Creating your own DIY indoor plant terrarium can be a rewarding experience that allows you to flex your creative muscles while also providing a great conversation piece for your home or office. Not only do these small, self-contained ecosystems make an excellent decorative addition, but they also offer a fun and accessible way for anyone to get into gardening regardless of their living conditions. Plus, they can help purify your indoor air and increase oxygen levels too.
To start your journey into making your own DIY indoor plant terrarium, you’ll need to gather some necessary materials. These include small, slow-growing plants that thrive in low-light conditions, clear glass containers or terrariums, a small shovel or spoon, charcoal, potting soil, pebbles or rocks, and a small brush for cleaning up afterwards.
Choosing the Right Container
Choosing the perfect container will provide a hospitable environment for your plants to flourish. Glass jars, vases, or containers that provide a clear view of the plants inside are ideal. Whether they’re enclosed or open is entirely up to you and depends on the type of plants you’re using and the environment you’re creating.
Selecting the Right Plants
Different plants thrive in different environments, and the same goes for indoor plant terrariums. Consider plants that appreciate a humid, semi-humid, or desert-like environment depending on the type of terrarium you want to create. Succulents and cacti are ideal for desert-like environments while ferns and air plants thrive in more humid conditions.
Creating a Drainage Layer
Once you’ve selected the perfect container and plants, start with creating a drainage layer at the bottom of your container. This helps prevent excess water from damaging roots and helps maintain ideal moisture levels. Small pebbles or finely crushed rock usually works best.
Adding Activated Charcoal
A layer of activated charcoal goes next. This isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended, especially in closed terrariums. The charcoal helps keep water fresh and prevents bacterial, fungal, and territorial growth.
Introducing Potting Soil
After the activated charcoal, it’s time to introduce the potting soil. Use a lightweight potting mix that drains well. Depending on your plants, consider using a cactus soil for succulents and a regular potting mix for other types of plants.
Transplanting Your Plants
Now, you’re ready to transplant your chosen plants into your terrarium. Create a small hole in the soil for each plant. Try to keep taller plants towards the back and shorter ones at the front for better viewing. Arrange your plants in a way that allows each to get adequate light.
Adding Accessories
Once your plants are settled in, it’s time to add some personal flair to your terrarium. You might use figurines, stones, or fairy garden accessories to give your terrarium a unique touch. Just ensure that anything you add won’t harm the plants or introduce any unwanted pests or diseases.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your DIY indoor plant terrarium doesn’t require a hefty time commitment. Most terrariums will need only occasional watering and pruning. Try to keep your terrarium near natural light but out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
For a desert terrarium with succulents and cacti, aim to water roughly every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between watering. For a humid, tropical terrarium with moss, ferns, or air plants, water more frequently and consider spritzing with a spray bottle if it dries out.
With some care and love, your DIY indoor plant terrarium can provide a beautiful, living decoration for years to come. As a bonus, you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction that comes with fostering your own miniature ecosystem.
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