Terrarium What To Put In – Your Ultimate Layer-By-Layer Guide
Ever find yourself staring at a beautiful, empty glass container, buzzing with excitement but also a little overwhelmed? You can picture a lush, miniature world inside, but the big question stops you in your tracks: when it comes to a terrarium what to put in it to make it thrive?
You’re not alone. It’s a common feeling for hobbyists at every level. The good news is, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to break down this creative process into simple, manageable steps, transforming that empty glass into a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem.
In this complete terrarium what to put in guide, we’ll walk you through everything, layer by layer. We’ll cover the essential foundations, choose the perfect plants for your setup, add artistic flair with hardscape, and even introduce the tiny “cleanup crew” that keeps your world healthy. Let’s get building!
The Foundation: Building Your Terrarium from the Ground Up
Think of building a terrarium like baking a cake. You can’t just throw all the ingredients in a bowl and hope for the best! A successful terrarium relies on distinct, functional layers that work together to create a healthy environment for your plants.
These layers manage water, prevent root rot, and provide nutrients. Getting this foundation right is one of the most important terrarium what to put in best practices you can follow. It’s the secret to long-term success.
The Drainage Layer
First up is the drainage layer. Since a terrarium has no drainage holes, this layer creates a reservoir where excess water can collect, keeping it away from your plants’ delicate roots. Without it, you’d quickly run into root rot—a terrarium’s worst enemy.
Your options for this layer include:
- LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate): Porous, lightweight, and excellent at absorbing excess moisture.
- Gravel or Pebbles: A classic choice. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before use.
- Lava Rocks: Their porous nature provides great aeration and surface area for beneficial bacteria.
The Barrier Layer
Next, you need a barrier to separate your soil from the drainage layer. This simple step prevents the soil from mixing into your water reservoir, which would turn it into a muddy mess and defeat the purpose of the drainage layer.
A piece of fiberglass window screen cut to size works perfectly. You can also use a thin layer of sphagnum moss or, for an added benefit, a layer of activated charcoal. Charcoal helps filter impurities from the water and can reduce odors, which is a great bonus for closed systems.
The Substrate Layer (The “Soil”)
This is where your plants will live and draw their nutrients. You can’t just scoop up dirt from your garden! Terrarium substrate needs to be light, airy, and well-draining. The ideal mix depends on whether you’re building a tropical, humid terrarium or an arid, dry one.
For a classic tropical mix, try this simple recipe:
- 1 part peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
- 1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and aeration)
- 1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
- A small amount of worm castings (for nutrients)
For an arid mix for succulents or cacti, you’ll want something that dries out much faster. A simple mix of 2 parts potting soil to 1 part sand and 1 part perlite works wonders.
Bringing It to Life: Choosing the Perfect Terrarium Plants
Now for the fun part—the plants! The single most important factor here is choosing plants that match the environment of your terrarium: either a high-humidity closed system or a low-humidity open one. Putting a desert cactus in a sealed jar is a recipe for disaster!
Best Plants for a Closed (Humid) Terrarium
These plants love moisture and will thrive in the humid, greenhouse-like environment of a sealed container. Don’t worry—these are perfect for beginners!
- Ferns: Maidenhair Ferns and Asparagus Ferns bring a delicate, woodland feel.
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Known for its striking veined leaves in pink, red, or white. It will droop dramatically when thirsty, giving you a clear signal to water!
- Mosses: Cushion Moss and Sheet Moss are fantastic for creating a lush, green carpet.
- Pilea (Friendship Plant): With its textured leaves, it adds wonderful depth and grows easily.
Best Plants for an Open (Arid) Terrarium
These plants prefer dry conditions and good air circulation, making them perfect for bowls or containers without a lid.
- Succulents: Echeverias, Haworthias, and Gasterias come in countless shapes and colors.
- Cacti: Small varieties are perfect, but be careful with their spines during planting!
- Air Plants (Tillandsia): These don’t even need soil! You can simply place them on a piece of wood or rock.
A Pro Tip on Plant Placement
When arranging your plants, think like a landscape designer. Place taller plants in the back and shorter, ground-cover plants in the front. This creates a sense of depth and allows you to see all your beautiful specimens. Don’t be afraid to create small hills and valleys with your substrate for a more natural look.
The Art of “Hardscaping”: Adding Rocks, Wood, and Character
Hardscape refers to the non-living elements in your terrarium—the rocks, wood, and other decorations that provide structure and visual appeal. This is where you can truly let your creativity shine! Hardscape can create focal points, add height, and provide surfaces for moss or climbing plants to grow on.
Choosing Your Wood
Driftwood, spiderwood, or cork bark can instantly make your terrarium look like a slice of nature. Before adding any wood, it’s a good idea to boil it or soak it in hot water. This helps waterlog it so it doesn’t float and, more importantly, kills off any potential mold spores or pests. This is a crucial step for preventing some common problems with terrarium what to put in.
Selecting Stones and Rocks
Stones like dragon stone, slate, or simple river rocks can be used to build retaining walls, create pathways, or add texture. Always give your rocks a good scrub with a brush and hot water before placing them. Avoid rocks like limestone in tropical setups, as they can slowly dissolve and raise the pH of your soil over time.
The Cleanup Crew: Introducing Beneficial Microfauna
Want to know the secret to a truly low-maintenance, sustainable terrarium what to put in? It’s a bioactive cleanup crew! These tiny organisms work 24/7 to keep your terrarium clean by breaking down waste, eating mold, and aerating the soil. This is the cornerstone of an eco-friendly terrarium what to put in approach.
Springtails: The Mold Munchers
Springtails are tiny, six-legged arthropods that are your number one defense against mold. They are harmless to your plants but have a voracious appetite for fungus and decaying organic matter. A small colony added to your terrarium will quickly multiply and keep it sparkling clean.
Isopods: The Decomposers
Isopods, often known as pill bugs or roly-polies, are the janitors of the terrarium world. They consume fallen leaves, plant waste, and even animal waste if you have a reptile or amphibian inhabitant. Dwarf White Isopods are a popular choice as they are small and stay buried in the substrate, working unseen.
A Complete Terrarium What to Put In Guide for Beginners
Feeling ready to assemble? Here is a simple, step-by-step checklist that summarizes how to terrarium what to put in from start to finish. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful, thriving miniature world.
- Choose Your Container: A clean glass jar, vase, or old aquarium will do. Decide if it will be open or closed.
- Add the Drainage Layer: Add a 1-2 inch layer of LECA, gravel, or lava rock at the bottom.
- Add the Barrier Layer: Place your mesh screen or a thin layer of sphagnum moss and/or charcoal on top of the drainage layer.
- Add the Substrate: Add your prepared soil mix. Shape it to create interest, sloping it higher in the back.
- Place Your Hardscape: Now is the time to add your larger rocks and wood. Settle them firmly into the substrate.
- Plant Your Selections: Gently remove your plants from their pots, tease the roots, and plant them in the substrate. Use tweezers or small tongs for tight spaces.
- Add Moss and Top Dressing: Place live moss or decorative sand around the base of your plants to complete the look.
- Introduce the Cleanup Crew: Gently add your springtails and isopods. They’ll quickly find their way into the substrate.
- Water Lightly: Give your new terrarium its first watering. For a closed terrarium, water just enough to moisten the soil, not saturate it. You can use a spray bottle for a gentle misting.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with the best care, you might run into a few hiccups. Don’t worry! Most issues are easy to fix. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide.
Problem: Mold and Fungus
A little bit of mold is normal as a new terrarium settles. However, if it persists, it means the environment is too wet and stagnant. Solution: Open the lid for a few hours each day to increase air circulation and let things dry out a bit. Adding a healthy population of springtails is the best long-term prevention.
Problem: Constantly Foggy Glass
Condensation is a normal part of the water cycle in a closed terrarium. You should see it ebb and flow during the day. If the glass is always heavily fogged, it’s a sign of too much water. Solution: Simply wipe down the inside of the glass and leave the lid off for a day to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Problem: Leggy or Dying Plants
If your plants are stretching out with long, pale stems, they’re “leggy” and desperately seeking more light. If they’re turning brown or yellow, it could be too much light or a watering issue. Solution: Assess your light source. Most terrarium plants prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near a window but out of direct sunbeams is often perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Put in a Terrarium
Can I put regular potting soil in my terrarium?
It’s not recommended. Regular potting soil is often too dense and retains too much moisture for a closed environment, which can quickly lead to root rot. It’s best to use a specialized, well-draining terrarium mix or create your own.
How often do I need to water my closed terrarium?
This is one of the greatest benefits of terrarium what to put in your home—they are incredibly low-maintenance! A properly balanced closed terrarium can go for months, or even years, without needing additional water. It creates its own rain cycle. Only add a little water if you see no condensation for an extended period and the soil looks dry.
Can I put insects or small animals in my terrarium?
Yes, but this turns it into a vivarium and requires much more research and care. You must ensure the environment is perfectly suited for the animal’s needs, including temperature, humidity, and space. This is a more advanced step beyond a simple plant terrarium.
What’s the difference between an open and closed terrarium?
A closed terrarium has a lid and creates a high-humidity environment, perfect for tropical plants and mosses. An open terrarium has no lid, allowing for good airflow and a dry environment, which is necessary for succulents, cacti, and air plants.
Your Tiny World Awaits!
You now have a complete roadmap for what to put in a terrarium. From the foundational layers that ensure good health to the artistic arrangement of plants and hardscape, you have all the knowledge you need to create a stunning, living piece of art.
Remember, every terrarium is unique. It’s a reflection of your own creativity and a wonderful chance to connect with nature on a miniature scale. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
Go gather your materials, get your hands a little dirty, and build the tiny world you’ve been dreaming of. Happy scaping!
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