How To Make a Terrarium

By: Kerry Michaels

You can make a terrarium in less than an hour. Making terrariums can be quick, easy and doesn't have to be expensive. To save money, shop discount stores, flea markets or consignment shops, where you can find really cheap yet great looking glass containers, jars or even goldfish bowls. The plants you’ll use are generally small houseplants, which often only cost a couple of bucks each, so the whole project, depending on the size of your jars, can be made for well under $20. Terrariums also make wonderful and impressive gifts, even for people who consider themselves plant-challenged.

•  Glass containers with or without tops

•  Gravel, sea glass or beach stones

•  Activated charcoal (found at a nursery or pet supply store)

•  Terrarium plants

•  Sterile potting mix

•  Moss (optional)

•  Decorative elements (optional)

You can really use anything for a terrarium, as long as it is glass. You can even use heavy plastic, but I prefer the look and feel of glass.

For your terrarium, look for a jar or container with a wide mouth. While it is possible to use something with a small opening, it is much easier to add plants if your container has a wide mouth. Also, keep in mind that ideally you don’t want your plants touching the sides of your jar; so the wider the bowl the more plants and soil you’ll be able to fit.

Also, keep in mind, if you use a large container, you will have a greater choice of types and size plants you can use as well as the option of fitting in decorative elements, such as shells, figurines or ornaments.

I found these jars that are perfect for terrariums at a discount store - all cost $7.00 or less. I chose them because I wanted to make an arrangement of three terrariums that would sit on a corner table.

When choosing terrarium plants, make sure they are small enough to fit in your container, preferably without touching the sides. You'll also want to buy plants that don’t mind a humid environment. This leaves out most succulents and cactus.

However, if you have your heart set on succulents, you can make beautiful terrariums with these plants, but you will want to make a topless terrarium and add clean, course sand to your potting mix.

When considering terrarium plants, look for plants that like low to medium light. I also try to get a mix of sizes, leaf textures and leaf colors.

Here's a list of possible terrarium plants. Lots of others will work, but these are some of my favorites.

Your container will not have drainage holes in the bottom so you’ll want to create a place for extra water to go that keeps it away from your plants’ roots. I often put a layer of sheet moss in the bottom of my terrarium to soak up extra water. I also like the way it looks.

If you don't have moss, you can also start a layer of stones. Put at least 2” layer of stones in the bottom (you do have some flexibility with this if your container is shallow).

Next, using a large a spoon, add an ¼ to ½ inch layer of activated charcoal on top of the stones. The purpose of this is to help drainage and control any odor that might occur. More