Different Types Of Terrariums – A Complete Guide To Creating Your
Ever gaze at your thriving aquarium, mesmerized by the delicate dance of fish and plants, and wonder if you could capture that same magic on land? If you’ve ever wanted to create a beautiful, self-contained world but with soil and leaves instead of water and fins, you’re in the right place.
The world of terrariums can seem vast at first, but don’t worry. Just like choosing between a freshwater community tank and a saltwater reef, it’s all about finding the right fit for you and the life you want to nurture. The sheer beauty and low-maintenance appeal of these glass gardens are incredibly rewarding.
Imagine a lush, green world thriving in a glass jar on your desk—a tiny slice of a misty rainforest or a sun-drenched desert that’s all your own. It’s not just possible; it’s easier than you think!
This complete guide will walk you through the different types of terrariums, helping you choose, build, and maintain the perfect miniature ecosystem to bring a touch of green to your space.
What Exactly is a Terrarium? From Ocean to Earth
Think of a terrarium as an aquarium for terrestrial plants. At its core, it’s a collection of small plants growing in a transparent, sealable container. It’s a miniature, largely self-sufficient ecosystem.
The concept dates back to the 1840s with the “Wardian case,” an accidental discovery by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, who found that ferns and moss could thrive for years inside sealed glass jars without any intervention. He essentially discovered the water cycle in a bottle!
For us aquarists, the leap isn’t that far. We already understand the principles of creating a balanced environment, managing light, and choosing compatible inhabitants. Now, we’re just swapping our water conditioners for soil and our fish for ferns.
The Two Main Categories: Open vs. Closed Terrariums
Before we dive into the specific styles, every terrarium falls into one of two main categories. This is the most critical choice you’ll make, as it dictates which plants you can grow and how you’ll care for them. This is the first step in our different types of terrariums guide.
The Closed Terrarium: A Self-Sustaining Rainforest in a Jar
A closed terrarium has a lid or a seal, creating a high-humidity environment. It’s a fascinating, living example of the Earth’s water cycle. Water evaporates from the soil and plants, condenses on the glass walls, and “rains” back down to be reabsorbed.
- Best For: Moisture-loving tropical plants like ferns, mosses, Fittonia (nerve plants), and Pilea (friendship plants).
- Pros: Extremely low maintenance once established. You might only need to water it a few times a year! It’s a truly sustainable different types of terrariums option.
- Cons: Can be prone to mold or rot if there’s too much water. Plant selection is limited to species that adore humidity.
The Open Terrarium: A Breath of Fresh Air for Arid Plants
An open terrarium, as the name suggests, has no lid. This allows for excellent air circulation and low humidity, mimicking a dry, arid climate. It doesn’t create a self-sustaining water cycle, so it requires more hands-on watering.
- Best For: Plants that hate “wet feet,” such as succulents, cacti, and air plants.
- Pros: Far less risk of fungal growth or rot. You can use a wider variety of containers, like bowls or vases.
- Cons: Needs to be watered more regularly (though still infrequently for succulents!) compared to a closed system.
Exploring the Different Types of Terrariums: A Detailed Guide
Now for the fun part! Once you’ve decided between open and closed, you can pick a style that matches your aesthetic and the plants you love. Here are some of the most popular types.
The Classic Tropical Terrarium (Closed)
This is what most people picture when they hear “terrarium.” It’s a lush, vibrant, and humid little world packed with green foliage. It’s the perfect way to bring a slice of the jungle indoors.
- The Look: Dense, green, and misty. Think of a forest floor after a rain shower.
- Key Plants: Maidenhair Fern, Button Fern, Polka Dot Plant, Nerve Plant (Fittonia), Baby’s Tears, and various mosses.
- Care Guide: Place in bright, indirect light (direct sun will cook the plants). Water very sparingly—only when you no longer see condensation on the glass.
- Pro Tip: Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Just make sure your soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
The Desert & Succulent Terrarium (Open)
For those who love the minimalist, sculptural beauty of desert plants, this is the perfect choice. It’s a modern and stylish option that thrives on a bit of neglect.
- The Look: Minimalist and architectural, often featuring sand, rocks, and sculptural plants.
- Key Plants: Echeveria, Haworthia, Gasteria, Sedum, and small cacti.
- Care Guide: These need a lot of light, so a sunny windowsill is ideal. The number one rule is do not overwater. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Pro Tip: Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture and is a death sentence for these plants.
The Mossarium: A Serene Slice of the Forest Floor (Closed)
A mossarium is a specialized terrarium that focuses exclusively on the quiet beauty of moss. It’s a wonderful, low-light option that creates a feeling of zen and tranquility.
- The Look: A vibrant green carpet, often accented with a single stone or piece of driftwood. Very calming and simple.
- Key Plants: Cushion Moss, Sheet Moss, Mood Moss, and Fern Moss.
- Care Guide: Mossariums thrive in low to medium indirect light, making them perfect for offices or north-facing windows. Keep the humidity high with occasional misting.
- Pro Tip: Use distilled or rainwater for misting. Tap water can contain minerals that may build up on the glass and harm the moss over time.
The Air Plant (Tillandsia) Terrarium (Open)
The most unconventional of the bunch, an air plant terrarium doesn’t even use soil! These fascinating plants absorb water and nutrients through their leaves, making for some truly creative displays.
- The Look: Modern and often suspended. Think glass globes or geometric containers filled with sand, crystals, or wood, with the air plant as the star.
- Key Plants: Any species of Tillandsia, like Tillandsia ionantha or Tillandsia xerographica.
- Care Guide: Bright, indirect light is a must. The key is good air circulation, so never put them in a closed container. Water them by misting heavily 2-3 times a week or soaking them in a bowl of water for 20-30 minutes once a week.
- Pro Tip: After soaking, gently shake out excess water and let the plant dry upside down for a few hours before returning it to the terrarium to prevent rot at its base.
How to Build Your First Terrarium: Best Practices for Success
Ready to get your hands dirty? Building a terrarium is a simple and rewarding process. Following these different types of terrariums best practices will set you up for a thriving miniature world.
- Choose Your Vessel: Any clear glass container will work! Jars, vases, old fishbowls, or even a coffee pot can be repurposed. Just remember: lid for tropicals, no lid for succulents.
- Create the Foundation Layers: This is the most crucial step for plant health. Go in this order from the bottom up:
- Drainage Layer: About an inch of gravel, pebbles, or leca. This gives excess water a place to go so roots don’t rot.
- Filter Layer (Optional but Recommended): A thin layer of activated charcoal helps keep the terrarium fresh and filters impurities. A piece of mesh screen can also be used to separate soil from the drainage layer.
- Substrate Layer: The soil! Use a quality potting mix suitable for your chosen plants (e.g., peat-based for tropicals, sandy/gritty for succulents).
- Add Your Plants: Time for the fun part! Gently remove plants from their nursery pots, loosen the root ball, and arrange them in your terrarium. Think like you’re aquascaping—consider height, texture, and color for a pleasing design.
- Decorate: Add finishing touches like decorative stones, small pieces of driftwood, or moss to cover the soil.
- Initial Watering: Give it a light watering. For a closed terrarium, you want the soil to be moist, not soggy. For an open one, water according to your plants’ needs.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Terrariums: A Greener Hobby
One of the greatest benefits of different types of terrariums is how they align with a green lifestyle. You can easily create eco-friendly different types of terrariums.
Start by upcycling. That old pickle jar, a forgotten vase, or a thrift-store glass canister can all be given a new life as a beautiful terrarium. This reduces waste and adds a unique, personal touch.
Consider using locally and responsibly foraged materials. A neat piece of moss from your backyard or a smooth stone from a walk can connect your terrarium to your local environment. Just be sure you’re allowed to collect from the area and that you clean any materials before adding them.
Finally, look for peat-free soil mixes. Peat moss harvesting can be environmentally destructive, and excellent alternatives like coco coir are now widely available, making for truly sustainable different types of terrariums.
Common Problems with Different Types of Terrariums (and How to Fix Them!)
Even the best of us run into issues. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with different types of terrariums and simple solutions.
Problem: Mold and Fungus
Cause: Almost always too much moisture and not enough air circulation, especially in closed terrariums.
Solution: If you see mold, open the lid immediately to let it air out. You can gently wipe it away with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide. For long-term prevention, consider adding springtails—tiny arthropods that act as a natural cleanup crew by eating mold and decaying matter.
Problem: Yellowing or Droopy Leaves
Cause: This is the classic sign of a watering issue. For tropicals, it could be either over- or under-watering. For succulents, it’s 99% a case of overwatering.
Solution: Check the soil with your finger. If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely. If it’s bone-dry, give it a small amount of water. Adjust your schedule accordingly.
Problem: Leggy Plants Stretching for Light
Cause: Your plants are desperately seeking more light. They become elongated and pale as they stretch toward the nearest light source.
Solution: This is an easy fix! Simply move your terrarium to a spot with more bright, indirect light.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Terrariums
How often do I need to water my terrarium?
It completely depends! A closed tropical terrarium may only need water a few times a year. An open succulent terrarium might need water every 2-4 weeks. The best tip is to observe: watch for condensation in closed systems and check for dry soil in open ones.
Can I put animals in my terrarium?
A plant-only terrarium is different from a vivarium, which is designed to house animals like reptiles, amphibians, or insects. While you can add beneficial “cleanup crews” like springtails and isopods to a plant terrarium, it’s not suitable for larger pets without specialized equipment like heating and UVB lighting.
Do terrariums need fertilizer?
Generally, no. A terrarium is a closed environment, and you want to encourage slow, contained growth. Adding fertilizer can cause plants to grow too quickly and outgrow their home. The nutrients in the initial soil are usually sufficient for a very long time.
What are the benefits of different types of terrariums?
They are beautiful, living decor pieces that can boost your mood and creativity. They are also incredibly low-maintenance, educational tools for learning about ecosystems, and can even help purify the air in your home on a small scale.
Your Next Green Adventure Awaits
From the humid, self-contained world of a tropical jungle to the sun-baked simplicity of a desert landscape, there is a terrarium for every style and skill level. The principles are the same as with our beloved aquariums: create a balanced environment, choose the right inhabitants, and then sit back and enjoy the miniature world you’ve built.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The worst that can happen is you learn something new for your next attempt. So pick a jar, grab some soil, and start building.
Go forth and grow! Your next green adventure is waiting.
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