If houseplants bring you joy, why not take your indoor gardening to the next level with a terrarium?
These miniature greenhouses create a perfect environment for growing a variety of tropical plants, succulents, or cacti. Terrariums can capture a miniature ecosystem in nature while adding a striking and artistic touch to your home.
While there are many ways to create a terrarium, below will provide you with some basic tools and inspiration to start your own terrarium adventure!

Choosing a Container
Terrarium containers are typically all glass with either an open or closed top. A closed terrarium is best for creating a tropical humid ecosystem while an open top gives the opportunity for cacti and succulents to thrive. Both options create their own microclimate, but the open top allows for more evaporation, reducing the risk of soggy soil, root rot, and mold. Repurposed items like old fish bowls or mason jars can work perfectly, just be sure to sanitize the glass before use.
Our garden center carries a beautiful variety of containers to choose from, offering both functional and decorative options.

Soils and Layers
Terrariums often include multiple layers such as coarse gravel, moss, charcoal, and soil. While not strictly necessary for a healthy biome, these layers can enhance the aesthetics and help with drainage and filtration. The most important component is the soil. If you opt to include layers, make sure to leave enough room for at least 2 inches of soil to give plant roots ample space to grow.
Building Your Terrarium
1. Layers; Add the layers in the following order. Note that you can skip any of these layers except the soil.
- Drainage Layer – Start with coarse gravel or small rocks.
- Moss Layer – This prevents soil from seeping into the drainage layer.
- Charcoal Layer – Helps filter the air and water, keeping the terrarium smelling fresh.
- Soil Layer – Add at least 2 inches of soil for plant roots.
2. Plants; Use your fingers or small tools to create a depression in the soil. Gently nestle your plants in place and cover the roots with a layer of soil. If a root ball is too large, gently trim or divide it. Don’t be afraid to clip foliage to fit your container. If you want to add hardscaping elements such as dried wood and stones, it is best to add them before placing your plants.
3. Finishing Touches; Once your plants and decorations are in place, make sure they are covered with a light layer of soil. add decorative rocks, sticks or fun elements like figurines. It’s also rewarding to bring in your own touch of nature. It’s amazing what you can find while enjoying the great outdoors.
4. Misting; For a closed tropical environment, mist the inside walls and plants lightly with a spray mister to provide initial moisture. Mist open containers with succulents and cacti initially, but overall, they will need very little water.

Caring for Your Terrarium
A well-designed terrarium can be surprisingly low maintenance! These miniature ecosystems are largely self-sufficient, but some care may be needed:
- Light; Place your terrarium in bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can quickly overheat the container.
- Water; If you notice water pooling in the drainage layer, open the lid (if covered) or gently dry the interior with a cloth. Overwatering can lead to mold and plant decline.
- Pruning; Trim plants as needed to maintain their size and appearance. Some may outgrow the space and can be divided or replanted into their own container.
Supplies at Our Garden Center
Everything you need to create your own terrarium can be found at our garden center, from containers and tools to plants and decorative elements. Whether you are creating a simple setup or designing an intricate tropical paradise, we have the supplies to help you build your own miniature ecosystem. A terrarium is the perfect project for any day, bringing the joy of indoor plants to the next level in your home.