Building a Terrarium in a Fish Bowl: Basics for Beginners

Fish Bowl Terrarium: A Challenging but Rewarding Project

Terrariums without drainage are advanced—watering precision is critical. If you're new to houseplants, start with potted plants first.

If You Proceed: Layer by Layer

1. Drainage layer: 1/2 inch gravel or LECA (clay pebbles).
2. Barrier: Cut landscape fabric or fiberglass screen to fit; prevents soil mixing into gravel.
3. Substrate: 2–3 inches sterile, peat-based potting mix (no garden soil).
4. Plants: Small, slow-growing, humidity-loving: Fittonia, Pilea, small ferns, mosses, Peperomia. Avoid succulents/cacti.
5. Decor: Stones, driftwood, figurines.

Light & Watering

• Light: Bright indirect only. Never direct sun—glass magnifies heat, cooks plants.
• Water: Mist lightly when soil surface looks dry. Better to underwater. If water pools in gravel, you've overdone it—remove lid (if any) to evaporate.
• Lid: Optional. Closed = less watering, more condensation. Open = more airflow, less mold risk.

Recommended Resource

Get a terrarium book (e.g., "The New Terrarium" by Tovah Martin) for design ideas and troubleshooting.