Terrariums are a popular and stylish way to bring greenery into your home. Whether you're an experienced plant parent or just starting out, making a terrarium is a fun and rewarding project. In this article I will cover what a terrarium is, discuss its benefits, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you create your very own mini garden.
What Is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a small, self-contained ecosystem housed in a glass container. It's essentially a miniature garden that thrives indoors. Terrariums come in two main types:
- Closed Terrariums: These have a lid that traps moisture, creating a humid environment ideal for plants like ferns and mosses.
- Open Terrariums: Best for dry-loving plants like succulents and cacti, open terrariums allow for better airflow and less humidity.
Both types are easy to maintain, building a terrarium is an excellent option for those with limited space or busy schedules.
Benefits of Having a Terrarium
Terrariums are more than just decorative pieces; they offer several benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to consider creating one:
1. Improves Indoor Air Quality
Terrariums naturally improve the air inside your home. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants can also filter harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and benzene, common in household items like furniture and cleaning products.
2. Boosts Mental Well-being
Caring for plants is a calming, mindful activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that interacting with greenery can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and foster a sense of relaxation. A terrarium brings a bit of nature into your home, offering a peaceful retreat from daily stress.
3. Space-saving Greenery
Terrariums are perfect for small living spaces. Their compact size makes them suitable for desks, shelves, and windowsills, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of plants even in apartments or offices with limited room.
4. Educational and Fun
Making a terrarium is a creative, hands-on learning experience. It’s an opportunity to explore plant care, ecosystem balance, and design principles. Whether you're studying plant needs or experimenting with different decor styles, making a terrarium is an enjoyable way to engage with nature.
What You’ll Need to Make a Terrarium
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Clear glass container (with or without a lid)
- Pebbles or small stones (for drainage)
- Activated charcoal (to keep the environment fresh)
- Potting soil (tailored to your plant selection)
- Plants (depending on the type of terrarium)
- Decorative elements (moss, stones, or figurines)
- Long-handled tools (or chopsticks/tweezers for placement)
- Spray bottle (for watering)
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Terrarium
Selecting the right plants is crucial for your terrarium's success. Different plants have varying light, humidity, and watering needs, so it's essential to choose plants that thrive in similar conditions.
- For Closed Terrariums:
Ideal plants include ferns, moss, and tropical species like Fittonia and Peperomia. These plants prefer high humidity and low light.
- For Open Terrariums:
Succulents, cacti, and air plants like Tillandsia are perfect for these environments. These plants thrive in dry conditions and need good airflow.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Terrarium
Follow these simple steps to create your own terrarium:
Step 1: Clean Your Glass Container
Start by cleaning your glass container to remove any dirt or residue, ensuring a clear view of your mini garden.
Step 2: Add a Drainage Layer
Place a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles at the bottom of your container to allow excess water to drain and prevent root rot.
Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal
Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. This will keep the terrarium smelling fresh and prevent mould buildup.
Step 4: Add Potting Soil
Layer the potting soil, depending on your plants' needs. Succulents and cacti need a well-draining mix, while moisture-loving plants require a general indoor potting mix.
Step 5: Plant Your Plants
Make small holes in the soil and gently place your plants. Ensure there’s enough space for air circulation between the plants.
Step 6: Add Decorative Elements
Customise your terrarium with moss, decorative stones, or tiny figurines for a personal touch.
Step 7: Water Sparingly
Use a spray bottle to lightly mist your plants. Remember, less is more when it comes to watering. Closed terrariums need watering less frequently than open ones.
Terrarium Care Tips
Proper care is essential to keep your terrarium thriving:
1. Lighting
Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially for closed terrariums, as it can overheat and damage the plants.
2. Watering
Overwatering is a common mistake. Water only when the soil feels dry, and mist with a spray bottle to control moisture levels.
3. Pruning
Trim any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain a clean environment and promote healthy growth.
4. Air Circulation
If condensation builds up in a closed terrarium, open the lid occasionally to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent mould.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your terrarium thrives, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Mixing Incompatible Plants
Plants have different care requirements, so it’s important to select ones that can coexist in the same environment. For example, succulents need dry, low-humidity conditions, while ferns require high humidity. Always research your plants' needs before combining them.
2. Overwatering
Overwatering can lead to root rot, mould, and fungal growth. Stick to a light misting routine and monitor the soil’s moisture levels.
3. Placing in Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can overheat your terrarium and scorch the plants. Ensure it’s placed in a spot with bright, indirect light.
4. Skipping the Drainage Layer
A drainage layer is essential to prevent excess moisture from accumulating at the base of the container, which can lead to root rot.
5. Not Ventilating a Closed Terrarium
Closed terrariums need proper ventilation to prevent mould and mildew buildup. Open the lid briefly once a week to improve air circulation.
Terrarium FAQs
Choose small, slow-growing plants with similar light and moisture needs. Good options include moss, ferns, air plants, succulents (for open terrariums), and mini tropicals.
Basic materials include a glass container, drainage pebbles, activated charcoal, potting mix, sphagnum moss, and suitable plants. Optional items: decorative stones, figurines, or tools for placement.
Not necessarily. Closed terrariums don’t have drainage holes, so it's important to use pebbles and charcoal layers to manage excess moisture and prevent root rot.
Use a spray bottle to gently mist the soil or plants. Water sparingly - closed terrariums need watering less often than open ones. Watch for signs like condensation or dry soil.
It depends on your plants. Closed terrariums suit humidity-loving plants like mosses and ferns. Open terrariums are better for succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions.
Keep it in a bright spot with indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can overheat the container and scorch plants. Low to medium light areas work well for most terrarium types.
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Terrarium
Making a terrarium is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to bring nature into your home. By following these simple steps, selecting the right plants, and providing the right care, you’ll enjoy a thriving mini ecosystem in your living space.
Whether you’re looking for a creative DIY project, a thoughtful gift, or a way to green up your home, terrariums are an excellent choice for plant lovers of all levels. Start creating your own mini garden today!
