How to Build a Terrarium

Terrariums are an easy and stylish way to display indoor plants. They are fun to make and relatively easy to manage. This post will give you all the details you need to make your own terrarium.

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Hi Friends! I have been seriously obsessed with terrariums lately. It all started when my mom made her terrarium and put all these cute little trinkets in it. I was in love! Terrariums are not only a great way to add indoor plants to your home but they can be made with your own style in mind.

I made my first terrarium when I was adding some home decor after the holidays. It brought some green into my home which was very welcomed after the dark and gloomy winter months. It took me by surprise that it was so easy to make and relatively inexpensive.

There are two types of terrariums; open and closed. I prefer closed because they are easier to manage aka. less work. With a closed terrarium the moisture in the soil evaporates due to heat build up in the enclosed glass space. The water then condenses on the side of the glass and drips back into the soil. Thus making it so you don’t have to water as much. Closed terrariums are definitely for those of you who feel like they kill every plant. You won’t kill this one, I promise!

Open terrariums are just as easy to make, but they take a little more work to manage. You need the same supplies just an open container. Some add sand or another layer of rocks but the open terrariums that I have made do just fine with the below supplies.

Shop this post below and see everything I used, plus some inspirational extras!

What You’ll Need

• Glass container with lid 
• Small rocks 
• Activated charcoal
• Potting soil
• Decorative or live moss
• 1-2 large rocks – optional and for decoration
• 2-3 small plants – I used succulents, ferns, small cactus and moisture loving plants
• Little trinkets or items – figurines, gems, dice, whatever you want!

Start by adding the small rocks at the bottom of your terrarium. Place the rocks in until they are 2 – 4 inches high on the sides.

Add about an inch of the activated charcoal on top of the small rocks. This helps with the drainage and to help bacteria from growing and keeping your terrarium fresh.

Spread the soil on top of the charcoal. Add at least four inches of soil so the plants have enough room to grow. Add the plants by creating small holes in the soil and placing the roots in. Cover the roots with soil and press down slightly to pack soil around the roots. Place the moss around the plants.

We have made it to my favorite part! Adding the trinkets! This is where your personal style can come into play. Little animal figures are common, dice, jewels, and crystals all make great trinkets to add. I found these little little gold mushrooms that are SO cute and perfect for a terrarium. I also searched my house and I found and old clip on earring, a rock that I saved from a beach trip and a jewel.

Once you have everything in place, mist the plants with water and then close the terrarium. Place it somewhere where it will get sun, but not in direct sunlight. Now sit back and enjoy your terrarium!

What will you put in your terrarium? Tell me in the comments!