How to Make a Terrarium

Supplies for a terrarium include a glass or plastic container, gravel, potting soil and dwarf houseplants. You can also consider decorations to add artistic flair and bring your creation to life.

There is no textbook way of making a terrarium. These pieces of artwork are completely customizable, allowing you to use all kinds of containers, small plants or design elements. Here are some fun terrarium themes to consider:

• Tropical: Add leafy plants and small tree-like plants to imitate a colorful rainforest. You can even add epoxy resin with aqua-blue paint or dye to create a radiant river or pond.
• Desert: Cacti, sand and rocky terrain can make for a lovely scene.
• Winter: Artificial snow and frosty pine trees can make for a festive decoration when you want a slice of coziness.
• Beach: Create a tiny island paradise by lining up colorful plants along an epoxy shore. Include some shells, tiny boats and umbrellas.
• Seasonal: Around Halloween, fill a terrarium with miniature creatures, decorative moss and plants draped in fake spiderwebs. At Easter, make one with ferns or bright flowers.
• Diorama: Create a larger-than-life diorama by putting small figurines or cake toppers amid vast plants, animals and housing.

As long as plants aren't completely encased in plastic or glass containers, you can still give water to plants when needed. For hard-to-reach plants, use a pipette to extend past the container's opening and administer water using the instrument's long neck.

Terrariums don’t require much water, but consult the instructions for each individual plant regarding their water needs. The enclosed glass reduces airflow around the plants and helps keep the whole environment moist. Give your terrarium a good spritzing when the soil feels dry. The plants will thrive beautifully in this miniature ecosystem.