Terrariums are a cool way to bring nature inside your home or office. They are a cute decoration on any table or desk. Terrariums are easy to take care of and require very minimal watering.
Materials Needed:
- A clear glass jar, vase, bowl, or glass
- Rocks, pebbles or recycled crushed glass
- Activated charcoal (sometimes called activated carbon)
- Potting soil appropriate for your plants
- Moss (optional)
- Figurines, sticks or decorative items (optional)
- Various small plants
Step 1. Prepare the container
A great place to get your container is the thrift store. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove all stickers from the container.
Step 2. Add a drainage layer
Once the container is ready, fill the bottom with rocks or pebbles. This is to create drainage layer so water can settle and keep the plant from flooding. The depth of the rocks depends on the size of your container, but aim for 1/2″ to 2″.
Step 3. Add Activated Charcoal
This will help keep the bacteria from growing in your terrarium and keep your plants healthy.
Step 4. Add soil
Place a layer of soil down next. Be sure to get the appropriate type of soil depending on the variety of plants you are using. Add enough soil so the plant roots will have plenty of room to grow. Aim for a depth slightly greater than the height of the plant’s pot.
Step 5. Plant Away!
When taking plants out of their original containers, you will want to break off all the old soil clinging to the roots. Feel free to trim some of the roots back as they will grow back new and healthy. Continue placing your little plants in the container while trying to avoid placing them near the edges of the container. Once your plants are inside, pack them down with more soil, so they are sturdy in the dirt.
Step 6. Accessorize!
Get creative – add decorative twigs, rock or moss to complete the look.
Step 7. Clean and Water
You can clean the dirt off the sides of your terrarium and give it a fresh spritz of H20. Just a few sprays of water should to the trick – enough so the dirt is damp to the touch. Watering every other day or when the dirt looks dry should be plenty for the plants.
If you’re really feeling crafty, check out these pieces of jewelry made of living plants!
