How to Make a Simple Terrarium

Want to bring the outdoors inside? Try building a terrarium! It's like a tiny garden in glass. They're easy to care for and look amazing in your home. This guide will show you how to make a simple terrarium. We'll cover everything from picking your supplies to keeping it healthy. New to gardening? No problem! This DIY project is perfect for adding some green to your space. Ready to start?

What is a Terrarium?

First, what is a terrarium? It's basically a mini garden in a glass container. It can be sealed or unsealed. This creates a special place for plants to grow. There are two main types:

• Closed Terrariums: These are like mini ecosystems. Water goes from the soil to the air, then back again. Great for plants that love humidity!
• Open Terrariums: These aren't sealed, so air can get in. Better for plants that like it dry.

We'll talk about both kinds. You'll learn how to make the perfect home decor piece, no matter what plants you like!

Why Have a Terrarium?

Terrariums are cool to look at. But they're also good for you!

• Easy to Care For: Don't have much time? Terrariums are perfect! They don't need much watering.
• Clean Air: Plants help clean the air in your home.
• Less Stress: Being around plants can make you feel calmer.
• Looks Great: Terrariums are a unique decoration.
• Learn Something New: Building a terrarium is fun and educational!

See? Learning how to make a simple terrarium is worth it. It's good for your home and your well-being.

What You'll Need: The Terrarium Checklist

Okay, time to gather your supplies! Here's what you need to learn how to make a simple terrarium:

• Glass Container: A jar, bowl, or vase will work. Make sure it's clear. For closed terrariums, you'll need a lid.
• Gravel or Pebbles: This helps water drain and keeps the soil from getting too wet.
• Activated Charcoal: This cleans the water and keeps bad stuff from growing.
• Potting Soil: Get soil that drains well. If you're using succulents, get cactus potting mix.
• Plants: Choose small plants that grow slowly. Make sure they like the type of terrarium you're making.
• Decorations: Moss, rocks, shells, and little figures are great!
• Tools: You'll need a spoon, a small shovel, a spray bottle, and maybe some long tweezers.

Getting everything ready makes learning how to make a simple terrarium easier. And don't skimp on the soil and charcoal! They're important.

Picking the Right Plants

Choosing the right plants is super important! Think about whether you're making a closed or open terrarium. Then, pick plants that like those conditions. Here are some ideas:

Plants for Closed Terrariums:

• Ferns: These love humidity!
• Moss: Makes a nice green base.
• Peperomia: Easy to care for and comes in different colors.
• Pilea (Aluminum Plant): Has cool silver marks on its leaves.
• Selaginella (Spike Moss): Looks like moss, but it's not. Still loves humidity!

Plants for Open Terrariums:

• Succulents and Cacti: These like it dry. Echeveria and Haworthia are good choices.
• Air Plants (Tillandsia): Don't need soil! You can stick them to rocks.
• Sedum: Comes in lots of shapes and colors. Doesn't need much water.
• Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks): Look like little rosettes.

When learning how to make a simple terrarium, do some research. Find out what your plants need to stay healthy.

Let's Build a Terrarium: Step-by-Step

Ready for the fun part? Let's build your terrarium! Follow these steps to make your own mini garden:

1. Clean the Container: Wash the glass with soap and water. Then dry it.
2. Add Drainage: Put a layer of gravel or pebbles at the bottom. About 1-2 inches.
3. Charcoal Time: Sprinkle a thin layer of charcoal over the gravel.
4. Add Soil: Put a layer of potting soil on top of the charcoal. At least 2-3 inches.
5. Plant the Plants: Take the plants out of their pots and loosen the roots. Dig small holes and put the plants in. Pat the soil around them.
6. Decorate!: Add moss, rocks, shells, whatever you want!
7. Water: Spray the soil with water. Don't use too much! Closed terrariums should be moist, not soggy. Open terrariums only need water when the soil feels dry.
8. Clean the Glass: Wipe the inside of the glass.
9. Find the Light: Put your terrarium where it gets bright, indirect light. Not direct sunlight!

Congrats! You just learned how to make a simple terrarium. Now, let's keep it alive!

Keeping Your Terrarium Healthy

Taking care of your terrarium is key. Here are some tips:

• Watering: Don't water too much! Closed terrariums need less water than open ones. Only water when the soil is dry.
• Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Too much sun can burn the plants.
• Air: If it's a closed terrarium, open the lid sometimes. This lets air in and keeps it from getting too humid.
• Pruning: Cut off any dead leaves. And trim plants that are getting too big.
• Fertilizing: Use a little bit of liquid fertilizer. Don't use too much!
• Pests: Check for bugs. If you see any, get rid of them.

Watch your terrarium and take care of it. If you do, it'll stay healthy for a long time! That's just as important as learning how to make a simple terrarium.

Help! My Terrarium Has Problems!

Sometimes, things go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Mold: This happens in closed terrariums when it's too humid. Open the lid more often.
• Yellow Leaves: Could be too much or too little water. Or not enough food. Adjust your watering and maybe fertilize.
• Brown Spots: Too much sun or a fungus. Move it away from the sun and use a fungicide if needed.
• Tall and Skinny Plants: Not enough light! Move it to a brighter spot.
• Root Rot: Too much water! Make sure your terrarium has good drainage. If it's bad, you might need to replant the plants.

Fixing problems quickly will keep your terrarium happy. Learning how to make a simple terrarium is just the start. You also need to know how to troubleshoot!

Terrarium Ideas: Get Creative!

Now that you know how to make a simple terrarium, get creative! Here are some ideas:

• Desert Terrarium: Use succulents, cacti, and sand.
• Woodland Terrarium: Use ferns, moss, and small forest plants.
• Tropical Terrarium: Use plants that love humidity, like ferns and peperomia.
• Miniature Garden Terrarium: Add tiny figures, houses, and paths.
• Seasonal Terrarium: Decorate for the holidays!

Let your imagination run wild! Make your terrarium your own.

Enjoy Your Mini Garden!

Learning how to make a simple terrarium is fun and rewarding. It's a great way to bring nature into your home. And it makes a cool home decor piece. With a little care, your terrarium will last for years. So, get your supplies and start building!

You now know how to make a terrarium. Enjoy the process and watch your little garden grow!