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To make a terrarium, first choose an open container for plants that prefer drier conditions or a covered container for humidity-loving tropical foliage. Then layer drainage material and suitable potting mix, plant species with compatible needs, add only a little water, and place the finished terrarium in bright indirect light. The most important rule is not to overwater: most terrariums have no drainage hole.
Choose an open or closed terrarium
The design determines the moisture conditions, plants, and whether the container needs a cover. An open terrarium allows airflow and suits plants that prefer drier conditions. A closed terrarium retains humidity and suits tropical foliage plants. Avoid combining plants with conflicting moisture needs in one vessel.
| Design | Conditions | Good plant choices | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Air circulates; conditions are generally drier. | Succulents and other plants suited to drier conditions. | No cover is needed. Choose plants that tolerate the light and moisture available in your home. |
| Closed | A cover retains humidity. | Compact tropical foliage such as nerve plant (Fittonia), small ferns, mosses, polka dot plant (Hypoestes), and spikemoss. | Use a lid or cover and watch for excess condensation. See the [Mississippi State University Extension guide](https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/how-design-closed-system-terrarium) for a closed-system example. |
Whichever design you choose, select small, slow-growing plants and check their expected mature size. A plant that fits the container at purchase may later crowd its neighbors or press against the glass.
Gather materials that fit the design
- Clear glass container: Choose one large enough to plant and maintain. A wide opening makes the work easier; a closed design also needs a cover.
- Drainage material: Use washed pebbles, gravel, or expanded clay. Because most terrarium vessels have no drainage hole, the bottom layer does not make overwatering harmless.
- Potting mix: Match it to the plants. For a closed terrarium, the Royal Horticultural Society suggests peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with horticultural grit; other guides describe light or sterilized potting mix. There is no single mix that suits every plant. See the RHS terrarium guidance.
- Optional porous fabric: Place it over the drainage layer to help keep soil from settling between the stones.
- Optional horticultural charcoal: Several guides recommend it, particularly for closed terrariums. University of Florida IFAS suggests a 1/4-inch layer; Mississippi State Extension’s example uses about 1/4 inch of charcoal above about 1 inch of gravel. These are example recommendations, not a universal recipe, and charcoal does not guarantee that a terrarium will avoid mold, odor, or moisture problems.
- Plants and optional decorations: Small plants are essential; moss, clean stones, or wood are optional. Use clean materials, and do not collect plants or moss from protected places or without permission.
- Small tools: A spoon, chopstick, tongs, and mister can help place plants and water, especially through a narrow opening.
Make the terrarium step by step
- Choose the design and plants. Decide between an open, drier setup and a closed, humid one. Select plants with compatible light, moisture, and growing needs.
- Prepare the container. Choose a clear vessel large enough to work in. Add a cover if making a closed terrarium, then wash the container thoroughly and let it dry.
- Add the drainage layer. Put washed pebbles or another suitable drainage material in the bottom. If using porous fabric, lay it over the stones before adding soil.
- Add charcoal if desired, then potting mix. For a closed design, consider a layer of horticultural charcoal above the drainage material. Add enough suitable potting mix to cover the plants’ root balls; the needed depth depends on the container and plants.
- Plant carefully. Make shallow holes, set each plant at its proper depth, and firm the soil around the roots. Leave space for growth and keep foliage from being pressed against the glass.
- Add optional finishing touches. Place clean moss or decorations without crowding the plants. Remove any dead plant matter.
- Water sparingly. Mist or add a small amount of water. Soil should not be saturated: as Mississippi State University Extension notes, water can be added later, but it cannot be drained from a container without a drainage hole. Put the lid on only if the terrarium is meant to be closed.
- Choose a suitable location. Place the finished terrarium in bright indirect light, away from direct sun and heat sources. The RHS recommends at least six hours of bright indirect light a day; avoid interpreting that as permission for direct sunlight.
Care for the terrarium and adjust its moisture
Check the soil and, in a closed terrarium, the condensation rather than following a fixed watering calendar. Some closed terrariums may need water only every three to six months, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, but the interval depends on the plants, soil, and light. Add a little water if the soil is too dry or plants wilt.
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#1 Best Overall
PYEF CRAFTS Terrarium Kit, Succulents & Indoor Plants Set DIY
- COMPLETE DIY PLANTING KIT – NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED — Everything you need to pot any plant or build a self-sustaining glass ecosystem. Just follow the included step-by-step instructions — simple, intuitive, and suitable for all skill levels.
- ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED – JUST BRING YOUR CONTAINER — Kit contains: potting soil, decorative stones, sphagnum moss, activated charcoal, bamboo tweezers, bamboo spoon, and instructions — perfectly dosed for a single project. No waste, no leftovers. (Container & plant not included)
- WORKS WITH ANY PLANT OR CONTAINER — Perfect for terrariums, succulents, cacti, Fittonia, bonsai, moss or any indoor plant. Use a glass jar, vase, bowl or pot — layer the materials your way and create something unique.
- SELF-SUSTAINING OR OPEN PLANTING – YOUR CHOICE — Seal your container for a low-maintenance closed ecosystem with its own water cycle, or use it open for succulents and cacti. One kit, endless possibilities — perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers.
- BEAUTIFUL INDOOR DECORATION & PERFECT GIFT — A stylish addition to any home, living room, or office desk. Makes a unique and creative gift for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and kids of all ages.
If condensation persists
Heavy or persistent condensation indicates excess moisture. Open the cover and let the terrarium vent until the excess moisture evaporates, then close it again if conditions have improved. Do not add water while the soil is already wet.
If leaves die or plants outgrow the space
Remove dead leaves and debris promptly to reduce the risk of mold. Trim or replace plants as they grow; avoid routine fertilizer in a closed terrarium, where encouraging excess growth can lead to crowding sooner.
Rank #2
DUSPRO All-in-One DIY Terrarium Starter Kit, Terrarium Supplies (Medium)
- All-in-one Diy Terrarium Starter Kit: Get the core materials, tools and step-by-step guide needed to start your terrarium project in one box. Includes potting soil, pumice, zeolite, green moss, sphagnum moss, decorative stone, mesh and care tools. Designed for approximately 5–7 inch terrarium jars or containers, depending on container shape and layer thickness. Plants and glass container are not included.
- Beginner-friendly, Layer-by-layer Guide: New to terrariums? Follow the included guide to arrange the drainage substrate, mesh, potting mix, moss and decorative materials step by step. Each layer has a clear purpose, helping first-time builders create an organized terrarium setup with less guesswork.
- Purposeful Materials For Each Layer: Pumice and zeolite create the lower substrate layer, mesh helps separate the potting mix above it, while moss and decorative stone add natural texture and finishing detail. Adjust the amount of each material based on the size, shape and desired layer thickness of your container.
- Made Primarily For Open Terrariums: Designed primarily for open terrarium projects such as succulent, air plant and miniature garden displays. Choose plants with similar light and moisture needs and follow the included care guide for watering. Different plants may require different materials and care routines, so adjust your setup to match the plants you choose.
- A Relaxing & Creative Diy Project: Turn an empty glass container into your own miniature landscape and customize the layers, plants and decorative finish to match your style. The hands-on building experience makes this DIY succulent terrarium kit a relaxing activity for beginners, nature lovers, families and friends, and a thoughtful DIY gift for special occasions.
If the terrarium is exposed to direct sun
Move it to bright indirect light. Heat can build quickly inside glass and damage plants, even when the room itself feels comfortable.
Quick Recap
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Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
LuckyRunes DIY Glass Terrarium Kit with Live Moss & Mini Tools
- COMPLETE DIY TERRARIUM KIT — Create your own miniature botanical display with a coordinated set of materials and tools in one kit. The glass globe, live moss, layering materials, decorative pieces and mini tools give you the essentials to build and personalize your terrarium from the ground up
- REAL LIVE MOSS INCLUDED — Unlike kits built only around decorative or artificial materials, this terrarium set includes real live moss to bring natural texture and color into your finished arrangement. Follow the included care guidance to help the moss recover after shipping and maintain it as part of your terrarium.
- LAYER, BUILD & PERSONALIZE — Arrange the included substrates, sand, gravel, moss and decorative accents to create depth, texture and your own miniature landscape. Mini tools help with placing and adjusting smaller details, making the building process part of the experience rather than simply displaying a finished product.
- GLASS GLOBE DISPLAY — The clear glass globe keeps the miniature arrangement visible from multiple angles, while the coordinated wood base and metal frame create a finished display for desks, shelves, tables and other indoor spaces. The compact design turns the completed terrarium into part of your decor.
- STAND OR HANG — Display the finished terrarium on its wood base or use the included hanging rope for another presentation option. The flexible format makes it easy to incorporate the finished piece into a desk, shelf, tabletop or other indoor display area.
Rank #4
Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit - Educational Science Kits | Screen Free Summer Fun Activities | Gifts for Boys and Girls | Craft and STEM Projects (Ages 6+)
- KIDS GIFTS: Give the gift of creativity! Grow 'N Glow Terrarium is the perfect 7 year old boy and girl gift for kids who love science and working with their hands! Have fun while building creative confidence! Since 1976, Creativity for Kids has proudly made fun and creative experiences today to nurture children's confidence for life. This science kit features kid friendly arts and craft supplies and is recommended for ages 6-8+
- TERRARIUM KIT FOR KIDS: Discover the wonder of nature and science with the Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium! This kids science kit is fun and engaging. This STEM project for kids ages 6-8+ allows you to craft, plant, water, and grow your own mini ecosystem. Just add water to discover a unique educational science experience!
- EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE KITS: Includes everything a young botanist needs to plant and grow their terrarium twice! The complete science and arts and crafts kit for kids ages 6+ features a plastic terrarium jar, potting mix (vermiculite), plenty of quick-growing chia and wheatgrass seeds, glow-in-the-dark forest figurines, and more!
- STEM PROJECTS FOR KIDS: Grow by day, and glow at night! Make your terrarium kit for kids one-of-a-kind with colorful sand, star and constellation stickers that glow in the dark at night. Hold your terrarium up to the light and watch it GLOW! This terrarium kit is the ultimate gift for 6 year old boys and girls
- CRAFTS FOR KIDS: Combine the fun of arts and crafts with science for a creative STEM craft for kids ages 6-8+! Create your own terrarium while learning responsibility and nurturing. Your guaranteed-to-grow terrarium kit will begin to grow in as little as 3-4 days! All seeds are from and packaged in the USA
Rank #3
Sale
Cute Farms Terrarium Starter Kit | Moss, Vermiculite, Soil, Pebbles, Plant Food, Finishing Tools, Build and Care Guide | DIY Succulent Terrarium for Adults and Kids (Large)
- CREATE - Make your own unique terrariums from glass or containers you already have at home. This quick start kit includes a guide to help you get started and the materials needed to make healthy environments for small plants that you add yourself. Just add your own container and plants.
- VALUE - The Large Terrarium Kit includes a 4.5’’x 2.25’’ container of Moss (Reindeer Moss, Forest Moss & Lichen), 4.5’’x 5.75’’ Potting Soil Blended with Activated Charcoal, 4.5”x 2.25” Gardening Vermiculite, 4.5”x 1.75” Pea Pebbles & River Stones, 1 oz fl Plant Food, Bamboo Tongs, Natural Hair Brush, (3) Miniature Dinos, Succulent Care Guide, Build & Care Guide, and Cute Farms Sticker. Save when compared to buying individual materials.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS - The included Moss mix is preserved, and it will keep looking fresh without any maintenance for a long time. The beautiful bright moss colors are the perfect finishing touch to any terrarium. The Blended Potting Soil increases drainage abilities while allowing airflow, and it's a perfect mix of nutrients. Charcoal is added for its natural ability to retain nutrients. Our Fine Grade Horticultural Vermiculite soil amendment provides the right amount of water drainage.
- UNIQUE GIFT IDEA - Do you know someone who loves plants? Our Large Terrarium Kit is a perfect idea for all nature lovers. Perfect for kids, adults, family projects, team events, or as a gift idea. Whether you’re looking for a housewarming gift or just want to bring extra greenery into your home, a terrarium is an ideal present.
- USA MADE - Our terrarium kits are made and packed in the USA to ensure quality. If you don’t absolutely love our Terrarium Starter Kit we’ll refund your entire purchase amount within 30 days. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: How to Create and Care for a Terrarium
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Plants and Youth: Designing and Building a Terrarium
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Make your own terrarium
- Mississippi State University Extension Service: How to Design a Closed-System Terrarium
- Royal Horticultural Society: Terrariums and Bottle Gardens
- Oregon State University Extension Service: Tiny gardens, big impact: how to make (and care for) a terrarium
- Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Build a Terrarium
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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