terrariums don’t have drainage holes to keep excess water from soaking the roots. You need to create a layer that will separate the roots from the water to avoid root rot. Start by making a 2-inch layer of gravel of sand or crushed stones at the bottom part of the container. You can also use crushed charcoal or sand as another drainage option. A tall terrarium usually requires deeper layer of drainage than smaller, shallow ones.

Next, add in ¼ to ½ inch layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel layer. This also aids in the drainage system and helps in controlling the odor.

Step 5: Add Moss and Potting Mix

Now, you will need another layer that will separate the drainage layer from the soil layer (that you are going to put above in this step) and that’s the purpose of sheet moss. Aside from that, it will also add a visual appeal to your terrarium.

Next, it’s time add you potting soil! Make sure your soil is slightly damp and avoid using soil pre-mixed with fertilizer as terrarium plants doesn’t usually need them. Make sure that your soil layer is the thickest of them all but low enough so that plants inside won’t touch the lid or cover of your terrarium as they grow.

Step 6: Prepare the Plants and Prepare Yourself to Decorate

Gently take the plants from their nursery pots and shake off any excess soil from the roots. Before putting your plants inside, make sure to trim off any yellowed or dead leaves. Prune the roots to slow down the plants’ growth so they won’t overgrow their container easily.

You can use a large spoon or your own fingers to poke holes on where you’re going to place your plants. Pat down the soil firmly to remove air pockets and to secure your plants in their holes.

Now, it’s time to unleash that creativity! Visualize on how your terrarium will appear; where the tall or short plants will be, are there any mounds or small terrains? Incorporate embellishments like colorful pebbles, shells, cake toppers, small figurines or anything your creative mind will suggest you. The choice is all yours! Just one rule: No overcrowding!

Step 7: Watering

Water your terrarium to a point when the soil is damp enough but not soaking wet. Once a week watering is needed for open terrariums while closed terrariums require little to no watering. You can use spray bottles or small watering cans with rose attachment.

Step 8: Pruning

Seeing foliage growing inside your container means you are successful in growing your terrarium. But you should remember to prune their leaves to prevent overcrowding.

What are the Benefits of Having a Terrarium?

· Excellent decorative pieces- Terrariums will look incredible in any space or corner! Sure, common houseplants are staple decorations but terrariums will add that fresh, elegant but minimalist vibe to your home.

· Easy to maintain- Terrariums are designed to be a self-sustaining ecosystem. They just need a bit of your attention (for watering and pruning), but overall, you can just leave them be and they will thrive on their own while looking pretty!

· Purifies Air- We all know the primary benefit of having plants on your home is to help clean and purify the air around you. Terrariums are also excellent in doing that!

· You get to enjoy gardening, even for first timers- People with green thumbs will have more reasons to enjoy gardening! As for budding and aspiring gardeners, terrariums are a great way to start!

· You get to be more creative and expressive- Terrariums are also great avenues to express your creativity — whether you are the minimalist type or the steampunk kind, there’s a terrarium fit for you!

· A great stress-reliever- Scientifically proven to relieve stress and reduce anxiety, coming home to these cute babies will surely lift-off a day worth of tiredness!

The Wonderful World of Terrariums

Written by Vanny Sanclaria