Make Your Own Terrariums

 

Terrariums are making a comeback in home décor. Gone are the octagonal mirrored terrariums. They have been replaced by sleak apothecary jars, tall cylinders and lidded glass vessels (to name just a few shapes.)

Twig Terrariums has an amazing array of beautiful ready made terrariums or DIY kits for sale! Some of them have stunning details, right down to a little miniature person inside the lush world. The terrarium below sells for $200.

If you want to create your own version that is a little more budget friendly, it isn’t hard to do. In fact you can get some plants from a local nursery or as close as your own backyard!

Materials:

  • Glass container (with or without a lid)
  • Small decorative pebbles or pea gravel
  • Potting soil
  • Live Moss
  • Terrarium plants (small shade loving plants)
  • Potting shovel
  • Water

1. Clean your glass container with soap and water and dry it.

2. Add a layer of gravel or decorative pebbles to the bottom of your glass container.

 

3. Add a layer of potting soil. No need to level it.

 

4. Collect your plants and think through the plant placement in your head.

 

5. Gently remove a plant from the pot.

If it is root bound (all the roots are wound tightly around the bottom) gently tease some of the roots free and break apart the roots at the bottom of the plant.

 

6. Insert your plants into the soil.

Put taller plants at the back and the shorter ones in the front so you can see all the plants.

 

7. Cover the soil with moss. You can cut or tear pieces to fit flush with the edge of the terrarium.

8. Fill your terrarium and let the water soak in. The water should reach the top of the rocks. Check the water level a few times a week and be sure to refill when the water gets low. If your terrarium has a lid you won’t have to water as often as a lidless variety.

 

9. Add any decorative embellishments like these faux mushrooms (tutorial HERE)…

…or my sons’ favorite, a little plastic dinosaur!

Terrariums make the perfect year round accessory. I have them prominently featured in my living room along with some other natural elements.

This version was made entirely with plants that I have growing in my shade bed. Small ferns, arugula and creeping ground covers. Plus, I added a few round pebbles for visual interest.

I might pick up a tiny person or two at a hobby shop next time I’m near one. Anyone seen any that look like the characters in “Land of the Lost” heh, heh, heh!


In the meantime, I’m loving my cost effective terrarium. Yes, terrarium singular, because the cylinder terrarium was a gift for our friends who dog sat for us.


I almost wouldn’t be surprised to see a fairy take up residence in one.

I’ve been busy working on some more projects to show you, so hang tight and check back soon! 😉 In the meantime, I hope you have a fabulous weekend and are enjoying Fall!

 

44 replies
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  1. JAMES R.
    JAMES R. says:

    These are just absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

    I have a Q.

    I have a blue tinted, 5 gallon water bottle(like the commercial water bottles that get delivered to different places of business)….

    The cap at the top is missing, but otherwise, this bottle is in pristine condition.

    I want to make a terrarium out of it, but there is no way I will ever get the plants, etc., thru that tiny top hole…

    How do I cut a hole in the side, and what is the maximum size for this hole?

    I hate to bother you with my Q, but I know not how to do this…

    Reply
  2. pauline
    pauline says:

    Hi,
    this is really cute. Am going to try it very soon.
    What is the name of the green plant we see on pictures 5&6.
    I have one at home but do not know the name.
    I wanna check how best divide it to use it in the terrarium.
    Thanks!
    Pauline

    Reply
  3. Ciara
    Ciara says:

    This is an amazing tutorial, I’ve always wanted to make one!
    But where can I find little plants like that? And the moss?

    Reply

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  6. […] this link for super simple instructions to make the gorgeous terrariums above. All you need is a glass […]

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