How to Make a Terrarium for Beginners

How to Make a Terrarium: It's Easier Than You Think!

Want a tiny, beautiful garden inside? Making a terrarium is super fun and easy! Even if you've never gardened before, you can do this. Let's get started!

Picking Your Terrarium Home

First, you need a container. Think glass jars, fishbowls – anything clear and cute works! Here's what to keep in mind:

• Size: Smaller is better to start. A small one (less than a gallon) is easier to manage.
• Shape: Round, square, weird…it’s your terrarium! Pick what you like.
• Opening: A wide opening is easier to work with, but a smaller one keeps the moisture in better.
• Drainage: Drainage holes are helpful, but not always needed. If you don't have holes, just be careful not to overwater.

I used an old glass jar I found at a thrift store – it was perfect!

Gathering Your Stuff

Before you start, get everything ready. Trust me, it makes things so much smoother.

• Your Container: Make sure it's clean and dry.
• Activated Charcoal: A small layer (about an inch) helps filter the water and stop mold. Think of it like a tiny water filter for your plants!
• Drainage Layer (maybe): If your container doesn't have drainage holes, use small pebbles or gravel. This helps with extra water.
• Terrarium Soil: Use special potting mix for indoor plants, not garden soil. Garden soil gets too soggy.
• Tiny Plants: Choose plants that like humidity and similar light. Ferns, mosses, and some succulents work well. Don't crowd them!
• Decorations (optional): Little rocks, figurines…anything that won't rot. Get creative!
• Tools: Tweezers, a small spoon, and a spray bottle are all you need.

Making a Closed Terrarium

A closed terrarium is like a mini ecosystem – it keeps its own humidity.

1. Layer 1 (Optional): Drainage layer (pebbles or gravel) if you need it.
2. Layer 2: Activated charcoal – about an inch.
3. Layer 3: Potting mix. Leave room for plants.
4. Planting: Carefully put in your plants using tweezers. Don't cram them in!
5. Decorate (Optional): Add those cute little rocks!
6. Water: Gently mist the plants and soil. Don’t soak it.
7. Placement: Put it somewhere with indirect sunlight.

Making an Open Terrarium

Open terrariums have better air flow and need watering more often. They're great for plants that don't like super high humidity.

1. Drainage: Use a drainage layer if your container doesn't have holes.
2. Charcoal: Add your activated charcoal.
3. Potting Mix: Add your well-draining potting mix.
4. Planting: Plant your chosen plants, making sure they have space.
5. Decoration: Add any decorations you want.
6. Watering: Water more often than a closed terrarium. Keep the soil slightly moist.
7. Placement: Put it in bright, indirect sunlight.

Choosing the Right Plants

Picking the right plants is important! Think about:

• Light: Choose plants that need the same amount of light.
• Moisture: Pick plants that like the humidity level of your terrarium (closed or open).
• Size: Make sure they'll fit in your container.
• Growth: Think about how big they'll get to avoid overcrowding.

Some good choices: Fittonia (nerve plant), Peperomia, Selaginella (spike moss), small ferns, and succulents (for open terrariums).

Keeping Your Terrarium Happy

Once it’s set up, you need to take care of it!

• Watering: Water only when the soil is dry. Closed terrariums need less water than open ones.
• Monitoring: Check for mold, pests, or too much moisture. Act quickly if you see problems.
• Pruning: Trim plants that get too big.
• Cleaning: Wipe the glass occasionally.

Troubleshooting

Even with the best planning, things can go wrong.

• Mold: Too much moisture causes mold. Improve air flow (for closed ones, open it briefly) or water less. Remove any mold.
• Pests: Check for bugs and treat them right away.
• Yellow leaves: Could be overwatering or not enough light.
• Wilting plants: Probably underwatering.

You Did It!

Making a terrarium is rewarding! It's a fun project, and it looks beautiful. Don't worry if your first one isn't perfect – it's all part of the learning process. Happy gardening!