How to make your own plant terrarium: bringing a touch of nature into your home

Plant terrariums not only bring a little bit of nature into your home, but they’re also real eye-catchers. Find out here how you can make your own plant terrarium in a glass jar and what you’ll need for this green DIY project.

What is a plant terrarium?

Plant terrariums are mini-ecosystems consisting of plants and moss in glass containers. The fascinating and low-maintenance variety are so-called ‘closed’ terrariums in jars with lids. In these special terrariums, the water remains in a closed cycle. This makes the plants self-sufficient – a circular economy on a small scale! That’s why plant terrariums require very little watering: two to three waterings a year are enough.

How does a plant terrarium work?

A plant terrarium is watered after it has been made. The plants absorb the water through their roots and release it again through their leaves. The substrate also allows water to evaporate. Condensation forms on the glass of the plant terrarium because there is always a slight temperature difference between the inside of the glass, where heat accumulates, and the outside of the plant terrarium, where it is colder. This condensation drips back into the soil. This is why plant terrariums require so little watering.

Are plant terrariums a new trend?

Plant terrariums have been around for two centuries! They are also a part of botanical history and have revolutionised the transport of plants worldwide. Nathaniel Ward, a London-based insect and plant collector, popularised the principle. He designed so-called ‘Wardian cases’ made of wood and glass. These were used to send plants on very long journeys around the world. As a result, botanical gardens far apart were suddenly able to exchange and study plants. Before the ‘Wardian cases’, it was extremely difficult to transport tropical plants by ship. Eighty per cent of them usually died because there was a lack of sufficient water on board. Crops also travelled in the predecessors of plant terrariums and became established in various regions of the world, such as tea or coffee.

What do you call a terrarium containing only plants?

In Germany, a terrarium with plants is often referred to as a ‘bottle garden’ or ‘garden in a jar’. In other countries, the term ‘terrarium’ – derived from the Latin ‘terra’ (meaning ‘earth’) – has become established for plant terrariums.

What do you need for a plant terrarium?

You will need the following materials for a closed plant terrarium in a jar:

• A jar with a lid: Cork or glass are suitable materials for the lid.
• Plants that thrive in a consistently warm and humid environment: These are mostly houseplants native to tropical regions of the world – for example, coffee plants, calatheas, and also philodendrons or ficus species. Plants that grow outdoors in our climate are generally less suitable for a plant terrarium, with a few exceptions.
• Moss: Cushion moss, which can be found at well-stocked florists, is best suited.
• Soil: Ordinary potting compost usually works well; bonsai soil or herb soil is also suitable for making your own plant terrarium. The main thing is that the soil is not too compact or too rich in nutrients.
• Drainage layer: To prevent the roots from sitting in waterlogged soil, the plant terrarium needs a drainage layer. This can be created using expanded clay, for example.
• Decorative elements: For example, pretty stones you’ve collected, sea glass or even small plastic figures (model kits, Lego, Playmobil) that you can arrange in the terrarium.
• Distilled water for watering and a measuring jug.
• A few tools: A spoon, a paintbrush.

How do you care for a plant terrarium?

A plant terrarium needs to be watered two to three times a year. The amount of water depends on the size of the jar and the material of the lid.

Every now and then – for example, when watering – prune the plants. Just like with bonsai, they are kept at a suitable size for the jar.

The location is also important: do not place the plant terrarium in direct sunlight. That’s all there is to it!

What other types of plant terrariums are there?

Succulents and cacti should not be planted in enclosed, humid terrariums, as this does not correspond to their natural habitat. They prefer full sun and dry conditions. However, you can build beautiful decorative ‘open’ terrariums using the same layering system as for closed terrariums. Suitable containers include glass bowls with a wide opening.

How to make your own plant terrarium

If you decide to make your own plant terrarium, you can do so in five simple steps:

1. Spread the drainage layer across the bottom of the jar. Layer the soil on top. Press the soil down gently. The soil and drainage should fill about a quarter to a third of the jar.
2. Use the tip of your brush to make a plant hole in the soil. This is where the roots of your plant will go.
3. Plant a few pieces of moss around it.
4. Scatter a few decorative elements between the plants: gravel, decorative stones, sea glass, small figurines.
5. Finally, water the plant terrarium with a small amount of water. For a 5-litre jar, for example, you only need 60 ml of water.

A terrarium workshop with Aurélie from Petite Jungle Studio:

Petite Jungle is a terrarium studio in Berlin, founded by landscape architect Aurélie Morgen. Aurélie has lived in Berlin since 2009, where she founded her label Petite Jungle in 2018 to share her passion for small, self-sustaining gardens with others.

She regularly organises workshops on the theme of “gardens in a jar”. With great attention to detail and plenty of tips and tricks, she will guide you through the process of creating your own terrarium: Which plants and materials are suitable? How do I care for them and how do I solve problems with my terrarium? Which design principles help when creating these mini-worlds?