Creating a Mini Terrarium in a Glass Container: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever been intrigued by crafting a miniature terrarium but felt unsure where to begin, this guide is for you! With clear, easy-to-follow instructions accompanying pictures, we’ll walk you through creating your simple terrarium.

This article is designed to demystify the creation of these closed ecosystems, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a curious kid, or someone with a bit of plant knowledge, you’ll find creating your terrarium a delightful and rewarding adventure.

Let’s embark on this journey together, learning the essentials and picking up valuable tips! Be aware: making a terrarium is very addictive and you will want more soon!

What You Need

You can purchase a mini terrarium set with all you need plus beautifully illustrated care instructions here, or check below for the breakdown of components.

• Glass bottle with a cork or stopper
• Fresh live moss
• Terrarium plants like Fittona, Pilea, Peperomia or Fern
• Terrarium potting mix
• Drainage medium like clay pebbles or stones
• Long, terrarium tweezers

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Open the container, clean it if necessary

Step 2

Add your drainage layers, such as clay pebbles or stones. Fill to about 2.5 cm/1″ max.

Step 3

Add a suitable terrarium potting mix. This will be 2.5 cm/1″ deep as well.

Step 4

Add fresh moss, you can split moss and add smaller pieces to make it easier.

Step 5

Prepare plants. Use cuttings or small divisions. Remove all leaves which are too big and gently push through the bottleneck.

Step 6

Place the plant into the soil or between moss. Spray once or twice with water. Less is more, do not overwater.

Step 7

Clean the bottle if necessary. To clean inside you can grab a bit of paper kitchen towel between tweezers and clean the walls of the container.

Mini Terrarium Tips

• Reuse Cuttings: After making a cutting for the terrarium, place the remaining plant in a warm, bright spot to grow a new plant. Select small, terrarium-friendly plants and make cuttings or divide them if necessary. If you are not sure what is suitable for your plant check our care guides here.
• Personalise: Add your favourite crystals, shells or figures to personalise your mini closed ecosystem!
• Upgrade to a Larger Project: If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider getting a larger terrarium kit from our website.
• Cleaning the Container: Do not use tissues or toilet paper to clean the inside of the bottle as this kind of paper dissolves too easily and will stay on the walls of the bottle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting your terrarium is not only a fulfilling and relaxing experience but this low-maintenance ecosystem will thrive with minimal attention. Once the terrarium is balanced, a perfect level of humidity will stay lush and happy without the need to open it and water. It’s also an ideal present for anyone who loves plants! Suitable for beginners and experienced plant lovers, can make also a unique educational activity for children.