How to Make a Terrarium: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to make a terrarium with simple steps, plant ideas, and care tips to create a thriving mini ecosystem at home.

I love growing houseplants, but I’m also realistic about wanting them to fit my lifestyle and my home. Terrariums are one of my favorite low-maintenance ways to care for plants while adding beauty and interest to a space. With so many styles and container options available, it’s easy to create a terrarium that feels personal and practical.

I regularly use terrariums for plant cuttings or to help humidity-loving plants recover when they aren’t thriving in my home. The controlled environment allows plants to flourish with very little upkeep, making terrariums perfect for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike.

If you’re new to growing indoor plants, understanding the basics of houseplant care makes creating a terrarium even easier, especially when it comes to light, watering, and humidity. For more information about caring for you plants, please visit my Houseplant Care Guide

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A row of glass jars containing layered terrariums with various plants and mosses, displayed on a shelf in a greenhouse. In the background, potted plants and a glass sphere terrarium are visible.

Types of Terrariums

Before you begin, it’s important to understand that there are two main types of terrariums.

Closed Terrariums

These create a self-regulating environment where moisture continuously cycles through evaporation and condensation. They require minimal watering and are ideal for tropical plants that thrive in humidity.

I found the prettiest terrarium for my living room that is shaped like a house. It is a closed terrarium, but can be opened up for ventilation.

Open Terrariums

These terrariums have an open top, allowing for greater air circulation and evaporation. They require more frequent watering and are suitable for plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents and cacti.

A glass terrarium bowl contains various green plants and white pebbles, displayed on a wooden surface. Nearby, there is an artificial plant arrangement in a human head-shaped pot, partially visible in the background.

Gathering Your Supplies

Once you’ve decided on the type of terrarium you want to create, it’s time to gather your supplies:

Clear Glass Container: Choose a container with a wide opening for easy planting and a clear surface for maximum light penetration. I found this gorgeous greenhouse terrarium and wanted to style it in my space.
Drainage Layer: Small pebbles or gravel create a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging and root rot. These pebbles are the ones I used.
Activated Charcoal (Optional): A thin layer of charcoal helps filter impurities and prevent mold growth.
Potting Mix: Select a well-draining potting mix suitable for the type of plants you choose.
Plants: Choose plants with similar light and moisture requirements.
Decorative Elements (Optional): Small stones, figurines, or moss can add personality to your terrarium.
Tools: A small trowel, long tweezers, and a spray bottle will be helpful for planting and watering.

A vintage wooden cabinet sits by a staircase with white railings. On the cabinet are decorative items: a glass terrarium, a potted plant, framed floral art, and baskets. A patterned rug is on the wooden floor, and greenery adds a fresh touch.

Building Your Terrarium

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Create the Drainage Layer

Add a layer of pebbles or gravel to the bottom of your container, about 1-2 inches deep. This will ensure proper drainage.

A glass and turquoise metal terrarium with its lid open sits on a table, partially filled with small pebbles. Nearby is a potted plant, and a cozy living room setting is visible in the background.

Step 2: Add Charcoal (Optional)

If using, sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the drainage layer.

A hand holding a bag of char bliss Premium Quality Biochar soil conditioner, labeled as 100% pure organic and OMRI listed, with indoor and outdoor use indicated. A glass container with pebbles is in the background.

Step 3: Add Potting Mix

Pour a layer of potting mix over the drainage layer, ensuring enough depth for the plants’ roots.

A close-up of a glass terrarium filled with dark, moist soil, ready for planting. The terrarium sits on a wooden surface, and light reflects off the glass panels. — Added the activated charcoal before the soil

A glass and metal tabletop greenhouse with soil inside sits on a wooden table in a cozy, sunlit living room with plants, a rug, and a fireplace in the background.

Step 4: Plant Your Terrarium

Carefully remove your chosen plants from their pots and gently loosen the roots. Arrange them in the potting mix, leaving enough space for growth.

A small glass terrarium with a weathered teal frame sits on a wooden surface, containing soil and a few small green plants. — Added some plants

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Enhance your terrarium with decorative elements like moss, stones, or figurines.

Step 5: Watering

Lightly mist the terrarium with water, adjusting the amount based on the type of terrarium and plants.

A cozy living room with a dark leather sofa, cream and patterned pillows, a large indoor plant, wooden furniture, decorative pottery, and greenery. Sunlight streams through tall windows, brightening the room.

Choosing the Right Plants For Your Terrarium

Low-Light & Humidity Lovers

Ferns: Button Fern, Lemon Button Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern. These add lovely texture and thrive in the humid environment.
Mosses: Sheet Moss, Java Moss, Mood Moss. Mosses create a lush, carpet-like effect and help retain moisture.
Peperomia: Ripple Peperomia, Watermelon Peperomia, Jayde Peperomia. These come in a variety of colors and textures, and tolerate lower light.
Fittonia: Nerve Plant. These striking plants have colorful veins and enjoy the humidity.
Selaginella: Often called “Spike Mosses” but are not true mosses. They offer unique texture and thrive in moist environments.

Close-up of lush green leaves with yellow variegated edges, showing a waxy texture and vibrant patterns. The background features more foliage, creating a dense, natural appearance.

Bright, Indirect Light

Pilea: Aluminum Plant, Friendship Plant. These are relatively easy to care for and add interesting foliage.
Baby’s Tears: A delicate, creeping plant that forms a beautiful ground cover.
African Violets: These flowering plants can add a pop of color, but may need more attentive care.
Begonias: Rex Begonias, Polka Dot Begonia. These offer stunning foliage with various colors and patterns.
Carnivorous Plants: Venus Flytrap, Pitcher Plant, Sundew. These can be a fun addition, but require specific care and may not be suitable for all terrariums.

A close-up of a Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant) with round, glossy green leaves on long stems, sitting on a table near a sunlit window.

Succulents & Cacti (Open Terrariums Only)

Haworthia: Zebra Haworthia, Star Window Plant. These offer unique shapes and textures.
Echeveria: A wide variety of colors and forms, perfect for adding visual interest.
Sedum: Stonecrop. These are hardy and come in many varieties, some with trailing habits.
Rebutia: These cacti are small and slow-growing, with beautiful flowers.

Close-up of a potted spiky succulent with dark green leaves and white speckles, surrounded by other green plants. The plant is in a small brown pot on a light-colored surface.

Important Considerations

Size: Choose plants that fit comfortably in your terrarium and won’t outgrow it quickly.
Growth Habit: Consider whether you want upright, trailing, or compact plants.
Care Requirements: Select plants with similar needs for light and moisture.

This list provides a starting point, but there are many other plants that can thrive in terrariums. Do some research and choose plants that you find appealing and that will suit your terrarium environment.

A small terrarium with a turquoise metal frame contains soil and a few green plants, sitting on a wooden surface.

Care and Maintenance

Closed Terrariums: Monitor the moisture levels and condensation. If there’s excessive condensation, open the terrarium for a few hours to allow some moisture to escape. Water only when the soil feels dry.
Open Terrariums: Water more frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Light: Place your terrarium in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the enclosed environment.
Pruning: Trim any overgrown or dead leaves to maintain the health and aesthetics of your terrarium.

A cozy living room with a brown leather sofa, cream pillows, a wooden coffee table, indoor plants, a decorative clock on the wall, and sunlight streaming through large windows onto a patterned rug.

Styling and Personalizing Your Terrarium

Terrariums offer a beautiful blend of art and nature, giving you the freedom to express your creativity while bringing the outdoors inside. Experiment with different container shapes and sizes—from classic glass jars and geometric terrariums to vintage lanterns or repurposed teapots.

Creating a terrarium doesn’t have to be expensive. Thrift stores and antique shops are excellent places to find unique glass containers that can be transformed into one-of-a-kind displays.

Add personality with decorative elements like stones, moss, driftwood, or miniature figurines. Whether you prefer a whimsical fairy garden, a minimalist design, or a nature-inspired landscape, your terrarium can reflect your personal style.

A small glass terrarium shaped like a greenhouse sits on a wooden table, filled with soil and several green plants, with sunlight streaming in from the left. A couch, books, and a carpet are seen in the background.

My Terrarium

Since I wanted to go with a mini-greenhouse terrarium and this one is kind of large, I am using mine with plant propagations so it can fill in more without buying new plants. I added howarthia, string of turtles, lipstick plant, two peperomias and a baby pilea plant.

A close-up of a glass terrarium containing a spiky aloe plant, several small green leafy plants, dark soil, and a patch of small decorative pebbles, all bathed in natural sunlight.

A small glass and metal terrarium house sits on a wooden surface, containing soil and several green plants growing inside. Sunlight filters through the glass, highlighting the fresh foliage.

Shop For Terrariums

Final Thoughts on Making a Terrarium

Creating a terrarium is one of the simplest, low-maintenance ways to grow houseplants. With the right container, plant selection, and light, a terrarium can thrive for months with little care.

Whether you’re propagating plant cuttings, helping humidity-loving plants recover, or simply adding a living element to your home décor, terrariums offer endless possibilities. Start simple, observe how your plants respond, and enjoy watching your miniature ecosystem grow.

If you’re looking to expand your confidence with indoor plants beyond terrariums, learning the basics of houseplant care can make a big difference. Understanding light, watering, and humidity will help all of your plants thrive—both inside and outside of a terrarium.

For more information about creating a terrarium, read this article from the Iowa State Cooperative Extension.

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