Create a beautiful terrarium in a glass container using live plants and fun miniatures. This tiny little miniature scene creates its own ecosystem and is not only fun to look at, but will beautify your home with very little care.

This is a simple tutorial on how to make a terrarium with a glass jar and miniatures. Terrariums are a great way to have plants in your home that require a minimum amount of care. In this case it is also a way to combine a love of miniatures with a love of plants. Two hobbies in one!

How to make a terrarium with miniatures.

What is a terrarium?

In this project, we will be creating what is called a closed terrarium. Essentially, it is a closed glass container that includes miniatures and live plants. The great thing about closed terrariums are that they are fully functioning miniature ecosystems!

This is Suzy from SuzysSitcom, and as you may already know, we are full time travelers living in our RV. With that said, there is not a whole lot of room for plants. Fortunately, I love miniatures and this is a great way to combine that love with gardening.

How does a terrarium Work?

How a terrarium works is a lesson in biology. A combination of water and carbon cycles that create a miniature, self sufficient world. The warmth of the sun causes moisture to evaporate from the plants and soil. It becomes condensation on the glass container. Then, just like rainfall, the waters will drip back down to the soil to begin the process all over again.

How to Make a Terrarium

For this project, you will need to select a plant or two that are not only small, but enjoy humid environments. Some plants, such as ferns, do much better in a terrarium than as a regular houseplant. Note: if you choose a succulent or cactus, you might choose to create an open terrarium as they do not do well in humid environments.

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What you need:

The entire tutorial is in a printable card at the bottom of this post. But first, here is a little bit of info about the tools and supplies you’ll need.

Glass Jar with Lid (Any glass jar will work. The size is up to you!)
Small humidity loving plants (Be sure to find a size that will fit easily in your container)
Small pebbles or gravel
Potting Soil
Natural Preserved Moss
Assorted Miniatures
Long Tweezers

Add stones to the bottom of the glass jar.

Add Gravel to the Bottom of the Terrarium

To allow for air around the roots of the plants and a place for any excess water to go, add about an inch of gravel to the bottom of your glass container.

Add potting soil to the Terrarium

Soil that is sterile is best for your terrarium so that you do not bring in any bugs or pests. Any potting mix from your local store will work for this. Add in enough to cover the roots of your plants when you remove them from their pots.

Add plants to the Terrarium

Since we are creating a miniature scene in this terrarium, I planted the plants towards the back of the container to allow room in the front for the miniatures. If the plants need a bit of trimming at this point, it can be done. Remove the plants from their pots and plant into the soil.

Add moss to the Terrarium

You may use live moss or natural preserved moss (found at my local craft supply store) to add more greenery to the terrarium.

I placed the moss towards the back of the container to allow for room for the miniatures. You may need to use long tweezers for access to all areas of the container.

Add a layer of pebbles

In order to create the miniature scene, I added a layer of pebbles to the front of the terrarium. This step is optional. Create a scene that makes you happy!

Add a miniature fence, with tiny floral sticker for color.

Assemble your miniatures

I found a cute set of miniature wooden fences in my local craft store. Be sure to check out the miniatures section for lots of great ideas to include in a terrarium! I used some foam daisy stickers to add a fun detail to the miniature fence.

Use long tweezers to push the fence into the soil.

Perusing the miniatures section of my craft store, I also found these cute little gardening items and bike. Perfect for my little scene!

Use long tweezers to place miniatures into the terrarium.

Place the miniatures in the terrarium using long tweezers. Create a scene that you will enjoy!

The final step is to spray some water onto your plants and close the lid on top. You have now created a tiny little ecosystem!

Care of your Terrarium

Remember, glass can act as a magnifier. Direct sunlight can cause the inside of your closed terrarium to become too hot for the live plants. It is best to keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight.
Do not over water your terrarium. Once a month is generally plenty. Use a spray bottle to control how much water you add.
Do not place your terrarium near a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace. The heat will be too much for your plants.
Be sure to remove any yellowed or brown leaves if they appear.
If plants begin to overcrowd, it is okay to trim them.

Your terrarium is now ready for a place in your home. What a beautiful way to add a bit of color to your decor!

Print Instructions Pin for Later

2.72 from 7 votes

How to Make a Terrarium

Work Time1

Total Time1

Author: Suzy Myers

Cost: $30

Equipment

1 Glass Container with lid
1 Plants Use small, humidity loving plants that will fit your container
1 Gravel or Pebbles
1 Potting Soil
1 Assorted Miniatures
1 Long Tweezers
1 Preserved Moss Can be found at your local craft store

Instructions

Add a 1 inch layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the glass container
Add enough potting soil to cover the plants roots
Add the plants to the back of the container, pushing them into the soil, leaving room for the miniature scene.
Add moss to the back of the container, filling in areas around the plants, using the long tweezers.
Add a small layer of gravel to the front of the container.
Place miniatures as desired.
Spray with water and close the container.

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