10 steps to terrarium-making

Things you need for a terrarium.

What you need

- Small stones and rocks

- LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) balls

- Potting soil

- Activated charcoal

- Small tools: tongs, small spoon/mini shovel

- 2-3 plants

- Moss

- Glass container (large glass jars)

In a clean and dry glass container, layer small stones or LECA balls at the base.

Have a plan

Before you start building the terrarium, have an idea in your mind how the end result will look like.

Half of the container should be “empty” to ensure there is space for air circulation and aesthetics.

Decide what type of terrarium you want – open or closed jar.

Open terrariums are better for cactus and succulents; closed jar terrariums are more suitable for tropical leafy plants.

Select the right plant. For beginners, start with an open jar terrarium and cactus/succulents.

Place the activated charcoal and potting soil into the terrarium.

How to build it

1. In a clean and dry glass container, layer small stones or LECA balls at the base.

2. Next, add the activated charcoal and then the potting soil.

3. Then put the biggest plant in first.

4. Use your small spoon/mini shovel or hands, make a hole for the plant, then place it gently in the soil.

5. Fill in and flatten the soil around the plant.

6. Add the rest of the plants – from the second largest to the smallest.

7. Start from the back and then work your way to the front.

8. Make sure your plants have enough room to grow and aren’t cramped against the glass or each other.

9. Place the other stones or moss to cover the soil.

10. Lastly, close the lid (or not, if it’s an open terrarium).

Place your plants inside according to size, from largest to smallest.

Keeping it alive

Place your terrarium in a spot with indirect sunlight.

Spray with water every week or when the soil is dry to the touch. But don’t overwater or root rot might occur.

If it’s a closed terrarium, watch for condensation. If the glass fogs up, then open the top and let it dry out.

You can use tools such as tongs or your hands, to place the plants into the terrarium.