Learn how to make your own beautiful DIY terrarium with this easy guide. Discover the best plants to use, materials you’ll need, and how to keep your miniature garden thriving.
Introduction
Terrariums are a trendy and elegant way to bring a bit of nature indoors. These miniature gardens are perfect for small spaces, easy to maintain, and make lovely decorative pieces for any room.
Whether you’re a plant lover with limited space or a total beginner, creating a DIY terrarium is a fun and calming project. In this guide, you’ll learn how to assemble your own terrarium step by step, plus get tips on caring for it long-term.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this tutorial, you’ll discover how to design and build your own glass terrarium using simple tools and supplies. You’ll learn about the best plants to choose, how to layer your materials for proper drainage, and how to keep your terrarium healthy and beautiful. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to craft your own miniature world in glass.
Gather Your Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to create your terrarium:
- Glass container (open or closed – jars, bowls, or geometric glass terrariums work well)
- Small pebbles or stones (for drainage)
- Activated charcoal (helps prevent odors and mold)
- Potting soil (choose cactus/succulent soil for dry plants, or tropical soil mix for humidity-loving plants)
- Small plants (see suggestions below)
- Decorative elements (moss, crystals, tiny figurines, etc.)
- Spoon or small shovel
- Spray bottle or dropper for watering
Choose the Right Plants
The type of terrarium (open or closed) will guide your plant choice:
For open terrariums (dry environments):
- Succulents
- Air plants (tillandsia)
- Cacti
For closed terrariums (humid environments):
- Ferns
- Fittonia (nerve plant)
- Moss
- Baby’s tears
- Peperomia
Avoid mixing plants with very different water or light needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean Your Glass Container
Make sure your container is clean and dry before starting. This helps prevent mold and gives your plants a healthy start.
2. Add a Drainage Layer
Place 1–2 inches of small pebbles or stones at the bottom of your container. This allows excess water to drain away from the roots.
3. Add Activated Charcoal
Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles. This keeps the terrarium fresh and helps prevent mold.
4. Add Potting Soil
Add about 2–3 inches of potting soil, depending on the size of your plants. Make small holes where you plan to place each plant.
5. Plant Your Greenery
Gently remove your plants from their containers, loosen the roots, and plant them in the soil. Use a spoon or your fingers to pat down the soil around each plant.
6. Decorate (Optional)
Add decorative moss, stones, or small figurines to personalize your terrarium and give it a finished look.
7. Water Lightly
Use a spray bottle or dropper to water your plants gently. Be careful not to overwater—especially with succulents!
Final Tips & Conclusion
- Place your terrarium in a spot with indirect light—direct sunlight can overheat it.
- Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- For closed terrariums, open them occasionally to let in fresh air and prevent condensation buildup.
Terrariums are not only beautiful and low-maintenance—they’re also a relaxing DIY project that connects you to nature. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a gift, your tiny glass garden will bring life and style to any space.
A Real-Life Experience: My First DIY Terrarium
I built my first terrarium on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I had an old mason jar, a few leftover succulents from another project, and a bag of pebbles I had bought ages ago. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out—but layering the soil, placing the tiny plants just right, and decorating it with a little moss felt surprisingly therapeutic. I placed it on my windowsill, and to my surprise, it thrived with just the occasional spritz of water. That little terrarium started a new hobby for me, and now I have a whole shelf filled with different styles and shapes. It’s a tiny world that reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little things.
