Learn how to build your own closed plant terrarium. Our free illustrated step by step instruction guide shows you each stage of turning your terrarium kit into a beautiful enclosed haven for plants.
What will you need?
Check out the kits in our closed terrarium collection. Each is available with everything you need to build a terrarium.
If you already have a vase you wish to turn into a terrarium, check out our amazing starter kits.
1: Gather and lay out your terrarium kit
Plan your arrangement before you start. Just lay out your plants and sundries to get an idea of how you want them to look. Grouping them together centrally is a good technique.
2: Add a layer of gravel
Add some of the gravel to the container to about 2cm deep. Lower the gravel into your terrarium rather than pouring from height and pour in very gently to avoid damaging the container.
3: Add your activated charcoal
Add the activated charcoal to the center of the terrarium.
Activated charcoal acts as a natural conditioner for your terrarium, keeping it healthier for longer.
4: Add your terrarium compost
Add compost to the terrarium to a depth of 5 to 7cm.
Terrariums work better with a specialist terrarium compost. Our kits contain our own terrarium compost blend to provide all the nutrients and drainage needed to give your plants a healthy, stress free start.
5: Unpot your terrarium plants
Remove your plants from their pots and gently loosen the soil around their roots.
Not sure what plants to use? Check out our recommended plant list here.
6: Add your plants to your terrarium
Make wells in your terrarium compost large enough to hold your plant root ball.
Position your plants as desired.
7: Cover the plant roots and smooth out your terrarium compost
Move compost to cover the roots and hold the plants in place. Do not compact the soil around your plants.
8: Add living moss and other decorative materials
Add your living cushion moss (if included).
Add moss around your plants to create a landscape. You can tear the moss into smaller clumps to position amongst your plants
Add decorative stones (if included) to your terrarium. Nestle these amongst the plants and moss to create a natural textured feel and add interest to your terrarium.
It is also popular to add any excess gravel as a top dressing over your compost. Feel free to do this if desired.
9: Add a little water to your terrarium
Tilt your terrarium and pour the water down the inside of the glass. Be very sparing with the water. The soil should be slightly damp but not completely saturated. Remember, you can always add more water at a later date if needed.
10: Choose a home for your terrarium and let it rest
Place your terrarium in a light spot but not in direct sunlight. Leave the lid off the bottle for the first week. In the second week, place the cork in the bottle.
Condensation should clear after two weeks. If condensation persists, remove the lid from the bottle again to let some water evaporate then re-seat the cork.
11: Enjoy your terrarium
Congratulations! You now have a beautiful closed terrarium to love and nurture.
Your terrarium should now become a relatively maintenance-free eco system but may require watering and a plant trim from time to time.
