Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
Terrariums were originally used to transport plants. Now they are a fun and easy way to display plants and decorate your home.
Materials needed:
Any glass container that suits your décor and has a lid
Horticultural charcoal: amzn.to/30kxCip amzn.to/2DvtvXN
Barked-based potting soil
Decorative plants that have the same light and humidity requirements
(examples: prayer plant (maranta),
Pre-moistened sphagnum moss
Distilled water
Steps to build your terrarium
Pour the activated charcoal into the glass container. This can be
obtained at any pet store. It is used in a terrarium to aid in draining the soil and to absorb unwanted chemicals. Pour a nice, thick layer (1-2”) into the bottom.
Put in potting soil. Bark-based potting soil is better because it absorbs water more readily and doesn’t dry out easily. Do not add too much. More will be added later. Put in just enough to cover the activated charcoal and provide a firm foundation for the plants.
Start putting in the plants. Select plants that are aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, have similar light and humidity requirements. Put the taller plants towards the back of the terrarium. Carefully remove them from their pots and gently lower them into the terrarium. Do not completely cover the plant with soil.
Add more potting soil. After all the plants have been placed, add a little more potting soil to the terrarium, Spread it around evenly.
Add the pre-moistened sphagnum moss. Pre-moistened moss allows you
to add moisture to the soil without making a mess. It also acts as a decorative mulch for the plants. It can be obtained at any garden center or nursery.
Add distilled water. Tap water or well water contains chemicals that can build up in the terrarium over time, contaminating the pure environment Don’t overdo it with the water. Once the water is in, it’s very difficult to remove. You can always add more later if you didn’t put in enough to start.
Monitor your terrarium for the first few days. It will rain inside the terrarium every day, distributing the water throughout the environment. However, if you notice condensation on the inside of the container, it means that there is too much moisture. Simply remove the lid for a day or two to allow the extra moisture to evaporate, then replace the lid.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejdcWzNkAARBzUQDvT3W1ME
Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
Terrariums were originally used to transport plants. Now they are a fun and easy way to display plants and decorate your home.
Materials needed:
Any glass container that suits your décor and has a lid
Horticultural charcoal: amzn.to/30kxCip amzn.to/2DvtvXN
Barked-based potting soil
Decorative plants that have the same light and humidity requirements
(examples: prayer plant (maranta),
Pre-moistened sphagnum moss
Distilled water
Steps to build your terrarium
Pour the activated charcoal into the glass container. This can be
obtained at any pet store. It is used in a terrarium to aid in draining the soil and to absorb unwanted chemicals. Pour a nice, thick layer (1-2”) into the bottom.
Put in potting soil. Bark-based potting soil is better because it absorbs water more readily and doesn’t dry out easily. Do not add too much. More will be added later. Put in just enough to cover the activated charcoal and provide a firm foundation for the plants.
Start putting in the plants. Select plants that are aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, have similar light and humidity requirements. Put the taller plants towards the back of the terrarium. Carefully remove them from their pots and gently lower them into the terrarium. Do not completely cover the plant with soil.
Add more potting soil. After all the plants have been placed, add a little more potting soil to the terrarium, Spread it around evenly.
Add the pre-moistened sphagnum moss. Pre-moistened moss allows you
to add moisture to the soil without making a mess. It also acts as a decorative mulch for the plants. It can be obtained at any garden center or nursery.
Add distilled water. Tap water or well water contains chemicals that can build up in the terrarium over time, contaminating the pure environment Don’t overdo it with the water. Once the water is in, it’s very difficult to remove. You can always add more later if you didn’t put in enough to start.
Monitor your terrarium for the first few days. It will rain inside the terrarium every day, distributing the water throughout the environment. However, if you notice condensation on the inside of the container, it means that there is too much moisture. Simply remove the lid for a day or two to allow the extra moisture to evaporate, then replace the lid.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejdcWzNkAARBzUQDvT3W1ME
Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
