Build Your Own Little World: A Fun Guide to Terrariums
Beginner-friendly guide to building terrariums.
Article By:
Tim Sime, Owner
Jolly Lane Greenhouse
If you’ve ever wanted to bottle up a tiny slice of nature and keep it on your desk, your windowsill, or right next to your favorite cozy reading chair, then welcome to the magical world of terrariums! These miniature ecosystems are charming, low‑maintenance, and endlessly customizable making them perfect for plant lovers, crafty creators, kids, and anyone who can’t resist a tiny world that basically takes care of itself.
What Even Is a Terrarium?
Think of a terrarium as a small, enclosed (or semi open) garden living inside a glass container. It’s like a fish tank but for plants. Typically built with moisture loving species, a terrarium is designed to create its own mini water cycle: moisture evaporates, hits the glass, drips back down, and keeps everything thriving with very little effort from you.
Why Terrariums Are So Much Fun
They’re low maintenance. Set them up, give them the right light, and enjoy. They’re customizable. Want a fairy garden? A mossy forest? A desert moon landscape? Go wild.
They’re great for beginners. You don’t need a green thumb, just a little creativity. They make perfect gifts. Handmade, personal, and guaranteed to get an “Oh wow!” Plus, they look stunning on desks, nightstands, and as decor in nearly any room.
Here’s Your Terrarium Grocery List:
1. Terrarium Container
Closed, open, rounded, geometric, tall, small – Pick the one that matches your vibe and your plant’s needs.
2. Terrarium Soil
A special mix – not your typical potting soil.
3. Gravel or Pebbles
This forms your drainage layer. Terrariums don’t have holes, so this helps prevent your tiny world from turning into a swamp.
4. Charcoal
A sprinkle of charcoal keeps the terrarium fresh by filtering the water and preventing funkiness.
5. Terrarium Tools
Terrarium tools such as long tweezers which you will need to be able to place your plant in its own little world.
6. Plants
The stars of the show!
- Ferns
- Moss
- Miniature Tropicals
- Fittonia
- Baby tears
- Or even succulents
(just go open top!)
7. Fun Add Ins
This is where creativity shines:
- Tiny figurines
- Decorative stones
- Wood pieces
- Fairy lights
- Colorful moss
Whatever your green heart desires…
How to Build Your Terrarium: Step by Step
1. Choose your container.
Closed jars = moisture rich world.
Open bowls = airy habitat.
2. Add your gravel layer.
About an inch or two. This keeps roots from sitting in water.
3. Sprinkle activated charcoal.
A thin layer is all you need to keep things fresh and clean.
4. Add your potting soil.
Enough to comfortably nestle the roots of your chosen plants.
5. Plant your greenery.
Create height variation! Taller plants in the back, ground covers in the front.
6. Decorate like you mean it.
Add stones, figurines, tiny garden paths, whatever sparks joy.
7. Give it a gentle mist.
Just enough to moisten the soil, not drench it.
8. Place in bright, indirect light.
Avoid direct sunlight as tiny greenhouses heat up fast.
And just like that – you’ve created a tiny world of your own.
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