If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to bring some greenery into your home, building a DIY terrarium can be an excellent option. A terrarium is a miniature garden that can thrive in a closed environment, making it easy to maintain and perfect for those who may not have a lot of space or time for a traditional garden. To get started, you’ll need just a few basic materials, such as a container, soil, plants, and some decorative elements. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can create a unique and beautiful terrarium that will bring life and beauty to any room in your home.
Glass terrarium container: There are many glass containers available on Amazon that are perfect for building a terrarium. You can choose from different shapes and sizes, such as globes, cubes, or cylinders.
Terrarium kit: You can find all-in-one terrarium kits on Amazon that include a glass container, soil, rocks, moss, and other necessary materials. These kits make it easy to create your own terrarium.
Soil: You can buy potting soil or a special soil mix designed for terrariums on Amazon. The soil should be free-draining and provide good air circulation to prevent the growth of moth.
Rocks and pebbles: To help with drainage, you will need rocks or pebbles to create a bottom layer in your terrarium. You can find a variety of stones on Amazon, such as river rocks, polished stones, or aquarium gravel.
Moss: Moss is a great addition to a terrarium as it adds a natural look and helps to retain moisture. You can buy different types of moss on Amazon, such as sheet moss or sphagnum moss
Plants: Amazon offers a wide selection of small plants that are suitable for a terrarium. Look for plants that are low-maintenance and thrive in a humid environment, such as ferns, succulents, or air plants.
Decorative elements: To add a personal touch to your terrarium, you can buy decorative elements such as figurines, miniature houses, or small stones. These items can be found in the craft or garden section on Amazon.
Watering can: A small watering can or spray bottle will be useful for watering the plants in your terrarium. Look for a watering can with a narrow spout for precise watering.
Tweezers: Tweezers are useful for planting and arranging small plants in a terrarium. You can find a variety of tweezers on Amazon, including long, narrow ones for precise planting.
Fertilizer: Some plants may benefit from a small amount of fertilizer to thrive in a terrarium. You can find a variety of plant fertilizers on Amazon that are suitable for indoor plants.
Thermometer/hygrometer: It’s important to monitor the temperature and humidity inside your terrarium to ensure the plants are thriving. You can find thermometers and hygrometers on Amazon that are designed for use in terrariums.
Grow lights: If your terrarium is located in a spot with low natural light, you can purchase grow lights on Amazon to supplement the light. Look for grow lights that emit full-spectrum light and are suitable for indoor plants.
Terrarium tool kit: A terrarium tool kit includes all the necessary tools for planting and maintaining a terrarium, such as scissors, pruners, and a rake. You can find a variety of terrarium tool kits on Amazon.
Humidifier: If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier can help to maintain the humidity levels inside your terrarium. You can find a variety of humidifiers on Amazon that are suitable for use in small spaces.
Terrarium book: If you are new to building terrariums, a book on terrariums can provide helpful tips and inspiration. You can find a variety of terrarium books on Amazon that cover different styles and techniques.
Cleaning supplies: It’s important to keep your terrarium clean to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. You can find cleaning supplies such as a soft-bristled brush or a small vacuum on Amazon to help keep your terrarium clean.
Air pump: If you’re building a closed terrarium, an air pump can help to circulate the air and prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide. You can find small air pumps designed for use in terrariums on Amazon.
Water-absorbing crystals: Water-absorbing crystals are helpful for maintaining moisture levels in a terrarium. You can find water-absorbing crystals on Amazon that expand when they come in contact with water and can help to prevent overwatering.
Decorative sand: Decorative sand can be used to create different layers in your terrarium and add a pop of color. You can find a variety of decorative sand on Amazon, such as colored sand, glitter sand, or beach sand.
Humidity dome: A humidity dome is a clear plastic cover that can be placed over your terrarium to help maintain humidity levels. You can find humidity domes in various sizes on Amazon.
Moss ball: A moss ball, also known as a kokedama, is a ball of moss wrapped around the roots of a small plant. Moss balls can be hung or placed on a flat surface and are a unique addition to a terrarium. You can find moss balls on Amazon in various sizes and styles.
Terrarium heater: If you live in a cold climate, a terrarium heater can help to maintain the temperature inside your terrarium. You can find small heaters designed for use in terrariums on Amazon.
Water spray bottle: A water spray bottle can be used to mist the plants in your terrarium and maintain the moisture levels. Look for a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle for gentle watering.
Terrarium stand: A terrarium stand can elevate your terrarium and provide a decorative display. You can find a variety of terrarium stands on Amazon, such as wooden stands or metal stands.
Terrarium workshop kit: If you’re interested in learning more about building terrariums, a terrarium workshop kit can provide all the materials and instructions for building your own terrarium. You can find terrarium workshop kits on Amazon that include everything you need to get started.
Wood can be a great addition to a terrarium, both as a decorative element and as a functional component. Here are some ways you can incorporate wood into your terrarium:
Driftwood: Driftwood can be a beautiful addition to a terrarium and can create a natural, rustic look. Look for pieces of driftwood that have interesting shapes and textures to add visual interest to your terrarium.
Cork bark: Cork bark is lightweight and can be used to create ledges or platforms for plants to grow on in a terrarium. It also has a natural, organic look that can blend well with other natural elements in your terrarium.
Reclaimed wood: Reclaimed wood, such as old barn wood or pallet wood, can be used to create a unique background or structure for your terrarium. It can also add a rustic or vintage feel to your terrarium design.
Wooden plant markers: Wooden plant markers can be a functional and decorative element in a terrarium. You can use them to label the different plants in your terrarium and add a personalized touch to your design.
Perches: If you have small animals, such as reptiles or amphibians, in your terrarium, wooden perches can provide a natural and comfortable place for them to climb and rest.
Filling gaps in a terrarium can be done using a variety of materials. Here are some options to consider:
Sphagnum moss: Sphagnum moss is a popular choice for filling gaps in a terrarium. It’s absorbent and can help to retain moisture in the soil. Simply tear off small pieces of the moss and use them to fill in any gaps.
Gravel or small rocks: Gravel or small rocks can be used to create a drainage layer at the bottom of your terrarium, and can also be used to fill in gaps between plants. Look for small, decorative stones that will add visual interest to your terrarium.
Sand: Sand can be used to create a decorative layer in your terrarium, and can also be used to fill in gaps between plants. Choose sand in a color that complements your overall terrarium design.
Decorative moss: Decorative moss, such as Spanish moss or sheet moss, can be used to fill in gaps and add visual interest to your terrarium. Simply tear off small pieces of the moss and use them to fill in any gaps.
Silicone sealant: For larger gaps or holes in your terrarium, you can use silicone sealant to fill them in. Look for a clear, aquarium-safe silicone sealant and use it sparingly to avoid creating a mess.
