How to make a terrarium: a guide for beginners (step by step) (2023)

Contrary to popular belief, terrariums do not require complex methods or materials to produce captivating results.

With the right DIY approach — and some tried-and-true plants — creating beautiful living art has never been easier. Even the simplest terrarium can look professional if you follow these gardening principles.

So in this article we're going back to the basics.

I'll show you how to build a terrarium in the simplest process. We'll walk you through every step from the start, telling you everything you need (and don't need) along the way.

So let's dig!

This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to pay a small commission (at no additional cost to you). 💚 Thank you for helping support the tribe!

Closed terrarium 101

First, let's make sure we're talking about the same type of terrarium here.

After all, modern terrariums come in many forms these days. Although they are broadly divided into two categories:open terrariumseclosed terrariums.

All those colorful plate gardens and succulent terrariums perfect for Pinterest? Yes, we're not going to tackle that today... Open terrariums have their place, but we'll make onefunctionalTerrarium here, so let's talk about that exclusivelyclosed terrariums.

The kind that can retain moisture and create a beautiful tropical environment for our plants.

Eventually, the original terrarium (the Wardian Case) was developed to transport tropical plants around the world. Now let's pay tribute to this history by creating a stunning piece of nature for our home.

So let's make one!

Glass containers for terrariums

Almost any glass container can become a beautiful terrarium.

That is, the shape and sizedefinitiveaffect how easily they are planted.

Basically,The larger the opening, the easier the job.So I wouldn't recommend starting with abottle terrarium. They really are as complicated as they look!

Instead, I'd look for larger aquariums, vases, and mason jars... you get the point. It doesn't have to be fancy, you can get great glassware at thrift stores, online marketplaces, and TK Maxx (TJ Maxx in the US).

If you manage to get your hand in, you're a winner.

👉Check out mineGuide to terrarium containersfor practical tank tips.

Ideally these will be closed containers with lids in place, but don't worry if your chosen container doesn't have a lid (they usually do, and the one we use does).

we have severalSolutions for terrarium coversavailable and cling film (saran wrap) is also a great quick fix.

Select terrarium plants

Choosing your plants is of course the most exciting (and possibly most important) part of the project.

In order to cope with the high humidity and temperature in a closed terrarium environment, you must useexclusivelytropical plants.

That's right, cowboy, put away the succulents and cacti!

You should also consider the size and growth of your potential plants. If you're working with such limited space and want a terrarium design that's as easy to maintain as it is to build, stick with itthumbnailsortseSlowerproducers.

However, if you don't mind regular trimming, plant life is your oyster.

To help you with your decision, you can read our guidesclosed terrarium plantsit is atThe best terrarium plants for beginners.Both have many plant inspirations and options for terrariums.

Okay, so where do we start with choosing our terrarium plants?

To keep things simple, I want to choose from a few categories for a vibrant, natural-looking scene.

• Laub- You need an accent plant (or two) in the foreground to create a focal point and pop of color.

best choice: Polka Dot Plants and Nerve Plants are classic entry-level terrarium plants. OBatterygenero also has beautiful facilities in Aluminum Factory and Pilea do Vale da Lua.

• Make some– Ferns are fantastic terrarium plants almost everywhere. They are the kings and queens of texture, and theyto the servicehigh humidity and heat. Not to mention that there are so manyFarn-TerrariumVarieties to choose from.

best choice: I like a sword fern miniature (the lemon button fern is in almost all my terrariums) but today I'm going to use onePterisJudgment.

• reben- Most of us won't have space in our terrarium to grow a bulletproof pothos plant, but luckily there are some equally reliable miniaturesterrarium tendrilsthat fit the bill.

best choice: For smaller builds, bothficus lined upePilea glaucacome to mind, just like allSelaginella(Club Moss) Genre. I'm also a fan ofSyngonium(especially the pixie variety!).

• Moos– The moss is the icing on the cake and brings out the whole tropical/forest look in a really spectacular way.

best choice: The two highlightsMosses for terrariumsare cushion moss and mood moss. These grow in clumps instead of leaves and are thereforeveryeasier to style in the terrarium.

1. Drainage

Adrainage layer(Commonly known asfake terrarium background) exists to make your life easier.

Essentially, they provide a space for excess water to drain and act as a failsafe to protect your plants from root rot if you accidentally add too much water to the system. What is very easy...

To start, simply lay a layer of suitable drainage material at the bottom of the container.

Gravel is a common and inexpensive option, but I like to use porous materials (e.g. lava rock or leca) whenever possible as they are lighter and have some additional benefits for plant roots.

A height of about an inch should be sufficient for most projects.

As part of the drainage layer(s), you may see some people recommend a mesh screen and aactivated carbon layerhere too.

Both can provide minor benefits - the former for keeping the substrate away from the drainage layer and the latter ostensibly for filtration - but honestly neither is necessary (or possibly worth it).

To keep things simple today, we're going to skip those two!

2. Solo

Next the most important thingthrow from only– Obtaining a quality substrate is essential.

We need something that drains well, retains moisture, and provides nutrients.

To keep things simple, I recommend choosing an intentionally curated mix (why make life difficult?).

If you're unsure, the classic ABG mix is ​​always a winning choice, but honestly any good quality tropical, fern or terrarium mix should do the trick.

👉 Check out oursTerrarium substrate guidefor help choosing a mix for your project.

(If you only have potting soil,he canworks, but is far from ideal in terms of longevity of the terrarium).

As for depth, you need to add enough to comfortably house the roots of your plants. For reference, mine ended up being about two inches deep for where I placed my plants, but of course that depends on what plants you have.

3. Hardscape

Ok, so hardscape isn't oneessentialpart of a terrarium.

But it's such an easy way to improve everything, I really recommend it.

Seriously, a single hardscape element can take your terrarium from zero to super fast. Provision urgently neededtexture and structureFor your building, it will draw attention, contrast your plants and add a natural look.

All this just adding a rock or branch to a terrarium? It is worth it!

In my experience, rocks can be a bit easier to maneuver and anchor underground, but you can choose any you likeTerrariensteinorlogsthat makes you want to.

Partially burying the hardscape can be a good way to add some stability by packing the substrate around the base. You don't want something to fall and break the glass...

4. Plants

Finally time to plant!

I recommendstarting with your tallest/largest plantand work your way down to the smallest. This helps you maintain a sense of scale and create visually stunning levels.

Make a hole in the substrate (the tip of the brush will do the job just fine) and place the roots of the plant, smoothing down the surrounding substrate to keep it in place.

pro tip: If you find this complicated, you can easily water the substrate with a spray bottle. A moist substrate may be easier to work with, but don't overwater it.

Now that the main plants are in place, it's time to tie everything together with moss. This completes the "natural look" of our miniature garden. It's my favorite part too!

Start by taking your clumping moss of choice and severing a clump of any size (you may need to trim the excess fibers underneath).

Simply place it where you want it in your terrarium, with the green part facing the viewer. So keep going until you are satisfied.

These types of mosses don't grow out very far. So if you want full moss coverage, keep adding until the entire substrate is covered.

5. Finishing touches

Voila, the terrarium is ready!

All that's left to do is lightly water it with a spray bottle and cap.

If you have a lid, feel free to put it on and marvel at your new creation. If not, here's a simple solution using cling film.

A well constructed terrarium will take care of itself (and if you follow this guide you should get there).

However, they are rarely a fully independent nursing experience. Even after learning the basics, they still need a little attention/maintenance every now and then.

Here are the key points to note.

• Luz- Keep your terrarium in a place where it gets plenty of indirect sunlight. An hour of direct sun here and there is usually fine, but too much will burn your plants.
• Water– saberhow to water a terrariumRight, that's half the battle. If the substrate looks dry and/or your plants are wilting, add a few extra sprays as needed. The substrate should be evenly moist, but never waterlogged.
• Mofo– A (very common) problem with new terrariums is mold growth. Heat and humidity make terrariums an ideal environment for mold. Don't panic if this happens! It's perfectly normal and there isA variety of ways to combat mold in terrariums.

A good way to prevent mold problems from day one is to add a Collembolan colony and make oneBioaktives Terrarium. Those tiny scavengers that feed on mold - useful, right?

👉Check out mineTerrarium guidefor more details on all of the above!

Phew, you did it.

I hope you fell head over heels in love with your new terrarium.

If you want to show it off, post it on Instagram and tag us (@terrariumtribe). MarryLoveto see, and we're always happy to share it with our growing terrarium community!

Alternatively, if you want an even easier start to your project, you can check out our favoriteTerrarium Kits.