Creating Your Own Terrarium

March 09, 2018

Creating Your Own Terrarium

3 minute read

Terrarium are trending! Instagram is full of these beautiful miniature gardens encased in wonderful geometric shapes of glass. With terrariums sometimes costing hundreds of pounds, it may be cheaper to go down the DIY route. You can create a unique terrarium yourself at home with a few simple steps. Read on to find out how!

What is a Terrarium?

Terrariums (essentially indoor miniature gardens) are very versatile. They come in assorted sizes, shapes, and styles. The common factor is that terrariums have a collection of small plants in an open or sealed container. Some terrariums are closed ecosystems where you can observe several natural processes including respiration, photosynthesis, and the water cycle - isn't that fascinating?

Growing plants indoors can be tricky, though. Whilst the outdoor world balances the perfect combination of temperature and humidity, your home is affected by factors such as central heating and ventilation. Our CM7048 Wireless Temperature Station measures temperature and humidity in the location you place the console. Plus, extra sensors allows you to monitor additional rooms or locations, such as your garden or greenhouse. So what should you aim for? Find a spot for your terrarium with natural light and temperatures above 10°C and be sure to read the care instructions that come with the specific plants you buy as they prefer warmer or cooler climes.

How to Construct Your Terrarium

It is easy to make a terrarium that is perfect for your home and allows your style and imagination to shine brightly.

Materials that you need to gather before beginning your terrarium:
  • Mini trowel
  • Water
  • Glass container
  • Small paint brush
  • Compost
  • Activated charcoal pieces
  • Succulents
  • Sheet moss
  • Aquarium pebbles, sand and other decorations
  • Step 1 — Build a base in the bottom of your glass container with one to two inches of charcoal. TIP: When choosing a container, choose a unique shape — a small vase, decorative bottle, mason jar, or purpose-built geometric terrarium.

    Looking for inspiration? Browse our Terrarium board on Pinterest.

    Step 2 — Mix compost with the remaining charcoal and add a second layer to fill the container to about one-third full. If you want to add aquarium pebbles for colour, add a couple of thin layers between the soil. TIP: To avoid large pockets of air, gently pack the soil every two inches.

    Step 3 — Add your plants to the container by gently placing them on top of the soil until you have the arrangement of plants you desire. Make sure to leave room around the plants for extra soil. Once you have the placement, insert the roots into the soil until roots are completely covered. TIP: When choosing plants, take the container measurements with you to ensure you do not choose plants that are too large or too tall for your container.

    Step 4 — If you desire, add moss and decorations to your terrarium to give it your unique personality. TIP: White or coloured sand also make a unique covering for the top of the soil.

    Step 5 — Using the paintbrush, gently clean any soil that is on the inside of the glass container. Add a few teaspoons of water to the terrarium and place it near a well-lit area with indirect sunlight. For a beautiful finish, try decorating with fairy lights.

    Future Care of Your Terrarium

    Maintenance of your terrarium is minimal once your plants have time to adjust to their new home. The amount of water your plants need will depend on the plants you have selected so be sure to keep the care instructions from your garden centre. However in general terrariums do not need much water, so be very careful not to overwater your plants. As your plants grow, you may want to trim the plants to keep your terrarium as beautiful as the day you created it.

    Looking for inspiration? Try a terrarium workshop from Jar and Fern.