Preparing the terrarium is not only enjoyable, but picking out the container, pebbles/rocks and a few little decorations to go inside is an added bonus.  Choose an enclosed container and create your own low maintenance mini-ecosystem.  It begins when you water the completed terrarium (misting is best) and place the cover on.  The soil releases water vapor which begins to collect on the walls of the container.  This moisture then runs down the side of the container back into the soil and the process begins again.  The open container terrarium is not truly a mini-ecosystem, but it does allow for additional interaction including watering and ease of interchanging decorations within the terrarium.    

Find the following terrarium supplies (check out your local thrift shops, dollar stores & local nurseries):  

• Glass or plastic container of your choice (enclosed or open)

• Pebbles, aquarium gravel that comes in a variety of colors;  (larger stones/rocks can be used for large containers)

• Activated Charcoal (use especially if making an enclosed terrarium - activated charcoal prevents odors and helps to prevent fungi)

• Moss - optional but good to use in keeping soil from washing down into gravel/rocks

• Plants – careful not to choose plants that will outgrow the container

• Decorations - items that can be placed inside the terrarium

• Decorative Sand - optional to place on top of dirt for decoration

• Water & Sunshine (bright indirect sunlight)

Terrarium Prep & Planting:

• Place a layer of pebbles, aquarium gravel or small stones/rocks - 1 to 2 inches deep

• Spread a quarter to a half inch of Activated Charcoal on top of the pebbles

• A layer of sheet moss can then be placed over the charcoal and pebbles - this will prevent the next layer of potting soil to seep through

• Use your favorite potting soil and add about 1 to 2 inches of soil to the terrarium.

Time to Plant & Decorate

• Pick plants based on the size of the container (mini or dwarf plants are available)

  • In enclosed terrariums use plants that enjoy humidity (moss, ferns)

  • Succulents and cacti do well in open terrariums

  • Plants that do well in terrariums - Ferns, dwarf palms, moss, peperomia, polka dot plant and pilea just to name a few.  

• Use a small hand trowel or a spoon to dig small holes for plants

• Decorate your terrarium with fun small figurines, rocks, sticks and more.

• Decorative sand can also be spread on the top to provide a decorative finish.

How to Care for My Terrarium

• Place your terrarium in bright indirect light

• During the Winter months a grow light might need to be used to provide enough light for your terrarium

• Water sparingly - Don’t overwater

  • Open Terrarium - use a spray bottle or provide small amounts of water with a spoon once a week or when the soil is dry

  • Closed Terrarium - depending on humidity within the container and soil dryness, watering may only be needed every 3-5 months

Your terrarium is complete!  Enjoy watching it grow!

Photo Credits: www.pexels.com (1), www.flickr.com (2,4), Thegardendiaries.wordpress.com (3)