a terrarium is an easy, unique gift!
Sharing how to make a terrarium – either fully assembled, or as a “DIY” gift!
what is a terrarium, exactly?
A terrarium is simply a miniature indoor garden, typically contained in glass. Terrariums are so easy to assemble, and require just a few simple materials – plus the plants, of course – to get started!
there are two types of terrariums!
A DIY terrarium can be created to be either open or closed. The materials you’ll use will be the same, but the plant selection will differ. Closed terrariums act as mini ecosystems, with the condensation that forms from the sealed container dripping back into the soil, continuously “watering” the plants.
An open terrarium – as the name implies – has no top and is more like a traditional planter.
what materials do you need to make a terrarium?
To make a terrarium you need a few things:
- glass container (open or with a top, depending on the type you’re creating)
- aquarium gravel
- activated charcoal
- sheet moss
- potting soil
- plants
- decor
let’s take a closer look at these materials, and why you need them!
Glass container – obviously you need something to put the plants in. Fish bowls, apothecary jars, vases, mason jars, or anything you’d like to display will work. The jar can have a top or lid, or be open, which will dictate the types of plants you use.
Aquarium gravel – as there is no drainage hole in a glass container, the gravel acts as a receptacle for any excess water, so that the plants’ roots don’t become waterlogged.
Activated charcoal – charcoal acts as an additional drainage layer and inhibits the growth of bacteria in your terrarium.
Sheet moss – in addition to just looking pretty, sheet moss keeps the soil from pouring down into the bottom of the container.
Potting soil – just like any planter, you’ll need soil to anchor your plants.
Plants – obviously! I’ll share the types of plants you’ll want for both types of terrariums below.
Decor – this is optional but you can add bits of tiny decor to your terrarium – sea glass, shells, little figurines, small stones, whatever you want to decorate with!
Spray bottle – for cleaning the glass without overwatering the plants.
how do you make a terrarium?
Making a terrarium is so easy – even young children can get in on the action! Here’s how to do it:
- You’ll first pour in a layer of the gravel – 1 – 2″, depending on the size and shape of your container.
- Add a layer of charcoal.
- Lay sheet moss over the charcoal, patching pieces together if needed.
- Pour in your potting soil – about 2″ thick.
- Add your plants, topping with some more potting soil where needed. Lightly water the plants and spray the sides of the container to remove any bits of soil or moss.
- Decorate!
- Trim the plants if needed to achieve a more pleasing shape. If making a covered terrarium be sure to cut any leaves that touch the lid.
what types of plants are best for terrariums?
While you can experiment with any plants you like, it’s best to use small, slow growing plants. You can often find terrarium plants (sometimes called “fairy garden” plants) in your local nursery, and these are my favorites for both open and closed containers:
Plants for an open container:
air plants
succulents
cacti
jade plants
For closed terrariums you can look for “fairy garden” plants on line, and they are often available at your local nursery. These are tiny plants that are perfect for small containers, and typically like the more humid environment of a closed terrarium:
peperomia
moss
ferns
miniature ivy
nerve plant
how do you care for a terrarium?
You’ll want to place your terrarium in a well lit room, but not right next to a window that gets a lot of direct sunlight – this can heat up the glass and burn the plants. An open terrarium should be watered when the soil feels dry, and you can trim any yellowed leaves as needed.
A closed terrarium is self-watering, but every few weeks I like to open the lid and let the condensation evaporate. That’s when I’ll inspect the leaves for any damage and trim off dead or decaying foliage.
terrariums make great gifts!
You can easily assemble several terrariums in an afternoon, and these make lovely gifts – especially if you get your kids involved. You can give the terrarium already planted, or place the plants and individual materials in separate bags, tuck them into the glass container and give it to someone who would enjoy doing it themselves (you can print out instructions to go with)!
Let me know if you try this, and what you use to make your own terrarium!
How to Make a Terrarium!
Equipment
Ingredients
- glass container
- aquarium gravel
- activated charcoal
- sheet moss
- potting soil
- plants
- decor - shells, stones, sea glass, figurines
Instructions
- Pour a 1" - 2" layer of gravel into the bottom of the container.
- Add a layer of activated charcoal.
- Lay sheet moss over the charcoal, patching pieces together if needed.
- Pour in your potting soil - about 2" thick.
- Add your plants, topping with some more potting soil where needed. Lightly water the plants and spray the sides of the container to remove any bits of soil or moss.
- Add your decor, if using.
- Trim the plants if needed to achieve a more pleasing shape. If making a covered terrarium be sure to cut any leaves that touch the lid.
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
