How to Make Your Own Terrarium

By BH&G Garden Editors
Updated July 31, 2019
Marty Baldwin
Terrariums are a beautiful addition to desks, dining room tables, and other well-lit spots. Check out our easy step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a closed terrarium.
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Perk Up Your Indoor Space

Marty Baldwin

Add a little green to your indoor space with an eye-catching terrarium! Not only are they a great oxygen booster, but terrariums are also easy to create and can be made in a variety of sizes. Change up the container to fit into any décor.

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Terrarium Supplies

Marty Baldwin
  • Container
  • Activated charcoal pieces
  • Potting soil
  • Gloves
  • Terrarium plants
  • Sheet moss
  • Watering can
  • Trowel

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Build the Base

Marty Baldwin

To start this terrarium DIY, place approximately 1 to 2 inches of charcoal in the base of the container. Charcoal helps to remove toxins and odors in sealed terrariums. It also helps with drainage, so plant roots aren't sitting in soil that's too damp.

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Mix It Up

Marty Baldwin

Combine remaining charcoal with soil either by hand or with a trowel. Adding charcoal to the soil will help with soil drainage and will continue cleaning toxins and odors from the terrarium throughout the container.

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Add the Second Layer

Marty Baldwin

Fill your container one-fourth to one-third full with the charcoal-and-soil mixture. Gently pack the soil every 2 inches to avoid large air pockets.

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Add Greens

Marty Baldwin

Carefully remove your plants from their containers and position them on top of the soil to ensure proper spacing. Allow enough room between the plants for additional soil.

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Squash Air Pockets

Marty Baldwin

Use your hands to pack soil in and around plants. Tuck plants deep enough into the soil to cover all plant roots and to keep the plants from reaching too far above the top of the container.

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Top Dress

Marty Baldwin

With gloves, position moss on top of the soil and between the plants. Moss helps to absorb odors but also absorbs excess water that can lead to root rot. It also gives the surface of the DIY closed terrarium a lush, finished look.

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Give Them a Drink

Marty Baldwin

Water plants and place container in a well-lit area with indirect light. Future watering is dependent on the types of plants you have selected and the environment they're growing in. Test the soil for moisture before pulling out the watering can.

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Further Care

Marty Baldwin

Maintenance is minimal once the plants are established. As they grow you may want to trim any branches that grow out and over the top of your container. Also, trim moss to keep the thickness under control.

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Bonus Project: Kokedama

Like this look? Try a kokedama moss garden! Kokedama Moss Gardens are a traditional Japanese garden that uses moss as the container.

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