Are you interested in testing out your green thumb? Do you enjoy making craft decorating items? If so, then this article is just for you. If you wish to have a garden but you do not have the required space, then surely, you’ll need a DIY Terrarium.
These mini gardens are super fun and easy to create and are perfect for adding up to the beauty of indoor space. Not only DIY terrariums are decorative and beautiful, but they also require less and easy care. It’s just a win-win situation. Whether you are searching for a decor item or a creative gift idea, these mini tabletops will be perfect for both.
You must be wondering if it’s easy to create or how to create a DIY terrarium, aren’t you? Then do not worry much! A DIY Terrarium is super easy and simple to create. Further in this blog, we will be discussing everything about a Terrarium, what exactly it is, how is it made, what is it used for and what are its benefits to everything else. Just keep reading and by the end of this blog, you’ll be fully aware of each and everything about a Terrarium along with its making. So, before we move further, let’s first know what a Terrarium is.
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What is a Terrarium?
Basically, a Terrarium is a small or mini garden kept inside the house. It’s a collection of the small and little plants kept inside an enclosed environment. The containers of the Terrarium are generally transparent and big enough so that the gardener can have access to the plants inside them. The most interesting thing about creating a Terrarium on your own is that you get to create which you’ll boast about forever because it’s just a great idea. We will be discussing how to create and care for it further but before that let’s make sure what supplies you’ll need to make a terrarium?
What supplies do you need to make a Terrarium?
You can make your personal beautiful Terrarium in about an hour. In order to get this done you will need specific materials to get this done. I have provided you a list of the materials you should have beforehand.
Also, if your interested in fairy gardens, check out this article. How to Build Your Own Fairy Garden: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Glass Vessel
A glass vessel is the very first and important thing you’ll need to make a Terrarium. There are plenty of designs and varieties of vessels available in the market, you can buy any vessel that you love. But keep in mind to buy a vessel that is transparent so you can have a clear view of the garden.
Stones or Pebbles
Now, to decorate the Terrarium and to make it look natural, you’ll need some small cute stones and or pebbles. These stones not only enhance the look of the Terrarium but also, they are useful in making the base of the terrarium and they are used to assure that the extra water doesn’t stay in the soil.
Activated Charcoal
To keep the water in the Terrarium fresh and bacteria-free, you’ll need a small amount of activated charcoal. Also, for more information on charcoals, check out this article here. Terrarium Charcoal: What’s best and is it needed? Here’s the Deal
Plants or Greenery
Would a Terrarium be Terrarium without greenery and plants? Absolutely not! You’ll need various plants to put in your Terrarium. So, choose a few plants such as mini cacti, succulents, air plants, and many other such plants. But make sure to pick those plants which can fit easily in your mini garden.
Potting Soil
Another important item you’ll need is potting soil so put a small layer of potting soil in your Terrarium. The type of soil your terrarium needs depends on the type of plants you need to put in it. For instance, if you are going to plant cacti or other succulents then there are special mixes of soil available especially for it. For more information about what soils to use click here.
Lighting
As with all plants, they all need a certain amount of lighting to grow and stay healthy. Many times when your light source is to high or to low, you may run into undesirable conditions. To read more, about proper lighting, check out our article. Outdoorgardenaccessories.com/how to properly light a terrarium: artificial vs natural lighting/
Garden Tools
Other than the supplies listed above, you’ll need some other small gardening tools to fix up everything in your Terrarium easily. Moreover, these small tools will help you in putting everything at its place.
- Funnel– Various sizes available
- Colander- Used to wash your stones or pebbles before you put them in.
- Spoon/Scoop- Helps you dig depressions in your charcoal to put your plant and helps you add your rocks or pebbles.
- Scissors- A pair of long handled will be better to help you prune your plants so they can stay healthy.
- Tweezers/Tongs- A pair of long handled tweezers or tongs will help you remove dead leaves or unwanted insects.
- Spray Bottle- A small spray bottle with a misting pattern is the best to use when you are watering your plants, so you won’t over water.
Which plants are the best for your terrarium?
When selecting a plant, you must keep in mind to select such plants that can survive and handle the humidity of the Terrarium. Here is a list of some good plants to choose from:
- Nerve Plant
- Air Plant
- Moon Valley
- Friendship Plant
- Watermelon Peperomia
- Starfish Flower Cactus
- Baby Tears Plant
- Golden Clubmoss
- Spiderwort
- African Violet
- Strawberry Begonia
Once you have all your supplies you can begin to make your Decorative Garden or DIY Terrarium. Let’s not delay and move on towards the step by step tutorial I have provided for you.
How to make a Terrarium: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1. Coat the bottom with a thick layer of 1.5 inches with small stones or pebbles.
The very first step of making a Terrarium is to layer its bottom using small stones and/or pebbles. This layer will work as drainage.
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of activated charcoal.
After layering the bottom with pebbles/stones, make sure to apply a very thin layer of activated charcoal to it. This layer will help the water in the terrarium to stay fresh, also it will keep the bacteria and germs away.
Step 3. Put a 2 ½ inches layer of potting soil deep enough to cover up the roots.
When you’re done applying a thin layer of activated soil and layering the bottom with stones/pebbles, you will have to add a layer of soil to your Terrarium. Make sure to apply a layer of 2 ½ inches deep so that it can totally cover up the roots.
Step 4. Now to add small plants.
Finally, here comes the time to place the plants in the Terrarium. Make sure to put the largest plant first, remove it from the container, prune the roots, and repot it into the Terrarium. Make sure your depression is deep enough for your roots. If you are putting cacti or any type of prickly plant, make sure you are wearing some gloves for your protection.
Step 5. Put a layer of Pebbles/Stones.
When you’re done with all the steps, you can put a layer of pebbles/stones around the inside of your terrarium. Layer the corners and borders to give it a decorative look. If you wish to add more beauty to your Terrarium, then add some little trinkets.
How to take proper care of your Terrarium?
To properly care for you Terrarium you will need to provide it with water and sunlight. Make sure to add water to the terrarium every two weeks and whenever you feel like the soil is drying out. Most importantly, you should keep your terrarium at a place where it gets enough sunlight and brightness.
You can also buy DIY Terrarium Kits!
Just in case you don’t want to create a Terrarium, then you can also buy a ready-made Terrarium kit. You can easily find it online on Amazon or buying offline is also an action. But if you wish to have great options and a wide variety of terrarium at affordable prices then you can buy online. You will get many offers and the beautiful variety of terrariums available there.
Conclusion
Voila! We’re done making a DIY Terrarium. It’s super easy, fun, and creative, isn’t it? So, tighten up your sleeves, get your supplies, and get creative to decorate your room or to enhance your skills!
