Terrarium gardening is not just a trend—it’s a captivating way to bring a slice of nature indoors. These compact, self-sustaining green ecosystems are perfect for urban homes, office desks, and anyone who loves plants but lacks space or time. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through what is terrarium gardening, the benefits, types, ideal plants, step-by-step creation, and tips to ensure your miniature world thrives.
Why Choose a Terrarium? (Beginner-Friendly Breakdown)
Terrariums are more than just pretty plant displays—they’re an easy and rewarding way to enjoy nature indoors, especially if you’re short on space, time, or gardening experience. Let’s break down their benefits:
Perfect for Small Indoor Spaces
If you live in an apartment or have limited shelf or table space, a terrarium is ideal. It doesn’t need a big corner or balcony—just a sunny windowsill or a well-lit desk. You get to enjoy plants without taking up much room.
Think of it as a garden that fits in your palm!
Low-Maintenance
Don’t have time to water daily or trim leaves every week? No problem. Terrariums, especially the closed ones, recycle moisture inside the glass. This means you rarely need to water them—sometimes just once or twice a month!
Great for busy people, travelers, or even those who forget to water.
Educational and Calming
Terrariums are a fantastic way to understand how ecosystems work in a fun, hands-on way. Watching your tiny plants grow helps kids (and adults) learn about plant life, humidity, and light. Plus, creating and tending to a terrarium can feel like meditation—it’s peaceful and rewarding.
Many people use it as a stress-relief hobby.
Completely Customizable
A terrarium is like a piece of living art. You can decorate it however you like—add tiny fairies, crystals, colored stones, or build a forest, desert, or zen garden scene. It’s your personal, creative mini world.
Let your imagination run wild and create something truly unique!
Makes a Beautiful Gift
Need a thoughtful and personal gift? A ready-made terrarium or a DIY terrarium kit is perfect. It’s meaningful, lasts much longer than flowers, and shows you put care into it. Plus, it’s suitable for anyone—friends, coworkers, plant lovers, or even kids.
It’s a gift that grows—literally!
A terrarium is a miniature garden enclosed within a glass container. It recreates a small ecosystem where selected plants can grow and flourish with minimal maintenance. The container traps moisture, allowing the water cycle to naturally hydrate the plants inside. Terrariums come in two major types:
Types of Terrariums
- Closed Terrariums
- Completely or mostly sealed.
- Perfect for humidity-loving tropical plants like moss, ferns, and orchids.
- Creates a self-sustaining environment where moisture recycles through condensation.
- Open Terrariums
- Open-topped or partially open.
- Ideal for succulents, cacti, and air plants that prefer drier conditions.
- Allows more airflow and needs occasional watering.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Terrarium at Home
Creating a terrarium is one of the most rewarding indoor plant projects. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for beginners looking to explore indoor gardening in a stylish and compact way. Follow these simple steps to build a thriving, decorative miniature ecosystem with long-lasting benefits.
Step 1: Choose the Right Terrarium Container
The first and most important step in your DIY terrarium journey is selecting the right glass container. Your container serves both function and style—it shapes the environment your plants live in and also defines the aesthetic of your indoor space.
Options include:
- Glass globes
- Apothecary jars
- Clear vases or bowls
- Repurposed fish tanks or mason jars
Pro Tips:
- For humidity-loving houseplants like moss and ferns, choose a closed container with a lid to lock in moisture.
- For succulents or air plants, go with an open terrarium that allows airflow and less humidity.
Step 2: Layering – The Foundation of a Healthy Terrarium
Proper layering is crucial to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. It helps prevent root rot, balances moisture levels, and supports plant health long-term.
Must-have layers for your terrarium:
- Pebbles or Gravel (Drainage Layer):
Prevents stagnant water at the base by allowing excess moisture to settle below the roots. - Activated Charcoal:
Filters toxins and odors. Essential in closed terrariums to keep the air fresh. - Moss (Optional Barrier):
Adds a natural look and separates soil from drainage layers. - Potting Soil (Substrate Layer):
Choose a terrarium-specific mix or use soil tailored for indoor plants (e.g., tropical mix for ferns or cactus mix for succulents).
Step 3: Choosing the Best Plants for Your Terrarium
Pick plants that share similar light, humidity, and watering needs. This ensures all your plants thrive together in the same small space.
Best Terrarium Plants (Humidity-Loving Indoor Plants):
- Ferns: Lush foliage and perfect for creating a jungle-like look.
- Moss: Acts as living carpet, helps retain humidity.
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Adds vibrant color with its veined leaves.
- Miniature Peperomia, Pilea, Baby Tears: Compact and great for layering textures.
Avoid fast-growing or large-rooted plants—they quickly outgrow their space and disturb your terrarium setup.
Step 4: Planting and Decorating Your Terrarium
This is where creativity meets nature. Start by arranging taller plants at the back or center and shorter ones in the front or along the sides. Ensure there’s breathing room for each plant to grow without crowding.
Add your personal touch with:
- Natural cork bark
- Colored stones or gravel
- Fairy garden figurines or miniatures
- Driftwood or crystals
Think of it as designing your own miniature indoor garden. Whether you’re inspired by Zen minimalism or enchanted woodlands, this step brings your vision to life.
Step 5: Watering and Placement – Keeping Your Terrarium Healthy
Watering your terrarium is all about balance. Too much water leads to rot, while too little causes dehydration.
Watering Guidelines:
- Closed terrariums: Mist sparingly every 2–3 weeks or when there’s no visible condensation.
- Open terrariums: Mist lightly every few days depending on humidity and room temperature.
Ideal Placement:
- Place in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight—like near a north or east-facing window.
- Avoid direct sun to prevent overheating the glass and scorching the plants.
Signs of problems:
Too much condensation? Open the lid. Leaves yellowing? You might be overwatering. Growth slowing down? Move to a brighter area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Overwatering
Why it’s a problem:
Unlike regular houseplants, terrariums are enclosed or semi-enclosed environments. Water doesn’t evaporate quickly, so any excess stays trapped inside. This can cause roots to rot, mold to grow, and eventually kill your plants.
Beginner Tip:
Only mist your plants lightly. In a closed terrarium, water once every 2–3 weeks. Check for signs like heavy condensation or soggy soil—those mean you’ve watered too much. If that happens, open the lid for a few hours or days to let moisture escape.
Wrong Lighting
Why it’s a problem:
Placing your terrarium in direct sunlight might seem like a good idea, but glass containers act like mini-greenhouses. Too much sun can overheat the interior, “cook” the plants, or cause burns on delicate leaves.
Beginner Tip:
Always place your terrarium in a spot that gets bright, indirect light—like a shelf near a north- or east-facing window. If your room is dark, consider using a grow light.
Poor Drainage
Why it’s a problem:
Plants hate sitting in water. Without a drainage layer, extra water collects at the bottom of the container. This leads to soggy soil, which creates the perfect conditions for bacteria and root rot.
Beginner Tip:
Always include these bottom layers in this order:
- Pebbles or gravel
- Activated charcoal
- Potting mix
This setup ensures that any excess water has somewhere to go and doesn’t harm the plant roots.
Using Incompatible Plants Together
Why it’s a problem:
Different plants have different needs. For example, succulents love dry conditions, while mosses and ferns thrive in humidity. Placing them together in the same terrarium will cause one or both to struggle and die.
Beginner Tip:
Stick with plants that need similar levels of light, water, and humidity. Use:
- Moisture-loving plants (moss, ferns, Fittonia) in closed terrariums
- Dry-climate plants (succulents, cacti) in open terrariums
Don’t mix the two types—even if they look nice together!
How Terrariums Fit into Your Indoor Plant Collection
Terrariums are an excellent addition to any indoor plant or houseplant collection. They:
- Require less maintenance than potted plants.
- Introduce biodiversity to your space.
- Serve as a stylish contrast to traditional planters.
- Are perfect if you’re low on floor or balcony space.
Where to Buy a Terrarium Kit Online?
For beginners or gift-givers, curated terrarium kits take away the guesswork.
Our recommended Terrarium Kit includes:
- 20cm clear globe
- Humidity-loving plants (pre-selected)
- Activated charcoal & substrate
- Cork bark, decorative materials
- Mister for maintenance
Available now on Sanjay Nursery’s Terrarium Collection.
Creative Styling Ideas: Decorating with Terrariums at Home
Terrariums aren’t just indoor plant arrangements—they’re living décor pieces that bring freshness, beauty, and a touch of nature into any corner of your home. Their versatility makes them a favorite among interior designers and plant lovers alike.
1. Coffee Table Centerpieces
Make your living room feel alive! A well-crafted terrarium serves as a natural conversation starter. Choose a glass globe or geometric terrarium filled with moss, ferns, and stones for a centerpiece that feels both modern and organic. Pair it with candles or stacked books for a cozy, curated look.
Perfect for: Modern, boho, and Scandinavian-styled homes.
2. Work Desks & Home Offices
Add greenery to your workspace to boost focus and reduce stress. Small terrariums fit beautifully beside your computer without taking up much space. Studies show that green surroundings can improve concentration—why not turn your desk into a productivity sanctuary?
Try: A minimalist open terrarium with air plants or a tiny moss scene in a jar.
3. Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often forgotten when it comes to houseplants—but they’re actually ideal for closed terrariums. The natural humidity supports mosses and ferns, creating a mini rainforest vibe on your windowsill or vanity.
Add a spa-like feel with a misty glass container and tropical foliage.
4. Kitchen Shelves & Counters
Brighten up your kitchen with terrariums that bring a pop of green to open shelves or windowsills. They pair beautifully with natural wood, ceramics, and modern tiling, helping to soften sharp lines and create a farm-to-table vibe.
Tip: Use a hanging terrarium above your sink or in an empty corner.
5. Bedrooms & Nightstands
Terrariums make calming bedroom companions. Place a soft-glow lamp beside a terrarium on your nightstand to create a peaceful, plant-filled retreat. Their low-maintenance nature means they’re ideal for rooms where you want simplicity and serenity.
Great for: Minimalist, Japanese, and biophilic design themes.
Style That Fits Any Home
Whether your vibe is rustic farmhouse, urban industrial, eclectic boho, or Japandi minimalism, there’s a terrarium that can match your interior perfectly. Change the contents seasonally or decorate them to reflect your personality.
Terrariums as a Thoughtful Gift Idea
Need a gift for a birthday, housewarming, or celebration?
- Terrarium kits are unique, sustainable, and personal.
- Suitable for kids, couples, coworkers, and plant lovers.
- Easy to ship and assemble.
Ready to Build Your Own Terrarium?
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or new to the indoor gardening world, terrariums offer a charming, easy, and rewarding experience. Their versatility makes them a delightful gift or a stylish decor upgrade.
Order your terrarium today from Sanjay Nursery and start crafting your own indoor jungle.
FAQs
Q. How long do terrariums last?
With proper care, terrariums can thrive for months or even years.
Q. Do terrariums need sunlight?
Yes, but only indirect sunlight. Too much can overheat the glass.
Q. Can I use succulents in a closed terrarium?
No. Succulents prefer dry environments—use them only in open terrariums.
Q. How often should I water my terrarium?
Closed: every 2–3 weeks. Open: light misting every few days.
