DIY Miniature Terrarium: Create a Tiny Living World

Finished Terrarium

Materials

• Clear glass container with wide opening
• Gloves
• Clean 1/2–3/4″ pebbles
• Bowl
• Dried sphagnum moss
• Dowel for tamping
• Moistened potting soil
• Wooden spoon
• Terrarium plants (ferns, mini philodendrons, palm seedlings)
• Oversize tweezers
• Lichen, stones, driftwood, shells, natural bits
• Figurines (optional)
• Turkey baster or small measuring cup with spout

Step-by-Step

1. Pebble base: 1–2″ layer (adjust for container size).

2. Sphagnum moss: Fully moisten in bowl, wring excess. "Only introduce a certain amount of moisture," says Twig co-owner Katy Maslow.

3. Thin moss layer: Insert into container, tamp with dowel.

4. Soil: Spoon 1″ moistened soil, tamp down.

5. Plant: Unpot mini plants, massage roots, insert with tweezers. Firm into soil. Leave growing room between plants.

6. Fill gaps: Add soil, tamp to secure plants.

7. Decorate: With tweezers, add lichen, stones, twigs, natural objects. Place figurines for your dream scene.

8. Water & seal: Add 1–2 tbsp water via baster/cup. Seal with stopper.