How To Make A Small Terrarium – Your Step-By-Step Guide To A Thriving

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever find yourself gazing at your beautifully aquascaped aquarium and wishing you could capture that same slice of nature for your desk or bookshelf? You love the art of creating miniature worlds, but maybe you’re looking for a project that’s a little less… wet.

If you’re nodding along, I’ve got fantastic news for you. The skills you’ve honed as an aquarist—your eye for composition, your understanding of plant needs, and your patience—are perfectly transferable to another captivating hobby: building terrariums.

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to create a stunning, self-contained garden in a jar. We’re going to walk through everything together, from picking the perfect container to choosing the right plants and mastering long-term care.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to make a small terrarium that not only survives but truly thrives. Let’s get our hands dirty and build something beautiful!

Why Every Aquarist Should Try Building a Terrarium

You might be wondering what a terrestrial project is doing on an aquarium site. Think of a terrarium as a “land aquarium.” It’s a sealed or open glass container that houses a miniature ecosystem, and the principles are surprisingly similar to what you already know and love.

Exploring the benefits of how to make a small terrarium reveals a hobby that complements aquascaping perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to bring more greenery indoors without the commitment of a full-sized houseplant collection. They require minimal space and, once established, very little maintenance.

Plus, this is a wonderfully sustainable hobby. Creating a sustainable how to make a small terrarium is easy by upcycling old glass jars, using locally sourced pebbles, and propagating plants from friends. It’s an eco-friendly way to practice your design skills on a new canvas.

Gathering Your Supplies: The Terrarium Builder’s Checklist

Before we dive in, let’s get our materials in order. Just like setting up a new tank, having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need.

Choosing the Perfect Container (Open vs. Closed)

Your first big decision! The type of container dictates the type of plants you can grow.

  • Closed Terrariums: These are containers with a lid, like a mason jar, a cookie jar, or a special cloche. They trap humidity, creating a miniature rainforest environment. They’re perfect for moisture-loving plants like ferns, mosses, and fittonias. Once established, they require very infrequent watering.
  • Open Terrariums: These are containers without a lid, like a glass bowl or a wide vase. They allow for airflow and lower humidity, making them ideal for arid plants like succulents, cacti, and air plants that would rot in a closed, moist environment.

The Essential Layers for a Healthy Foundation

Proper layering is the secret to a healthy terrarium. It prevents root rot and keeps the soil from becoming waterlogged—a common issue for beginners. Think of this as your terrarium’s “sump” and “substrate” system.

  1. The Drainage Layer: This is your foundation. A 1-2 inch layer of small stones, pebbles, or leca at the bottom of your container gives excess water a place to go, keeping it away from plant roots.
  2. The Filter Layer: A thin layer of activated charcoal comes next. Sound familiar? Just like in your aquarium filter, charcoal helps to purify the water and prevent odors and bacterial growth within your closed ecosystem. A piece of mesh screen can also be used to separate the soil from the drainage layer.
  3. The Substrate Layer: This is where your plants will live. The type of soil depends on your plants. For a closed, tropical terrarium, a standard peat-based potting mix works great. For an open, arid terrarium, you’ll want a well-draining cactus or succulent mix.

Selecting Your Star Players: Terrarium Plants

Now for the fun part! Choosing plants is like choosing your fish. You need to pick species that are compatible with each other and their environment.

  • For Closed Terrariums (High Humidity): Nerve Plant (Fittonia), Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes), Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), most types of moss, and small ferns like the Maidenhair Fern. Don’t worry—these are all fantastic beginner choices!
  • For Open Terrariums (Low Humidity): Echeveria, Sempervivum, Haworthia, small cacti, and Tillandsia (Air Plants).

Tools and Decorative Elements

You don’t need much, but a few tools make life easier. Long tweezers or chopsticks are perfect for placing plants, a small paintbrush helps sweep away stray soil, and a spray bottle is essential for watering. For decoration, consider small pieces of driftwood, interesting stones, or pebbles—your “hardscape” elements!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Make a Small Terrarium, Step-by-Step

Alright, you’ve got your supplies. It’s time to build! This is the core how to make a small terrarium guide you’ve been waiting for. We’ll take it one step at a time.

  1. Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate

    Wash and thoroughly dry your glass container. Any lingering bacteria or residue can cause problems like mold down the line. A clean start is one of the most important how to make a small terrarium best practices.

  2. Step 2: Build Your Drainage Layer

    Carefully add your pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the container. Aim for a layer that’s about 1-2 inches deep, depending on the size of your jar. This layer is non-negotiable for a healthy, long-lasting terrarium.

  3. Step 3: Add the Activated Charcoal

    Sprinkle a thin, even layer of activated charcoal over your drainage rocks. You don’t need a lot—just enough to cover the pebbles. This tiny step is a game-changer for keeping your terrarium fresh.

  4. Step 4: Place Your Substrate

    Now add your chosen soil mix. Add enough so that your plants will have plenty of room for their roots to grow. A good rule of thumb is a layer that’s about twice as deep as your plant’s root ball. Gently pat it down, but don’t compact it too much.

  5. Step 5: Time for Planting!

    This is where your aquascaping eye comes in handy! Gently remove your plants from their pots and tease the roots a bit. Use your tweezers or fingers to dig a small hole in the substrate and place your plant inside. Start with your largest “focal point” plant and then fill in with smaller ones. Think about composition—create hills and valleys with the soil for a more natural look.

  6. Step 6: Add Decorative Touches

    Once your plants are in, add your hardscape. Place a cool rock, a small piece of wood, or a layer of decorative moss on top of the soil. Use your paintbrush to gently clean any soil off the leaves and the glass.

  7. Step 7: The First Watering

    Water your terrarium lightly. A spray bottle is perfect for this, as it gives you control. You want the soil to be moist, not soggy. For a closed terrarium, you should see a little bit of condensation on the glass. After watering, place the lid on your closed terrarium or find the perfect spot for your open one.

Terrarium Care and Maintenance: Best Practices for Long-Term Success

You’ve built your masterpiece! Now what? Fortunately, this how to make a small terrarium care guide is refreshingly simple. Your main jobs are managing light and water.

Light Requirements: Finding the Sweet Spot

Most terrarium plants thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near a window but out of the sun’s direct rays is perfect. Direct sunlight will act like a magnifying glass on the container, scorching your plants and creating way too much heat and condensation.

Watering Your Miniature World

This is the #1 area where people go wrong. Less is more!

  • Closed Terrariums: A healthy, balanced closed terrarium may only need watering a few times a year. It recycles its own water. If you see constant, heavy condensation on the glass, take the lid off for a few hours to let it air out. If there’s no condensation at all and the soil looks dry, it’s time for a light misting.
  • Open Terrariums: Water these like you would any other succulent or cactus—only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.

Pruning and General Upkeep

As your plants grow, they may start to touch the glass or crowd their neighbors. Use a small pair of scissors to trim them back. Remove any yellow or dead leaves promptly to prevent decay and mold. Every month or so, wipe down the inside of the glass with a clean cloth to keep the view clear.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with How to Make a Small Terrarium

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue. Don’t panic! Here are solutions to the most common problems with how to make a small terrarium.

Help! My Terrarium has Mold or Fungus.

This is almost always a sign of too much moisture and not enough air circulation.
Solution: Remove the lid from your closed terrarium for a day or two. Use a paper towel to wipe away visible mold and use tweezers to remove any heavily affected leaves. For a natural solution, consider adding a colony of springtails! These tiny arthropods are a terrarium’s best friend, acting as a “clean-up crew” that feeds on mold and decay.

Why Are My Plants Turning Yellow or Brown?

This usually comes down to water.
Solution: Yellow, mushy leaves are a classic sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Brown, crispy leaves typically mean underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Let the soil dry out if it’s too wet, or give it a light misting if it’s bone dry.

Foggy Glass: Is This Normal?

Yes! In a closed terrarium, some condensation is a good sign—it means your water cycle is working.
Solution: A light fog in the morning that clears by the afternoon is perfect. If the glass is constantly covered in heavy water droplets and you can’t see inside, it’s too wet. Just remove the lid for a few hours to let some moisture escape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Small Terrarium

How often do I need to water a closed terrarium?

It varies, but it’s far less than you think. A well-balanced system might go 4-6 months or even longer without needing any water. The key is to observe. If the soil looks dry and you see zero condensation for several days, it’s time for a light misting.

Can I use plants from my garden?

It’s generally not recommended. Outdoor plants can bring in pests, diseases, or mold spores that can wreak havoc in a closed environment. It’s best to use nursery-grown plants that are intended for indoor use.

What are springtails and do I need them?

Springtails are tiny, harmless hexapods that are a fantastic addition to any closed terrarium. They are detritivores, meaning they eat mold and decaying plant matter, keeping your terrarium clean and healthy. While not strictly necessary, they are highly recommended for a truly sustainable how to make a small terrarium setup.

How long does a small terrarium last?

Indefinitely! With proper care—the right light, occasional pruning, and careful watering—a terrarium can last for many years. There are stories of terrariums that have been sealed for decades and are still thriving.

Your Desktop Oasis Awaits

There you have it—everything you need to know about how to create your own beautiful, miniature world in a jar. You’ve seen how your skills as an aquarist translate perfectly to this craft, from understanding ecosystems to creating beautiful compositions.

Building a terrarium is a peaceful, creative, and incredibly rewarding process. It’s a chance to connect with nature on a small scale and add a touch of living art to your home.

So go ahead, find a cool glass jar, pick out a few tiny plants, and start creating. Your desktop oasis is waiting for you. Happy building!

Howard Parker
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