To start a terrarium, first decide whether you want a humid, closed setup or an airy, open one. That choice determines which plants to use, how to build the vessel and how often to check its moisture. Then follow these five steps: choose a container, match plants to its conditions, prepare the growing medium, plant, and water sparingly.
1. Choose an open or closed terrarium and a suitable vessel
A closed terrarium has a lid that helps retain humidity and moisture, making it a fit for compact tropical foliage. An open terrarium loses moisture more readily and suits plants that prefer drier conditions, including many succulents and cacti. The distinction matters: the two styles call for different plants and different moisture checks.
| Feature | Closed terrarium | Open terrarium |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity and airflow | Retains humidity and moisture | More airflow; moisture escapes more readily |
| Plant types | Compact tropical foliage, such as small ferns, fittonia, peperomia and moss | Plants that tolerate drier air, including many succulents and cacti |
| Vessel | Clear container with a lid | Clear container with an open top |
| Moisture monitoring | Water sparingly; watch condensation | Check moisture more often because it dries faster |
Whichever style you choose, use a clean, clear vessel with an opening wide enough to place plants and reach the growing medium. A larger container is generally easier to balance than a very small one. A lid is useful for a closed setup; for an open one, leave the top uncovered.
2. Choose plants with compatible needs
Plants sharing a terrarium should have similar light and moisture requirements. Mixing a humidity-loving fern with a plant that prefers dry conditions makes it harder to keep both healthy. Choose compact, slow-growing plants, especially for a small container, and check their mature size so they will not quickly outgrow the space.
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- 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.
- For closed terrariums: consider small ferns, fittonia, peperomia and moss.
- For open terrariums: consider succulents or cacti that suit the brighter, drier conditions.
3. Clean the vessel and prepare the growing medium
Wash the container and let it dry before adding a light potting medium appropriate for your plants. Keep the build simple: excess water is a more important beginner risk than a lack of gravel at the bottom.
Do you need rocks or pebbles at the bottom?
Guidance differs. The University of Florida IFAS Extension terrarium guide and the Royal Horticultural Society include a gravel or other drainage layer in their instructions. By contrast, Oregon State University Extension Service advises against stones at the bottom because water can pool there, and University of Minnesota Extension notes the perched-water-table concern and that some gardeners skip pebbles.
Rank #2
- 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.
A layer of stones does not create a drain hole: in a vessel without drainage, water can still collect beneath the soil. If you choose to include gravel or another layer, treat it as one construction option, not a substitute for careful watering. Recipe depths also vary by source rather than forming one required standard: UF/IFAS gives a minimum 1/2-inch gravel or sand layer; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach suggests 2 inches of gravel, pebbles or perlite; Oregon State suggests 1 to 1½ inches of horticultural charcoal and 3 to 4 inches of potting mix. Those are source-specific examples, not measurements to combine.
Charcoal is optional. Some guides include horticultural charcoal for odor or runoff; it is not essential to every build.
Rank #3
- 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.
4. Plant and arrange the terrarium
Make small holes in the medium, set each plant in place and gently firm the medium around its roots. Keep soil off the glass so you can see the plants and monitor moisture. With a narrow opening, long tweezers or a chopstick can help position plants. Decorations are optional; leave room for plants to grow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Water lightly and choose the right location
Add only a small amount of water at first, especially in a closed terrarium. University of Florida IFAS Extension puts the key caution plainly: “Water plants sparingly since excess water will saturate the soil and kill the plant roots.” A closed glass container should sit in bright, indirect light, not direct sun. Excessive condensation is a cue to air out the container or wipe the glass. Remove dead leaves promptly.
Rank #4
- COMPLETE DIY TERRARIUM KIT – NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED — Everything you need to build your own self-sustaining glass ecosystem, all in one box. Just follow the included step-by-step instructions — simple, intuitive, and suitable for all skill levels.
- BEAUTIFUL INDOOR DECORATION & PERFECT GIFT — A stylish accent piece for your home, living room, or office desk. Makes a unique and creative gift for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and kids of all ages.
- ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED – NOTHING TO BUY SEPARATELY — Kit contains: glass jar with cork lid (34 fl oz / 1L), coconut soil, decorative stones, sphagnum moss, activated charcoal, bamboo tweezers, bamboo spoon, and cultivation instructions — all pre-measured to fit the included jar perfectly. (Plant not included)
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE – CREATE YOUR OWN ECOSYSTEM — Choose the plant you love and design your own unique miniature garden. Best suited for: Fittonia, mini Fern, Tillandsia (air plant), or Moss. Layer the materials your way and make it truly yours.
- SELF-SUSTAINING CLOSED ECOSYSTEM — Once sealed, the terrarium creates its own water cycle through condensation and evaporation, requiring minimal watering. A living decoration that takes care of itself — perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers.
Open terrariums lose more moisture than closed ones, so check them more often and water when needed rather than following a fixed schedule. The right interval depends on the vessel, plants and conditions; the guidance here does not establish a universal watering timetable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium Terrarium Supplies, MADE IN THE USA, Our starter kits Have The Key Ingredients to get you going.
- Soil - Our bioactive soil is THE BEST. MADE IN USA. IT’s full of composted pine bark. This is the cadillac of plant food. Full of bioactive life. This helps soil and roots remain healthy. Imported Soils are STERILIZED. Perfect Succulent Soil.PH balanced.
- Our Kits come with Charcoal, U.S. Pea Gravel Gems, Activated Charcoal, And Preserved Moss. Expensive to buy alone!
- Great for adult terrariums, or snail terrariums. Our soils have no additives. Just full of hearty natural ingredients.
- USA MADE: TerraGreen Creations Is the Original Terrarium Kit company. We have sold Tens of thousands of kits since 2016! IF you Are Not Happy. Let us know and we will refund your order.
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