How to Make a Terrarium

Learn the basic steps of how to make a terrarium! Follow these simple instructions to create your own tropical ecosystem, with lots more helpful details found below the tutorial.

Active Time20

Total Time20

Yield: terrarium

Author: Debbie Chapman

Cost: $20

Equipment

Materials

Apothecary jar
Pebbles (or aquarium rocks)
Activated charcoal (or horticultural charcoal)
Tropical potting soil
Terrarium plants (fittonia, dwarf fern)
Sphagnum moss

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

Gather your supplies and materials.

Step 2: Add the first layers

Choose a vessel to build your terrarium. Here we're using a large, round apothecary jar, but there are many styles that work.
Keep reading below for examples and other options.
First you'll want to place a layer of pebbles or small rocks at the bottom of the container for drainage. This provides an area for excess water to pool.
We also recommend putting a piece of mesh or landscaping fabric over the rocks as a barrier to prevent soil from washing down into the drainage layer.
Next up is a layer of activated charcoal. Some people don't think charcoal is necessary in terrariums, since the charcoal only works for a certain amount of time, but we do recommend it.
Charcoal helps purify the water and acts as a filter, trapping odors and gasses. There's no real downside to including it, and it offers another interesting looking layer for your terrarium.
Then you'll add the soil or substrate for your plants to grow in. We recommend using a tropical plants potting mix.
Read below the tutorial for more information on what soil is best for terrariums.

Step 3: Add your plants

Finally, you'll want to add in your plants! We've added a pink fittonia, a dwarf maidenhair fern, and sphagnum moss.
You can also add a couple larger rocks and driftwood for structure and decoration.
Close the lid and your terrarium is complete!
Keep reading below for way more details about what plants are good for terrariums, how often to water them, and more.

Notes

Have a black thumb? Check out these nature crafts that don't need watering!

Beaded Plants

DIY Clay Cactus

Crochet Sunflower