How to Make a Terrarium for Showing Off Your Favorite Tiny Plants

DIY terrariums are easy to make and don't require much care. You can use all sorts of containers, from simple glass jars to intricate geometric terrariums, so it's easy to coordinate with your decor. And just about any size or shape will work (just use fewer plants in a small terrarium).

Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need to make a terrarium. You should be able to find most of the supplies you'll need at your local garden center, but if you want to use a special container, you'll probably find more options at a craft store. If you want to make a DIY closed terrarium, just be sure to choose a container that comes with a removable lid.

• Glass container
• Horticultural charcoal
• Potting mix
• Gloves
• Terrarium plants
• Sheet moss
• Watering can
• Trowel

To start your DIY terrarium, place approximately 1-2 inches of horticultural charcoal ($12, Walmart) in the base of the container. Charcoal helps to remove toxins and odors. It also helps with drainage, so plant roots aren't sitting in soil that's too damp.

Combine some of the remaining charcoal with potting soil ($6, Target), either by mixing with your hands or with a trowel. Mixing the two together helps with drainage and will clean toxins and odors from the terrarium throughout the container.

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.

Carefully remove your terrarium plants from their containers and arrange them on top of the soil to ensure proper spacing. Allow enough room between the plants for additional soil. If you're wondering what plants to use in a terrarium, some top picks include starfish plants, air plants, and nerve plants. For the healthiest terrarium, try to stick to plants that have similar watering and light needs.

Use your hands (wearing garden gloves makes clean up easier afterwards) to pack soil in and around plants. Tuck plants deep enough into the soil to cover all of their roots and to keep them from reaching too far above the top of the container.

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

Buy It: Sheet Moss Soil Cover ($5, The Home Depot)

After all your terrarium plants and moss are in place, slowly add water to help the soil and plants settle in. Future watering depends on the types of plants in your terrarium and the environment they're growing in. To avoid overwatering, test the soil for moisture with your finger before pulling out the watering can ($10, The Sill).

Keep your terrarium in a well-lit area with indirect light. 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. It might be helpful to occasionally trim the moss as well to keep the thickness under control.