How to Make a Terrarium
Crafts

How to Make a Terrarium

HW
Howdy· Apr 1, 2026
0 of 5 done

Choose your container

Any clear glass container works — a geometric terrarium, fish bowl, large jar, or cloche. Closed terrariums suit moisture-loving plants like ferns and moss. Open terrariums suit succulents and cacti.

glass containercleaning cloth

Add drainage layer

Pour a 3–5cm layer of horticultural pebbles or gravel into the bottom of the container. This prevents roots from sitting in water. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top to keep the terrarium fresh.

horticultural pebblesactivated charcoalspoon or funnel

Add soil

Add 5–8cm of appropriate potting mix. Use moisture-retaining mix for tropical plants or fast-draining cactus mix for succulents.

potting mix suitable for your plantstrowel or spoon

Plant and arrange

Remove plants from their pots and gently loosen the roots. Use a chopstick or long tweezers to dig small holes and position plants. Start with the largest plant and fill in with smaller ones and moss.

tweezers or chopsticksmall plants (ferns, moss, succulents)decorative moss

Decorate and maintain

Add decorative stones, miniature figurines, or driftwood. Mist lightly with water. For closed terrariums: water sparingly every 2–4 weeks. For open terrariums with succulents: water once every 1–2 weeks.

spray bottledecorative stones or figurineslong tweezers for maintenance
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How to Make a Terrarium — Howdy