Plant trend: how to make your own terrarium

You see them in all shapes and sizes. A closed terrarium is a kind of mini ecosystem. The plants in it live on recycled oxygen, water and nutrients. That’s super cool, right? We at PLNTS think it is! In this blog we will give you a list of terrarium essentials, we have highlighted our best terrarium plants and we will help you build your own terrarium step by step.

What exactly is a terrarium?

A closed terrarium is a self sufficient system, like a mini ecosystem. It does not need anything from the outside except for light. This is how it works. Before the glass jar is closed, some water is added. This water will evaporate and drips like condensation down the bottle back into the earth. The roots can easily absorb the water this way. Dry leaves of the terrarium plants will be converted into nutrients that end up in the soil. The plants get nutrition from this. This self sufficient system can keep your plants alive for years. If you like plants but don’t have such green fingers, you and the terrarium are the perfect match!

The essentials to make a terrarium of your own!

It is very easy to make your own terrarium. You can use almost anything for this: a glass jar, vase, bulb or bottle. As long as you can close the object well and the opening is not too small. You must of course be able to place the plants in it.

This is what you need:

• Bowl of water and cloth
• Glass object with cap or cork (We have terrariums in four different sizes in our shop)
• Hydro grains, pebbles, soil or coarse stones
• Handful of active charcoal
• Potting soil
• A selection of BabyPLNTS
• Moss, shells and/or decorative stones

You can also use our ‘ready to go’ terrarium packages which include all the essentials!

Which houseplants are suitable for a terrarium?

The best plants are the ones that function well in a moist environment. Examples are:

• Fittonia
• Calathea
• Begonia
• Asperagus
• Nephrolepis

We have added a selection of our favorites below.

DIY: the steps to build your terrarium

Step 1: Bring on the shine

Use a clean wet cloth to rinse the glass that you use as your terrarium. Use a drying towel to dry the terrarium.

Step 2: Foundation first

Cover the bottom with hydro grains and a thin layer of active charcoal. These layers help the soil to drain. The active charcoal will prevent molding in your terrarium.

Step 3: Make it comfortable

Add a thick layer of potting soil so that the PLNTS can root themselves comfortably. We recommend around 5 cm.

Step 4: Time to plant the PLNTS

Start with the largest ones, remove your PLNTS from their nursery pots and make sure each one get a cozy place in the soil.

Step 5: Complete the look

Give your terrarium a personal touch by adding some moss, shells or decorative stones.

Step 6: Let her shine!

Give your terrarium a perfect place to shine in your home!

BONUS: We also made a DIY video. Watch it below to get started quick and easy!