What to Put in a Terrarium: A Beginner’s Guide

What to Put in a Terrarium?

To create a terrarium, you will need a container with no drainage holes, terrarium plants such as spike mosses and polka dot plants, gravel or stones for drainage layers, activated charcoal for further drainage, sheet moss, sterile potting mix, and a spray bottle for watering.

Optional decorative elements like bark chips or figurines can also be added.

When making a terrarium, choose a suitable container, create drainage layers with gravel and charcoal, add sheet moss and potting mix, prepare and arrange the plants, and finally add them to the terrarium.

To care for a terrarium, plant the plants properly, arrange them in a pleasing design, place the terrarium in the right amount of sunlight, water as needed based on the type of terrarium, remove dead or damaged plants promptly, avoid over-fertilizing, and periodically clean the terrarium container.

Key Points:

  • To create a terrarium, you will need:
  • A container
  • Terrarium plants
  • Gravel or stones
  • Activated charcoal
  • Sheet moss
  • Potting mix

  • Optional decorative elements like bark chips or figurines can be added.

  • When making a terrarium, follow these steps:

  • Choose a suitable container
  • Create drainage layers
  • Add sheet moss and potting mix
  • Prepare and arrange the plants
  • Add the plants to the terrarium

  • To care for a terrarium, follow these tips:

  • Plant the plants properly
  • Arrange them in a pleasing design
  • Place the terrarium in the right amount of sunlight
  • Water as needed
  • Remove dead or damaged plants promptly
  • Avoid over-fertilizing
  • Periodically clean the container

Did You Know?

1. The first known terrarium was created by a British physician named Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1842. He accidentally discovered that plants could thrive in sealed glass containers while studying a moth cocoon, which eventually led to the development of modern terrariums.

2. Did you know that NASA utilized terrariums to study how plants grow in microgravity? In fact, the first plant ever grown on the moon was a cotton plant inside a small terrarium aboard China’s Chang’e 4 lunar mission in 2019.

3. When constructing a terrarium, adding a layer of activated charcoal at the bottom helps to keep the environment fresh and clean. Charcoal acts like a filter by absorbing impurities and odors, ensuring the terrarium remains a healthy ecosystem for plants to thrive.

4. Spanish moss, despite its name, is not a true moss but a bromeliad. It can be a wonderful addition to a terrarium as it requires minimal care and adds a touch of tropical charm with its long, graceful tendrils.

5. A curious and fascinating ecosystem known as the “bottle garden” has been thriving for over 60 years in David Latimer’s home. Sealed inside a large glass bottle since 1960, this terrarium containing a spiderwort plant has been sustaining itself through a self-sustaining water cycle, making it a captivating example of the resilience of nature.

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Container Selection

When it comes to terrariums, choosing the right container is crucial for the success of your miniature ecosystem. Opt for a container with no drainage holes, as this will help create a self-sustaining environment. The possibilities for containers are endless, from vintage mason jars to glass fish tanks or even repurposed glass containers. However, it is important to ensure that the chosen container is clear and wide enough to accommodate your desired selection of plants.

Choosing Suitable Terrarium Plants

Selecting the perfect combination of plants for your terrarium can be an exciting and creative process. Consider incorporating spike mosses, polka dot plants, compact and miniature ferns, and small potted houseplants like croton, pothos, lucky bamboo, or creeping fig. These varieties thrive in the humid and enclosed environment of a terrarium.

Visiting a garden center or nursery will provide you with a wide range of options and expert advice to help you make an informed decision.

  • Spike mosses
  • Polka dot plants
  • Compact and miniature ferns
  • Small potted houseplants (croton, pothos, lucky bamboo, creeping fig)

Tip: A terrarium provides a unique and controlled environment for plants, allowing them to flourish.

Creating Drainage Layers

To ensure proper drainage and prevent waterlogging in your terrarium, it is important to create specific drainage layers. Begin by placing a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of the container. This will allow excess water to collect and prevent it from saturating the plants’ roots. On top of the gravel layer, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal acts as a natural filter, removing impurities and controlling odors that may arise in the closed environment of a terrarium. Lastly, include a layer of sheet moss to separate the potting mix from the drainage layers, aiding in the maintenance of moisture levels.

Assembling The Terrarium

Once you have prepared the container and drainage layers, it is time to assemble your terrarium masterpiece. Begin by covering the sheet moss with sterile potting mix, carefully spreading it evenly throughout the container. Dig holes in the potting mix to accommodate your selected plants, ensuring the roots are gently placed into the holes. Cover the plants with a half-inch layer of soil, firmly but gently pressing it around the base of each plant. To create an aesthetically pleasing design, consider placing taller plants towards the back or slightly off-center, while spacing the other plants around them.

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Tips For Terrarium Care

Successfully maintaining a terrarium requires attention to detail and diligent care. Here are some essential tips to keep your miniature garden thriving:

  • Plant your terrarium by gently placing the plants in prepared holes in the potting mix, covering them with a half-inch layer of soil.
  • Create a visually appealing design by strategically arranging taller plants towards the back or off-center, and spacing the other plants around them.
  • Position your terrarium in bright, indirect sunlight or provide 16-18 hours of artificial light per day. This is crucial for the photosynthesis process and the overall health of your terrarium.
  • Water open terrariums once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Closed terrariums require water every 4-6 months, depending on the condensation levels inside the container. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
  • Promptly remove yellowing or damaged leaves and any dead plants to maintain a healthy and visually appealing terrarium.
  • Avoid fertilizing your terrarium plants, as the enclosed environment can lead to excessive growth and salt build-up. These can be harmful to the delicate ecosystem within the terrarium.
  • Regularly clean the terrarium container using a damp newspaper or a lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaning products as they can leave residues harmful to your plants.

creating a terrarium is a rewarding and visually pleasing endeavor. By carefully selecting an appropriate container, suitable plants, and meticulously creating proper drainage layers, you can ensure the long-term success of your miniature ecosystem. With a little care and attention, your terrarium will flourish, bringing a touch of nature indoors and providing a tranquil and captivating environment for you to enjoy.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is good to put in a terrarium?

A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem that requires careful selection of plants to thrive. Good additions to a terrarium could include an air plant (Tillandsia stricta) which adds a unique, ethereal element to the display. The nerve plant (Fittonia) provides a vibrant burst of color with its vibrant veins and contrasting hues. Adding the meadow spikemoss (Selaginella apoda) brings a touch of enchantment with its delicate, fern-like appearance. The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachy) adds a playful charm with its speckled leaves. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) could be included for its fragrant aroma and ground-covering nature. The earth star bromeliad (Cyrpthanthus) introduces a touch of exotic beauty with its star-shaped rosettes. The inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina) could be included for its trailing, variegated foliage. These diverse plant selections would create a visually appealing and thriving terrarium environment.

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What do you fill a terrarium with?

A terrarium is best filled with a combination of moss and potting mix. The moss not only provides a visually appealing element but also adds a natural touch to the terrarium. Along with the moss, it is essential to add a sufficient amount of potting mix, at least a few inches in height. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil level is not too high, allowing enough space for the plants to grow comfortably without touching the top of a closed terrarium.

What should you not put in a terrarium?

When creating a terrarium, it is important to avoid including items that require standing water. Additionally, one should refrain from placing dry needles or leaves directly into the terrarium, as it is more beneficial to mist them instead of providing excess water. It is also recommended to periodically lift the lid of a cloche terrarium to allow air circulation and release any condensation. Instead of simply dropping plants into the terrarium, they should be carefully arranged and placed with consideration for their specific needs.

What can I put in my terrarium instead of plants?

In addition to the traditional plants, there are several alternative options that can be added to a terrarium for a unique touch. One idea is to incorporate a variety of colorful and patterned rocks, which can create an eye-catching display. Another option is to include different types of wood, such as driftwood or branches, which can add a natural and rustic element to the terrarium. Additionally, figurines can be used to create a whimsical theme or tell a story within the terrarium. Resin objects, such as small sculptures or decorative items, can also be incorporated to provide a glossy and modern look. Alternatively, sand can be used to create interesting patterns or designs within the terrarium. Seed and nut pods can add texture and depth to the arrangement, while crystals can provide a touch of sparkle and create a mystical atmosphere. Lastly, strings and hooks can be used to hang objects within the terrarium, such as small glass orbs or mini lanterns, to add a dynamic and three-dimensional aspect to the display.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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