The Art of Terrariums: How to Create Your Own Tiny World

Terrariums are more than just a trend; they’re an enchanting way to bring a slice of nature into your home. These miniature ecosystems combine creativity, tranquillity, and a touch of science, making them a perfect project for beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a mindful weekend activity or a unique gift, building a terrarium is an art form anyone can master. Here's how to create your own tiny green paradise.

What is a Terrarium?

At its heart, a terrarium is a self-contained ecosystem housed in a clear glass container. Think of it as a miniature forest, rainforest, or desert that you can admire and maintain right in your living room. With their low-maintenance nature and timeless aesthetic, terrariums are as practical as they are beautiful.

How to Create Your Own Terrarium: Step by Step

1. Choose Your Container

The container is the foundation of your terrarium, and its shape and size set the tone for the world you’re about to create. A glass globe, like the one included in our Happy Houseplants Terrarium Kit, is ideal for beginners. Its 20cm size gives you plenty of room to experiment while retaining the humidity needed for a thriving ecosystem. Whether you opt for a classic round vessel, an apothecary jar, or a geometric design, make sure it’s clear glass to allow maximum light in.

Pro tip: For closed terrariums, choose a container with a lid to keep humidity levels stable. Open terrariums are better suited to dry-loving plants like succulents.

2. Layer Up: The Secret to a Healthy Terrarium

A successful terrarium starts with the right layers to ensure proper drainage and a clean, balanced environment for your plants.

Drainage Layer: Add a layer of small stones or pebbles to the base. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom, which can cause root rot.

Activated Charcoal: This layer keeps the ecosystem fresh by absorbing impurities and odours. A small sprinkle goes a long way.

Substrate: Use a high-quality potting mix tailored for terrariums. Our kits include a specially formulated substrate to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.

Each layer is like a building block, creating a strong foundation for your terrarium’s health and beauty.

3. Select Your Plants

The beauty of a terrarium lies in its lush, compact greenery. When choosing plants, focus on varieties that thrive in humid environments. Popular choices include:

Mosses: Perfect for ground cover, moss creates a soft, green carpet.

Ferns: Their delicate fronds add height and texture.

Fittonias: Known as nerve plants, these bring pops of colour with their vibrant, veined leaves.

Our terrarium kits take the guesswork out of plant selection by including pre-chosen humidity-loving plants. This ensures that your terrarium will thrive from the get-go.

4. Let Your Creativity Shine: Decorating Your Terrarium

This is where the magic happens. Arranging your terrarium is all about bringing your vision to life. Use elements like cork bark, stones, and miniature figurines to craft a landscape that tells a story. Are you creating a mystical forest or a zen-inspired retreat?

Our kits include natural cork bark and hardscape materials, making it easy to create a striking display. Play with height, texture, and placement to achieve balance and harmony.

5. Watering and Placement: The Final Touch

Terrariums require less watering than regular houseplants, thanks to their enclosed environment. Use the mister included in our kits to lightly water your plants, avoiding overwatering at all costs. A few gentle spritzes are usually enough to keep the ecosystem thriving.

Place your terrarium in a spot with bright, indirect light—too much sun can overheat the container, while too little light can stunt plant growth.

Why Choose a Terrarium?

Terrariums are more than just a plant display—they’re a mindful, calming activity that helps you reconnect with nature. They’re also a fantastic conversation starter, a thoughtful gift, and a way to bring a fresh energy into your space. Plus, they’re low-maintenance, making them perfect for even the busiest plant parents.

Ready to Build Your Own?

Creating a terrarium doesn’t have to be complicated. Our Happy Houseplants Terrarium Kits are designed to make the process easy and enjoyable, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned green thumb. Each kit includes everything you need: a 20cm glass globe, curated plants, substrates, natural cork bark, and even a mister for care.

Embrace the art of terrariums and bring your own tiny world to life. Explore our terrarium kits here and let your creativity take root.

Need More Inspiration?

Check out our interview with Worcester Terrariums for even more insights and inspiration into creating the perfect tiny world. Explore our blog for tips and tricks on houseplant care, styling ideas, and seasonal advice. And don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #HappyHouseplantsTerrariums—we’d love to see your tiny masterpieces come to life!