Learn how to make a terrarium to add easy-to-care-for greenery to your space.

Science has definitively proven that houseplants can improve the quality of the air in the home by reducing ozone and helping to eliminate VOCs. House plants can also improve your mood, especially during the long winter months when we are all stuck inside. And many people find caring for plants to be therapeutic–much like caring for a pet.

But what if you don’t have a green thumb? Some of us just are not natural plant people and pretty much kill all plants that enter into our abodes. How can us non-gardener types reap the benefits of indoor plants? With DIY terrariums, that’s how. Terrariums are a lower maintenance alternative to add plants to your home.

What is a Terrarium?

Image: Terrarium via Shutterstock

Terrariums are self-contained little mini-gardens. They are usually housed in decorative glass containers that can be opened to allow for care of the plants inside. Terrariums can either be open to the atmosphere or closed. Sealed terrariums need less watering as the transparency of the glass container, and the closed environment, allows for small scale water cycle to happen. In addition, a closed terrarium allows for the use of plants that like moist, humid conditions like moss, ferns, and air plants. Terrarium that are kept open are better suited for plants that like drier conditions, like succulents and cacti, if you are looking for low maintenance.

Learn How to Make a Terrarium

Open terrarium supplies:

• Open glass container
• Rocks or pebbles
• Potting soil
• Sand
• Succulents

How to make a terrarium:

1. Place a layer of rocks in the bottom of your container. This is to help the plants drain. How deep you layer the rocks really depends on the height your container, but ½ inch to 1 inch is a good rule of thumb.
2. Next, add potting soil (it should be suitable for succulents). Your soil layer should be deep enough for the plants to take root in. Again, a good rule of thumb is about 2-3 inches, depending on your plants.
3. Plant your succulents to create a visually appealing arrangement, allowing room between the plants and the glass.
4. Add sand around the base of the plants to help give them support and for a little visual interest. You can also add a layer of sand before adding the stones, if you want to create a little more visual interest.
5. Finally, you can add accessories, like pottery mushrooms or decorative rocks, to create a creative look for your terrarium.

You can find plants and supplies at most garden supply stores. I like Terrain and Etsy for sourcing decorative containers and other terrarium accessories for how to make a terrarium.

Related on EcoSalon

Gardens in Glass: Make Your Own Upcycled Terrarium

6 Tips for Creating a DIY Terrarium

Sumptuous Succulent Plants: Fatten Up Your Garden and Home with the Plants Du Jour

Image: Terrariums via Shutterstock

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