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# DIY Terrarium

By [@Rebecca](https://listium.com/@Rebecca)

1182 views · 11 likes  
Published 6 May 2016 · Updated 6 May 2016

Category: home & garden

Everything you need to know about making your own terrariums - type of plants, tips & display ideas! 

\* green indicates low-light lovin' plants
\* yellow indicates moderate-light lovin' plants
\* red indicates bright-light lovin' plants

## Items

### 1. [A glass container](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/0/a-glass-container)

Item ID: `0`

- Description: This could literally be any type, shape and size (well, if your hand can fit in)  container that you have on hand. Try scrounging any antique shops or recycle any containers you have lying around at home!
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/nykx09lwa426sa6lg5w0.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=A+glass+container+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 2. [Rocks & pebbles](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/1/rocks--pebbles)

Item ID: `1`

- Description: Tiny rocks and pebbles make for the bottom layer of a terrarium.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/qvuanxqii0wdzci6wqpd.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Rocks+pebbles+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 3. [Activated charcoal / activate carbon](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/2/activated-charcoal--activate-carbon)

Item ID: `2`

- Description: Helps keep your terrarium healthy by reducing fungi, bacteria and odours. Not all terrariums need activated charcoal (but if it's a closed jar, it must).
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ycmjl9jmz0ufqbthluot.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Activated+charcoal+activate+carbon+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 4. [Potting soil](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/3/potting-soil)

Item ID: `3`

- Description: Read up on the type of soil needed for your chosen plants.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/eevsfxnghfy4baluxyqp.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Potting+soil+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 5. [Various plants](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/4/various-plants)

Item ID: `4`

- Description: Take your time choosing these. Remember to do some research and choose plants that will thrive together i.e. with similar lighting and humidity needs
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hhxz9biaoqj16qidqzcp.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Various+plants+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 6. [Gloves](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/5/gloves)

Item ID: `5`

- Description: So you don't get your hands dirty!
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vhdg72nf0qpfovuoxjwo.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Gloves+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 7. [Scoop / shovel / spoon](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/6/scoop--shovel--spoon)

Item ID: `6`

- Description: To help you dig the soil to make a well for your plants to be placed in
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ziljpm2mdipeawxr4pwg.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Scoop+shovel+spoon+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 8. [Scissors](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/7/scissors)

Item ID: `7`

- Description: To trim the roots of your plants or to get cuttings of succulents etc
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ducpzvrkpxmgtp5cynsi.png)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Scissors+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 9. [Figurines & decorative pieces](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/8/figurines--decorative-pieces)

Item ID: `8`

- Description: Any kind of small decorative piece that'l light up your terrarium! Of course this is optional.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/fp4olo1y15zsbjm6mubv.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Figurines+decorative+pieces+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 10. [Mist Spray Bottle](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/12/mist-spray-bottle)

Item ID: `12`

- Description: Fill with filtered water and keep beside terrarium
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ibzg3cfovkooqzawdix2.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Mist+Spray+Bottle+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 11. [Club Moss](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/14/club-moss)

Item ID: `14`

- Description:
  > Rule of thumb is to use moss that grows on soil, as its unlikely to grow in your terrarium otherwise. Get it from your garden or public area.
  > 
  > Also, you can freeze the moss if you're not going to use it right away. Can be propagated by cuttings.
  > 
  > Likes moist, rich soil and well-ventilated, low-lit environments
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/i2eoe2upwh8dhlv2feqj.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Club+Moss+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 12. [Heart Leaf (Philodendron scandens)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/23/heart-leaf-philodendron-scandens)

Item ID: `23`

- Description:
  > Like low light and low humidity conditions, as well as rich moist soil. 
  > 
  > Provide a bark type support for climbing.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/bktexlo3q9d9yadavqxz.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Heart+Leaf+Philodendron+scandens+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 13. [Prayer Plant (Maranta leucoreura)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/24/prayer-plant-maranta-leucoreura)

Item ID: `24`

- Description: Prefers low-light and well drained, slightly moist soil. The leaves offer a beautiful aesthetic, which fold up in the evening (hence its name).
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/pqqpztebrfqjjenr8a8o.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Prayer+Plant+Maranta+leucoreura+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 14. [Rattlesnake Orchid](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/26/rattlesnake-orchid)

Item ID: `26`

- Description: Requires shade, cool temperatures and slightly moist soil. Requires little care
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ohpv6hzzrwjcnqrcrem8.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Rattlesnake+Orchid+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 15. [Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/27/swedish-ivy-plectranthus-australis)

Item ID: `27`

- Description: Thrive in low-lit conditions, grow quickly and tolerant of drought and root-competition. It is easy to contain if it spreads too far, due to its shallow root system.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/gf6otbelfedptbcqpap2.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Swedish+Ivy+Plectranthus+australis+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 16. [Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/28/purple-passion-plant-gynura-aurantiaca)

Item ID: `28`

- Description: Also known as the velvet plant due to its velvety leaves. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering as the textured leaves can trap the moisture and begin to rot. This plant likes moist but not soggy soil. Purple plants prefer a cool temperature and low-medium lighting.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/wxy1nvqhknrvtfjsicsd.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Purple+Passion+Plant+Gynura+aurantiaca+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 17. [Starfish Plant (Cryptanthus bivittatus)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/25/starfish-plant-cryptanthus-bivittatus)

Item ID: `25`

- Description: Its pink leaves offer a brightness to the terrarium. It grows to about 12cm which is perfect for the size of a medium terrarium. Tolerates low-medium lighting as extreme sunlight may cause bleaching. Loves humidity and well-drained but moist soil.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/zv7udreak41b9gouncs9.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Starfish+Plant+Cryptanthus+bivittatus+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 18. [Baby tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/29/baby-tears-soleirolia-soleirolii)

Item ID: `29`

- Description: Get its name from the slender and delicate rounded leaves / stems. Prefers bright, indirect light (and can tolerate low lighting). Needs moist soil and humid air. May become a nuisance and spread, but is easily controllable.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/scbu6aybowjasf8rpytk.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Baby+tears+Soleirolia+soleirolii+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 19. [Artillery Plant](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/30/artillery-plant)

Item ID: `30`

- Description: Likes moist, but not soaked, soil, a cool environment and indirect but moderate sunlight.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/riqtja4vfgiohroyigee.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Artillery+Plant+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 20. [Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/33/golden-pothos-epipremnum-aureum)

Item ID: `33`

- Description: Average lighting conditions is best for these plants, in addition to lightly moist soil and therefore light watering. It prefers high humidity but can tolerate and still grow healthily under low humidity conditions
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/fg15enjzb77ebefooq4e.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Golden+Pothos+Epipremnum+aureum+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 21. [Moses in a Cradle (Rhoeo discolor)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/31/moses-in-a-cradle-rhoeo-discolor)

Item ID: `31`

- Description: Thrives in lightly moist soil and enjoys partial shade and sun.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ugbl4svhf20ozo6zd6fv.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Moses+in+a+Cradle+Rhoeo+discolor+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 22. [Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/32/maidenhair-fern-adiantum-raddianum)

Item ID: `32`

- Description: Prefers to be kept moist, watered regularly  and in a brightly lit environment (although it likes to be shaded if in direct sunlight).
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/axw8yoaqc4gicr4abiek.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Maidenhair+Fern+Adiantum+raddianum+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 23. [Air Plant (Tillandsia)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/34/air-plant-tillandsia)

Item ID: `34`

- Description: Likes bright light. Also remember that the higher the humidity, the brighter the light that can be tolerated. Needs 2-3 times of light misting per week
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/zcdcxjamth0rnldsg78b.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Air+Plant+Tillandsia+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 24. [African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/35/african-violet-saintpaulia-ionantha)

Item ID: `35`

- Description: Need about 14 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, and allow to moderately dry in between waterings.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/xjjj1ri3tr6lc5hobz71.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=African+Violet+Saintpaulia+ionantha+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 25. [Succulents & Cacti](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/38/succulents--cacti)

Item ID: `38`

- Description:
  > Succulents thrive in bright indirect light, and low moisture conditions.
  > If light is low, your plants will stretch, become thin and elongated, or discoloured. Make sure these plants are well-ventilated. Otherwise, they are super easy to handle and care for.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/nourdzexqbrkp1ardndl.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Succulents+Cacti+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 26. [STEP 1: Prep your container](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/11/step-1-prep-your-container)

Item ID: `11`

- Description: Clean out your chosen container thoroughly, including the interior and exterior. This is to make sure you start with a fresh sterile environment so that your plants can grow and thrive healthily.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/bzaqvx4qzcsw1knymnfs.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+1+Prep+your+container+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 27. [STEP 2: Add drainage layers](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/15/step-2-add-drainage-layers)

Item ID: `15`

- Description: This is what the pebbles are for. The pebbles create a drainage layer that will reduce chance of flooding and drowning your plants. As a rule of thumb, make the drainage layer around 4-5cm high / around one third of the container's height
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/k8lrqn6dgwivnv0v70uf.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+2+Add+drainage+layers+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 28. [STEP 3: Activated charcoal](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/16/step-3-activated-charcoal)

Item ID: `16`

- Description: Add a thin layer of activated charcoal - just enough to cover the pebbles.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hnccd8uvfsocdomqsnxz.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+3+Activated+charcoal+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 29. [STEP 4: Add soil](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/17/step-4-add-soil)

Item ID: `17`

- Description: Add enough soil so that the plant roots will have enough room to grow and spread - as a rule of thumb, make the soil layer slightly higher than the soil the plant was potted in.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/uanrm9ohcfhcz2tmmsfk.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+4+Add+soil+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 30. [STEP 5: Prep & plants your plants](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/18/step-5-prep--plants-your-plants)

Item ID: `18`

- Description: Uncover the roots of the plant by breaking up the soil around it. Be gentle. You can trim the roots if they are too long - they will grow back. Now dig the soil with your spoon/scoop to make a well big enough to bury your plants roots. Try to keep your plants in the middle of the container.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ov6nwa0kyfptrs08lrdj.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+5+Prep+plants+your+plants+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 31. [STEP 6: Add decorations](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/19/step-6-add-decorations)

Item ID: `19`

- Description: This is where your little figurines and decorative pieces come into play - place them however you like
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/slnivswhnw3zgkyredpp.png)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+6+Add+decorations+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 32. [STEP 7: Clean container & water plants](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/20/step-7-clean-container--water-plants)

Item ID: `20`

- Description: Finally, clean your container and water the plants just a little bit. Remember, your terrarium will need little watering - just base your watering behaviour on the healthiness of the plant. If there is too much water, there will be condensation. If there is too little, the leaves and soil will be dry and grainy.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hspqg5bk25dlxxjl7gfc.jpg)
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=STEP+7+Clean+container+water+plants+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 33. [Buy plants from reputable nurseries / online](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/9/buy-plants-from-reputable-nurseries--online)

Item ID: `9`

- Description: Check to make sure your plants are clean and sterile before arranging them in the container, to avoid unwanted fungus and/or bugs
- Image: -
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Buy+plants+from+reputable+nurseries+online+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 34. [Combine plants with similar lighting needs](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/10/combine-plants-with-similar-lighting-needs)

Item ID: `10`

- Description: So you can accommodate for all your plants and ensure a healthy growing environment for all
- Image: -
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Combine+plants+with+similar+lighting+needs+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 35. [Base number of plants on size of container](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/13/base-number-of-plants-on-size-of-container)

Item ID: `13`

- Description: Do research as to which plants you'd like in your terrarium and what kind of conditions it thrives in. Make sure you consider that the plant will obviously grow so don't overcrowd your container when making your terrarium
- Image: -
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Base+number+of+plants+on+size+of+container+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 36. [Remove dead/wilting plants](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/21/remove-deadwilting-plants)

Item ID: `21`

- Description: Removing these unhealthy plants early will help maintain the overall healthiness of your terrarium
- Image: -
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Remove+dead+wilting+plants+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -

### 37. [No direct sunlight](https://listium.com/@Rebecca/2870/diy-terrarium/22/no-direct-sunlight)

Item ID: `22`

- Description: Do not place your terrarium in direct sunlight as the glass traps the heat. Instead, offer them a place with indirect sunlight
- Image: -
- Amazon.com: [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=No+direct+sunlight+terrarium)
- Need to buy: false
- Completion: -