Terrariums: Guide to Creating Miniature Indoor Gardens

Terrariums

Terrariums are self-contained miniature gardens in glass—perfect for small spaces, kids, and plant lovers. They create their own humid microclimate, ideal for ferns, mosses, fittonias, and small tropicals. Open terrariums suit succulents and air plants. Kits with charcoal, moss, and glass make starting easy.

Types of Terrariums

• Closed: Sealed, high humidity. For tropicals (ferns, mosses, peperomias). Water rarely.
• Open: Airflow. For succulents, cacti, air plants. Water sparingly.

Essential Layers (Bottom to Top)

1. Drainage: gravel/pebbles (1–2 in)
2. Charcoal: activated (thin layer) – filters water, prevents odor
3. Barrier: sphagnum moss or landscape fabric
4. Soil: appropriate mix (tropical or cactus)
5. Plants: choose small, slow-growing, similar needs
6. Decor: moss, stones, figurines

Care

• Light: Bright indirect. No direct sun (cooks plants).
• Water: Closed: mist when dry (weeks/months). Open: water sparingly at base.
• Pruning: Trim to maintain size.
• Cleaning: Wipe glass inside/out.

Plant Suggestions

• Closed: Fittonia, Pilea, ferns, mosses, creeping fig, peperomia.
• Open: Haworthia, Echeveria, air plants, small cacti, sedums.