Terrarium Building Cheatsheet

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is a miniature garden enclosed in a glass container, creating a controlled environment ideal for growing small plants indoors.

Type	Description	Best For	Maintenance Level
Closed Terrarium	Sealed glass container	Moisture-loving plants	Low
Open Terrarium	Open top or vented container	Succulents and cacti	Medium
Hanging Terrarium	Suspended glass orbs or containers	Air plants, small succulents	Medium
Bottle Terrarium	Narrow-necked glass bottles	Small mosses and ferns	Low
Aquatic Terrarium	Contains water and aquatic plants	Aquatic and semi-aquatic species	Medium

Material / Tool	Purpose	Notes
Glass Container	Houses the terrarium	Choose size and shape as desired
Activated Charcoal	Keeps water fresh, prevents odors	Essential for closed terrariums
Potting Soil	Plant growth medium	Use type suitable for plants
Gravel or Pebbles	Drainage layer at bottom	Prevents root rot
Plants	Living elements	See plant suggestions below
Spray Bottle	Watering and humidity control	Gentle misting
Decorative Items	Rocks, figurines, moss, wood	Optional for aesthetics
Tweezers	Plant placement and maintenance	Useful for small plants

Plant Type	Examples	Best For	Light Requirements
Tropical Plants	Fittonia, Pilea, Ferns	Closed terrariums	Indirect light
Succulents	Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum	Open terrariums	Bright, direct light
Air Plants	Tillandsia	Hanging/open terrariums	Bright indirect light
Moss	Sheet moss, cushion moss	Closed terrariums	Low to medium light
Carnivorous	Venus flytrap, sundew	Specialized terrariums	Bright, indirect light

Step	Description	Tips
1. Choose container	Select appropriate glass vessel	Clean thoroughly before use
2. Add drainage	Layer gravel or pebbles at bottom	Prevents waterlogging
3. Add charcoal	Sprinkle activated charcoal over drainage	Keeps soil fresh
4. Add soil layer	Add potting mix suitable for plants	Avoid compacting soil
5. Arrange plants	Position plants with tweezers	Leave space for growth
6. Add decorative items	Optional: moss, stones, figurines	Personalize your terrarium
7. Water lightly	Mist plants gently	Avoid overwatering
8. Place terrarium	Choose location with proper light	Avoid direct harsh sunlight

Task	Frequency	Notes
Watering	Weekly or when soil feels dry	Use spray bottle, avoid soaking
Air circulation	Occasionally open closed terrariums	Prevent mold and mildew
Pruning	Monthly or as needed	Remove dead or overgrown parts
Cleaning glass	Monthly or as needed	Use soft cloth, avoid chemicals
Check for pests	Regularly	Treat promptly if detected

Problem	Cause	Solution
Mold growth	Excess moisture, poor airflow	Open terrarium for air exchange; reduce watering
Plants wilting	Under or overwatering	Adjust watering schedule; check light conditions
Yellowing leaves	Nutrient deficiency or too much light	Fertilize lightly; move to less intense light
Algae on soil/glass	Excess humidity or light	Reduce watering; clean surfaces
Roots rot	Poor drainage or overwatering	Improve drainage; reduce water

Can I use any glass container for a terrarium?
Yes, but ensure it fits the plant’s needs (open vs closed environment).

How often should I water my terrarium?
Depends on plants and terrarium type; generally once a week or when soil dries.

Can I mix different plant types?
Yes, but group plants with similar light and moisture needs.

Do terrariums need fertilizer?
Occasionally, use diluted fertilizer sparingly during growing season.