How to Make a Terrarium: 5 Plants to Grow in a Terrarium

Terrariums are mini-indoor gardens—tiny ecosystems that grow inside small containers, like clear glass vessels or bottles. There are two types of terrariums: open and closed. Closed terrariums are sealed containers that are better for plants that need a lot of moisture. Open terrariums are ideal for growing dry-weather plants like succulents.

Low-maintenance plants make good choices for terrariums. Some of the best terrarium plants you can grow are:

1. 1. African violets. These white, blue, and purple flowers love high humidity, which is just the kind of environment a terrarium provides.
2. 2. Nerve plant. This tropical plant has white and green leaves which thrive best in moist air, and only grow to be around 12 inches tall.
3. 3. Prayer plant. Prayer plants are native to the jungle, so they will do well in a closed terrarium with indirect sunlight.
4. 4. Spiderwort. With its spade-shaped leaves and long stems, spiderwort can be a colorful addition to your budding terrarium.
5. 5. Pothos. Also known as devil’s ivy or money plant, a pothos plant can grow up to 10 feet, with long, trailing vines. Pothos plants can tolerate all levels of humidity and thrive with weekly watering.

To make a terrarium, you’ll need the following materials:

1. 1. A glass container. The container you choose should have an opening large enough to fit your plants and materials. While glass offers a cleaner look, you can also use plastic containers.
2. 2. Rocks and soil. Pebbles, marbles, or seaglass are all commonly used for the bottom layer to encourage drainage. For your soil, use houseplant or potting soil.
3. 3. Sphagnum or sheet moss. These materials keep the terrarium soil from falling through the bottom rock layer. You can also use a fiberglass screen (like from an old window) to keep the soil intact.
4. 4. Long tweezers and scissors. You’ll need sharp, thin tools to fit into the openings of your terrarium so you can tend to the plants, fix the rocks and soil, or make any trimmings.
5. 5. Paper towels. Keep paper towels nearby to wipe down the glass in your terrarium. Keeping your container clean can prevent mold growth or unwanted odors.
6. 6. Small plant choices. Only choose smaller plants to keep in your terrarium. Plants that grow too tall or wide will not be able to survive or thrive in your enclosure.

If you want to learn how to put together a DIY terrarium, check out the following step-by-step guide:

1. 1. Choose the right container. Pick a clear container like a glass jar, vase, or plastic pet tank that can receive adequate light.
2. 2. Layer in the rocks. Create a layer of rocks at the bottom of your terrarium. A larger container can have a higher layer of rocks, but a small container should keep it light so the plants have room to fit.
3. 3. Moisten your moss. Dampen your sphagnum or sheet moss, spreading it over your rock layer to prevent the soil from falling through it.
4. 4. Add the soil layer. Layer some potting soil on top of the rocks in your terrarium. Leave enough room for your plants to bloom.
5. 5. Add your plants. Loosen the soil and place the roots of your plants inside, gently patting it down to secure the plant in place (without compacting the soil). Avoid adding too much water—terrariums don’t have drainage holes, so they rely on the rock layer to balance the bottom moisture.

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