Gardening Houseplants Caring for Houseplants How to Make a Tiny Terrarium for a Cute Tabletop Garden You'll want to know how to make an easy-to-care-for terrarium after seeing how adorable this DIY project is. By Andrea Beck Andrea Beck Andrea Beck served as garden editor at BHG and her work has appeared on Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, MyRecipes, and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on October 26, 2023 Reviewed by Joseph Tychonievich Reviewed by Joseph Tychonievich Joseph Tychonievich is a gardening expert with two decades of work in horticulture, the author of three gardening books, and known for his deep knowledge of the science behind techniques for successful gardening. Learn about BHG's Gardening Review Board Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: BHG / Phoebe Cheong Project Overview Working Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $30 Yield: One tabletop terrarium Terrariums make beautiful additions to desks, dining room tables, and other well-lit spots. Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a terrarium that can liven up any tabletop. 6 Expert Tips for Decorating with Houseplants in Every Room of Your Home Marty Baldwin These adorable DIY terrariums are easy to care for and simple to make. You can use all sorts of containers, from plain glass jars to intricate geometric terrariums, so it's not difficult to coordinate with your decor. And just about any size or shape will work (use fewer plants in a small terrarium). Follow our steps, and you'll have your tiny plant terrarium in no time! Marty Baldwin Before getting started, gather 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. However, you'll probably find better options at a craft store if you want a unique container. To make a DIY closed terrarium, just be sure to choose a container that comes with a removable lid. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Gloves Watering can Trowel Materials Glass container Horticultural charcoal Potting mix Terrarium plants Sheet moss Instructions How to Make a Tiny Terrarium BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG Build the Base To start your DIY terrarium, place approximately 1 to 2 inches of horticultural charcoal 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. Marty Baldwin Mix It Up Combine some of the remaining charcoal with potting soil by mixing with your hands or a trowel. Mixing the two helps with drainage and will clean toxins and odors from the terrarium throughout the container. Guide to Soils and Potting Mixes BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG Add the Second Layer 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. BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG Add Plants 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. Stick to plants with similar watering and light needs for the healthiest terrarium. Marty Baldwin Squash Air Pockets Use your hands (gardening gloves make clean-up easier afterward) to pack the soil in and around plants. Tuck plants deep enough into the dirt to cover all of their roots and keep them from reaching too far above the top of the container. The 10 Best Gardening Gloves, According to Testing Marty Baldwin Top Dress 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 ($7, The Home Depot) Marty Baldwin Give Your Terrarium Plants a Drink 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 their growing environment. To avoid overwatering, test the soil for moisture with your finger before pulling out the watering can. If dry, water lightly, making sure that the soil doesn't become completely saturated. Roots still need some air. Marty Baldwin Caring for Your Terrarium Keep your terrarium in a well-lit area with indirect light. Maintenance is minimal once the plants are established. As they mature, you may want to trim branches that grow out and over the top of your container. Also, it might be helpful to cut the moss occasionally to keep the thickness under control. More Terrarium Projects Once you complete your first terrarium, you're going to want to create more of these magical little plant worlds. Make a forest terrarium using an old fish tank—a kid-friendly project that will get them interested in gardening. Up the cuteness with a fairy garden built into a wheelbarrow, populated by miniature vintage figures you can find at resale stores. We have other ideas for other fairy gardens to keep you busy! Share the fun by hosting a terrarium-making party, complete with custom invites and teeny tiny tools for your friends to take home.