Terrariums are the perfect way to bring a touch of nature into your home or office, plus they make a stunning gift for the plant lover in your life. Not only do they provide a magnificent and low-maintenance way to bring life and colour into any space, but they also offer a wide range of benefits.
Learning how to make a terrarium from scratch is a great way to bring the outdoors inside. It's a fun and easy project, and with a little bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a beautiful mini garden of your own. With the right love and attention, terrariums become beautiful mini ecosystems, providing the ideal environment for plants to grow and thrive within their little world.
Learn How to Make a Terrarium of Your Own
Here at Flower & Twig, we have a range of handy DIY kits that show you how to make a terrarium, with everything you need to get started. Join us as we share tips on how to make a terrarium, the best ways to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, and how to keep yours thriving for years to come.
Selecting the Perfect Container
When learning how to make a terrarium, the first thing you need to do is select the jar or container it will live in. Your choice will have a big impact on the overall look, so it's important to take your time and choose wisely.
If you're limited on space, you might want to consider a small, closed-top container that will fit nicely on your desk or shelf. If you’re wondering how to make a large terrarium, consider a wider, taller box that allows for good viewing.
You also need to consider what your container will be made of. From glass to plastic, ceramic to metal, there is no shortage of options. We’ve even seen DIY terrariums made of wooden picture frames glued together to form a beautiful, rustic casing! The possibilities are endless.
Now you have your vessel, it’s time to fill it with life.
Choosing the Right Plants and Materials
When choosing plants and materials to make a terrarium, there are a few things you need to take into account:
- Plants: The plants you choose will largely depend on the look you want to create. Check out our Closed Greta Forest DIY Kit for inspiration. For something different, to create a desert terrarium, choose plants that are able to withstand dry conditions, such as succulents. To create a tropical style, choose plants that thrive in humid conditions, such as ferns or Syngoniums.
- Soil: The type of soil you need will again depend on the type of environment you're creating. Succulents require a well-draining soil, whereas tropical plants love fluffier soil that retains moisture.
- Decorations: Last but not least are the decorations. From rocks to figurines, crystals to sand, these are completely up to you and add a nice finishing touch to your mini garden.
Once you have your materials lined up, it’s time to assemble them. Some might argue this is the most fun part of the journey! Read on to discover how to look after your mini garden so you can enjoy it for years to come.
How to Make a Terrarium Garden
In just a few easy steps, you’ll learn how to make a terrarium in no time!
- First, wash your glass container with warm, soapy water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Rinse the pebbles to remove any dust. Then place a thin 1 cm layer of pebbles at the base to form an area for the water to drain into. We recommend using a rolled up A4 page as a funnel to guide the substrates in if needed. This is handy for jars with narrow tops.
- Sprinkle a very thin 1 cm layer of activated charcoal on top of the pebbles to help filter the water.
- Soak the base layer moss in water for 20 seconds, then squeeze out the excess water. Pat it down firmly on top of the charcoal to create a barrier and stop the terrarium mix from washing down to the bottom layers.
- Add a little terrarium mix. We want to keep the layers as low as possible so the plants have lots of room to grow. Carefully place the plants into position, then fill around them with the remaining terrarium mix.
- For the final finishing touches, add a layer of decorative items eg. pebbles, sand and moss.
Make sure to give each plant about 30ml of water. Congratulations – your terrarium is now complete!
You can also view our handy video guide here.
Tips for Maintenance and Care
Now that we know terrariums are a great way to bring a bit of nature into your home, and that they're relatively low maintenance, here are some tips on how to look after yours:
- Watering: These little beauties don't need a lot of water, only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid over-watering to prevent issues like mould and mildew.
- Lighting: For your mini garden to thrive, ensure it gets bright, indirect light. If you see your plants stretching toward the light, move them to a brighter spot and watch your mini garden flourish.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to prevent overcrowding. Cut off any dead or dying leaves and stems and remove any foliage that shades other parts of the plant.
By following these simple tips, you’ll know how to make a terrarium and care for it properly so it lasts for years to come, bringing a touch of life and serenity to your space every day.
Shop Our Range of Stunning Terrarium Kits and Build Your Own Today
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, plant lover, or homeowner wanting to jazz up your space, or a gift shopper on the hunt for something extra special, shop our exclusive range of kits today. We also host online classes to show you how to make a terrarium of your own, so you’ll become a green-fingered guru in no time.
From gift cards to decorations, and tools to substrates, Flower & Twig Nursery is your home for truly magical DIY terrarium kits. For more information, contact us today.