Terrariums are miniature gardens enclosed in glass containers, creating self-sustaining ecosystems that, in theory, require minimal maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a terrarium, we got you fam. We broke it down into a few key steps: the container, the substrate, and of course the plants.
Choosing the Right Container
When you start out, it’s often best to find a good container instead of the ‘right’ container. Jars, bottles, cups, tanks, all can make a suitable home for your future ecosystem. The key is to choose a clear container that allows light to penetrate and provides enough space for your plants to grow.
Open or sealed system?
If this is your first terrarium, an open system is likely best. And know that when we say ‘open’ we mean that it has a lid that you just take on and off. Open systems are a bit more forgiving to the plants and your self esteem. Creating a fully sealed system requires a delicate balance of plants, insects, water, & light and quite frankly it’s hard to get right on your first try. An open system allows you to adjust water levels, remove/add/trim plants and most importantly, give you the experience of caring for and watching your terrarium grow.
Creating Substrate Layers
You have likely heard about substrates if you have looked into terrariums at all. The substrate is the material that forms the layer where plants grow and organisms live. This is the home for nutrients, plant rooms, and is a key piece to maintain moisture in your system. Below are the 3 main components of a substrate layer.
- Drainage Layer: Start with a 1-2 inch layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom of your container. This layer prevents water from pooling and potentially rotting your plants’ roots.
- Activated Charcoal Layer: Add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the pebbles. This helps filter the water and keeps the terrarium fresh by absorbing odors and preventing fungal growth.
- Soil Layer: The top layer should be a well-draining potting mix suitable for the types of plants you’ve chosen.
Selecting Plants
Choosing the right plants is crucial for a thriving terrarium. Select plants that have similar care requirements and are small enough to fit comfortably in your container. Some popular terrarium plants include:
- Fittonia (nerve plant)
- Peperomia
- Baby tears
- Air plants
- Small ferns
- Moss
Moss is often one of the most popular due to its abundance and durability. I’m sure if you want outside your home, even up and down the sidewalk you’ll find moss growing the cracks and at the base of trees.
Arranging plants
When arranging your plants, consider their growth habits and aesthetic appeal. Place taller plants towards the back or center, with smaller plants and ground covers in the front. Use tweezers or long-handled tools to position the plants carefully without disturbing the substrate layers.
Adding Decorative Elements
Decorative elements can transform your terrarium from a simple plant container into a captivating miniature landscape. Consider adding:
- Small rocks or pebbles
- Driftwood or branches
- Miniature figurines
- Crystals or geodes
- Seashells (for beach-themed terrariums)
These decorations not only enhance the visual appeal but can also provide hiding spots for small creatures if you decide to add them to your terrarium ecosystem.
Sourcing Materials from Nature
One of the joys of creating a terrarium is that many of the materials can be found for free in nature. Here’s what you can collect outdoors:
- Pebbles and Rocks: Collect smooth pebbles from a beach or riverbed for your drainage layer and decorations.
- Soil: While it’s generally safer to use store-bought potting mix to avoid pests, you can sterilize garden soil by baking it in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes.
- Moss: Gather different types of moss from shaded areas in forests or your backyard.
- Plants: Some small native plants can be carefully transplanted into your terrarium. Always ensure you’re not removing protected species.
- Wood: Look for interesting pieces of driftwood or small branches to add structure to your terrarium.
It’s normally advised for you to rinse whatever plants or materials you are bringing inside to avoid unwanted pests and mold
Watering and Maintenance
Once your terrarium is set up, it’s time to give it its first watering. A spray bottle is best but you can use a small cup as well. For closed terrariums, you’ll notice condensation forming on the glass – this is normal and part of the water cycle within your mini-ecosystem.
Maintenance for terrariums is generally minimal:
- Watering: Closed terrariums rarely need watering, while open terrariums may require occasional misting.
- Pruning: Trim any overgrown plants to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding.
- Cleaning: Wipe the inside of the glass periodically to maintain visibility.
- Light: Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the container.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best care, terrariums can sometimes face challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Mold Growth: If you notice white fuzzy mold, increase air circulation by opening the lid (for closed terrariums) or using a small fan. Remove affected areas and reduce watering.
- Yellowing Leaves: This could indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Leggy Plants: If plants are stretching towards the light, they may need more illumination. Move the terrarium to a brighter location or consider adding artificial lighting.
- Pest Infestations: Remove affected plants immediately and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Advanced Terrarium Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to explore more advanced terrarium concepts:
- Themed Terrariums: Create miniature landscapes like deserts, tropical rainforests, or even alien planets.
- Bioactive Terrariums: Introduce small creatures like isopods or springtails to create a more complete ecosystem.
- Aquatic Terrariums: Combine land and water elements for a unique paludarium setup.
Managing Expectations
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to terrariums. Take time and experiment and figure out what kind of setup you enjoy. And please know, you will make mistakes. That’s life to be honest. Don’t be discouraged though, you will figure it out. To help with that I left a few links below for inspiration and so you can get involved with the community.
- Serpa Design – Great Youtube channel with tons of tutorials
- Reddit community for Terrarium – This is a great subreddit to share your creations, ask questions, and learn more about the hobby
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