To make a terrarium you will need:
- A suitable container – you can use anything from a recycled coffee jar to a goldfish bowl or vase. It's best to choose a container with an opening wide enough to accommodate the width your hand so that you can easily place and move materials as needed. Glass or plastic is fine but avoid anything coloured as this can stunt the growth of your plants. We love the geometric style terrariums that are really popular at the moment.
- Small stones or gravel – these stones act as a drainage system to ensure any excess water doesn’t saturate the soil and cause your plants to rot.
- Activated charcoal – available from most good garden centres this is an absolutely essential ingredient, especially for closed terrariums, as it fights bacterial growth and combats any unpleasant smells.
- Potting soil – any type should do the trick but if using specialist plants such as cacti or carnivorous plants you may want to choose a special mix.
- A selection of plants – it wouldn’t be a terrarium without a little greenery. See our recommendations of plants that are suitable for a terrarium below.
- Moss or decorative gravel – to cover the top soil. Choose whichever you prefer.
WHAT PLANTS ARE SUITABLE FOR A TERRARIUM?
Not all houseplants are suitable for a terrarium. Slow-growing plants that prefer high humidity are best. Here’s our guide to the best plants for your terrarium:
- Succulents including cacti are ideal because they generally thrive in high light and low moisture environments.
- Carnivorous plants such as Venus fly traps, Pitcher plants and Sundew plants make an interesting addition.
- Airplants such as Tillandsia will thrive quite happily in an open terrarium where they have a constant air supply.
- Ferns such as the Variegated spider plant enjoy the moist potting mix and high humidity found inside a terrarium.
- Starfish plants grow to a maximum 6 inches, making them ideal for small terrariums.
- Grasses such as Minimus Aureus are perfect for terrariums and require very little maintenance.
Top tip: When selecting plants for your terrarium keep succulents and cacti together, and fern and tropical plants together, because they require different amounts of water and soil.
