Building your own terrarium is a rewarding and creative way to bring a piece of the natural world into your home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to dip your toes into indoor gardening, crafting a terrarium offers a unique opportunity to design and nurture a miniature ecosystem. Terrariums not only serve as beautiful decorative elements but also provide a low-maintenance way to enjoy plants. By creating your own terrarium, you can customise a green space that perfectly fits your style and space, making it a great addition to any room.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to build your own terrarium and explore the many benefits that come with having one. From selecting the right plants to choosing the perfect container, you’ll discover how easy and enjoyable it is to create a thriving, self-sustaining environment right in your home. Whether you're looking to add a touch of nature to your office or create a living centrepiece for your dining table, a DIY terrarium is the perfect project to get started.
Materials Needed:
Any size or shape, depending on your preference. Glass containers like jars, aquariums, or bowls work well.
Small stones, pebbles, or gravel.
Activated charcoal or horticultural charcoal.
Well-draining soil mix designed for terrariums
Choose small, slow-growing plants. Ferns, mosses, and tropical plants are common in terrariums.
Small rocks, figurines, or decorative moss.
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Moss (Optional):
Sheet moss, Ball Moss, or both make excellent decorative additions!
Small trowel or spoon, long tweezers, and a spray bottle for watering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare Your Glass Container
Ensure your glass container is clean and dry. This helps prevent mould and bacterial growth.
Size Consideration: Consider the depth of the container; it should be deep enough to accommodate the layers of drainage, charcoal, soil, and the plant roots.
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Create the Drainage Layer (Bottom Layer)
Why It's Important: A drainage layer is essential to prevent water from stagnating in the terrarium, which could cause root rot.
Materials: Small stones, pebbles, or gravel.
Process: Add a 2-5 cm layer of pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the container. The depth depends on the size of your terrarium; a thinner layer suffices for smaller containers.
Ensure the layer is even to provide a stable base.
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Add a Layer of Horticultural Charcoal
Why It's Important: Charcoal helps to filter the water, removing impurities and odours while preventing mould growth.
Materials: Activated charcoal or horticultural charcoal
Process: Sprinkle a thin, even layer (approximately1-2.5 cm) of horticultural charcoal over the drainage layer. Make sure the layer covers the pebbles entirely to ensure proper filtration.
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Add the Soil Layer
Why It's Important: The soil provides nutrients and a growing medium for your plants.
Materials: Terrarium soil mix.
Process: Add 5-10 cm of soil, depending on the container size and plant root depth.Gently press the soil to create an even surface, but don't compact it too tightly, as this will restrict root growth and water flow. Moisten the soil with your mister.
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Plan and Arrange the Plants
Selecting Plants: Choose small plants that thrive in similar light and moisture conditions. For example, succulents need drier conditions, while ferns and tropical plants prefer higher humidity.
Plan the Layout: Before planting, plan where each plant will go. Taller plants typically go in the back or centre, while shorter plants should be placed around the edges for visual balance.
Planting Process: Dig small holes in the soil where you want to place the plants. Gently remove the plants from their pots, loosening the roots if they are root-bound. Or take cuttings of larger plants to put in your terrarium. They will more than likely root well right in the terrarium! Place each plant into the holes you dug, ensuring the roots are fully covered with soil.Press the soil lightly around the plants to secure them in place.
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Add Decorative Elements (Optional)
Why It's Important: These additions can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your terrarium.
Materials: Decorative stones, figurines, or natural elements like driftwood or decorative moss.
Process: Place any decorative elements in the terrarium, being mindful not to overcrowd the plants. You can add small rocks, moss, or figurines to create a visually pleasing scene.
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Water the Terrarium
Why It's Important: Water provides the necessary moisture for plant growth, but you must be careful not to overwater.
Process: Use a spray bottle or a watering can with a narrow spout to lightly mist or water the soil around the plants. The amount of water needed depends on the type of plants you're using. Succulents need less water, while tropical plants may need more.
For a closed terrarium, water lightly. The moisture will recycle itself, so there is no need to keep on watering. For open terrariums, you may need to water more frequently.
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Maintain Your Terrarium
Light: Place the terrarium in indirect sunlight. Too much direct light can cause the glass to magnify the sun's rays and overheat the plants.
Watering: Closed terrariums rarely need watering due to their self-sustaining cycle. Open terrariums will need occasional misting or watering when the soil feels dry.
Pruning: Trim plants as needed to prevent overgrowth and maintain balance.
Cleaning: If algae or mould develops, remove affected plants or wipe the inside of the glass with a damp cloth.
Tips for Success:
Choose Plants Wisely:
Group plants with similar light and water needs to ensure your terrarium thrives.
Avoid Overwatering:
Terrariums are enclosed environments, so they retain moisture. It's better to underwater than overwater.
Control Humidity:
If your terrarium is closed, occasionally open the lid to let fresh air circulate and prevent excessive humidity buildup.
By following these steps, you'll create a vibrant and healthy terrarium that can be a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your space!