How To DIY A Tiny Terrarium

For plant and nature lovers, it is a very delightful and creative idea to DIY a tiny terrarium at home. This not only enhances your living space but also adds a touch of greenery to your room. Since terrariums are a self-contained ecosystem, they do not require much of your attention and care. They require minimal maintenance while satisfying the nature lover in you.

Hence if you’re interested in making your own tiny terrarium, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started

Materials You’ll Need to DIY a Tiny Terrarium

• Glass container with a lid or an open-top vessel (such as a mason jar or fishbowl)
• Small pebbles or stones for drainage
• Activated charcoal (available at garden centers or pet stores)
• Potting soil suitable for plants
• Small plants suitable for terrariums (such as succulents, moss, or ferns)
• Decorative elements (optional) like small figurines or decorative stones
• Spray bottle filled with water

Step-by-Step Instructions to DIY a Tiny Terrarium

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

To make a tiny terrarium at home, the first thing that you’ll need is a glass container or jar. There are various shapes, sizes, and styles available in the glass containers for you. You can pick the one that appeals to you the most or the one that you want to create. You must ensure your container has a lid or open top for airflow.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer

Get some small pebbles or stones from your garden, or buy a pack from the market. You can use colorful stones for a vibrant look. Put these stones at the bottom of your container and create a layer with them. They will act as drainage and prevent water from accumulating at the roots of the plants.

Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal

Now it’s time to sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles you have just put. This absorbs the sitting water in your tiny terrarium and prevents fungal or bacterial growth. It also helps prevent odors and acts as an air filter inside the terrarium. It also makes your tiny garden look like an authentic forest stopping the soil from dripping down.

Step 4: Layer the Potting Soil

Pour a layer of potting soil into the container on top of the charcoal. To decide how much soil you need to put, you must know the plant that you are going to grow. The depth of soil depends upon the root depth of your plant. Do not fill the whole container and leave some space to easily place your plant in it. 

Step 5: Plant Selection and Placement

After your potter is ready, pick the plants that you want to put into your mini garden. Succulents, air plants, moss, and ferns are the best suitable plants for terrariums. Whatever plant you decide to grow, just ensure the conditions they need for favorable growth. Consider the lighting of your home and choose the plant accordingly.

Once the plant is chosen, create small holes in the soil with your finger or spoon. Now place your mini plants and arrange them beautifully. You can put two to three plants if there is enough space in the container.

Step 6: Decorate

Decorating your tiny terrarium is an optional step, so you can skip this if you want. You can add small figurines, decorative stones, or tiny wooden pieces to enhance the visual appearance. Be careful while decorating, and do not overcrowd the container. Ensure that the plant remains your focal point and is not overshadowed by decorations.

Step 7: Mist with Water

When you are done with potting the plant, you must use a spray bottle to water it. You need to mist the soil and plants in the terrarium lightly. Do not overwater the soil because when the terrarium is closed, it will create its own water cycle. All you need is to monitor the condensation level and remove the lid for airflow whenever required.

Step 8: Place and Care for Your Terrarium

Check the sunlight needed for the plant that you have put in your tiny terrarium and place it in a suitable spot. Your plant must receive the right amount of filtered or indirect sunlight that is needed for it to grow. Too much heat or direct sunlight may damage the plant. Check its moisture periodically and trim the plants when they outgrow them.

Top 5 Popular Tiny Terrariums That You Can Make

1] Bottle Terrarium

You can upcycle the glass beverage bottles lying around your house. Follow the above steps and create a beautiful terrarium for your living space. 

2] Spice Jar Terrarium

Don’t throw away your glass spice jars and use them to make terrariums. You can place it in your kitchen to enhance the visuals. You can also decorate the jar or its lid with paints and other decorative items. 

3] Mason Jar Terrarium

Mason jars are available in all kinds of shapes hence pick according to your preference. You can make a tiny terrarium in it and gift it to your loved ones during festivals or other occasions.

4] Tiny Jar Terrarium

Get a micro jar with a cork and place a live sheet of moss in it. You can also get a bulb-shaped jar and fill half of it with water. Get a Marimo moss and soak it in the water, and it is ready for display. You just need to change the water every couple of weeks.

5] Nano Terrarium

These are really small bottles that you can hold between your fingers. You can give this as a gift to your nature lover’s close ones. It is best to make a set of these Nano terrariums as a gift. You can put different mosses in each container to make it unique.

Conclusion

Terrariums are unique and reflect your own style, personality, and preferences, which can help you lift up the mood of your living space. You can choose the plant that needs minimal care, as tiny terrariums are capable of creating their own ecosystem. You need to follow these simple steps to make your own mini garden and check on it periodically.

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