Terrariums in Apartments: How to Make and Essential Care Tips

Terrariums are an excellent way to introduce a bit of nature into indoor environments, especially for those living in apartments where space may be limited. With the growing popularity of indoor plants, terrariums have emerged as a practical, creative, and accessible way to grow plants in small spaces. Additionally, they provide a sense of tranquility and freshness, adding a touch of greenery to the decor of any room.

If you’re interested in creating a terrarium for your apartment, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of assembling your own miniature ecosystem and provide the essential care tips to ensure the plants within the terrarium grow healthy and vibrant.

What is a Terrarium?

Before we begin, it’s important to understand what a terrarium is. In its simplest form, a terrarium is a transparent container, usually made of glass, where small plants are cultivated. The concept of terrariums dates back to the 19th century when British botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward created the first terrarium as a way to study and protect tropical plants. Today, they are popular as decorative pieces, in addition to providing a microenvironment conducive to the growth of certain plants.

The charm of terrariums lies in their ability to create a mini ecosystem inside a closed container, with plants breathing and interacting with the environment in a way that mimics nature. They can be fully enclosed, semi-open, or open, depending on the needs of the plants and the desired visual effect.

Benefits of Having a Terrarium in Your Apartment

• Cozy Decoration: Terrariums are great decorative elements. They can be adapted to any decor style, from minimalist to boho, and bring a touch of nature into the room.
• Ease of Care: Compared to other types of indoor plants, terrariums generally require less maintenance, as their design is meant to create a self-sustaining environment.
• Increased Humidity: Plants inside closed terrariums create a microclimate of humidity, which can be beneficial in dry indoor environments.
• Air Purification: Like other plants, terrariums help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as well as filtering toxins and improving the air quality in the room.
• A Touch of Nature: In an increasingly urbanized world, terrariums offer a way to bring a bit of nature indoors, creating a more relaxing and balanced environment.

Materials Needed to Create a Terrarium

Creating a terrarium is relatively simple and does not require many materials. Here’s what you need to get started:

• Glass Container: The container is the base of your terrarium. It can be any type of transparent glass container: a jar, vase, bottle, or even a wine glass. The key is that the container is transparent, so light can penetrate and the plants can receive the necessary light for photosynthesis.
• Stones or Gravel: These are used to create a drainage layer at the bottom of the terrarium. This prevents water from accumulating around the plant roots and helps avoid rot.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal helps filter the water, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria in the terrarium. It also keeps the environment healthy by absorbing excess moisture and odors.
• Planting Soil: Choose a light, well-draining soil suitable for the plants you wish to grow. Soil for succulents or cactus plants is a good choice because it is more sandy and allows for proper drainage. If you’re planning a closed terrarium, opt for a slightly more humid and nutrient-rich soil.
• Plants: The choice of plants is crucial. Plants for terrariums should be small and adaptable to the enclosed environment. Succulents, cacti, mosses, ferns, and some tropical plants like peperomias and fittonias are great options, depending on whether you are making an open or closed terrarium.
• Planting Tools: Since terrariums are small, you may need a few tools to help with planting, such as tweezers or a small spoon to handle the plants and soil inside the container.
• Decorative Elements (optional): To personalize your terrarium, you can add small decorative elements like colorful stones, miniature figures (houses, animals), or even dry branches and decorative moss. These details make the terrarium unique and charming.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Terrarium

Now that you have all your materials, let’s go through the step-by-step process of creating your terrarium:

• Step 1: Prepare the Container
  Choose a transparent glass container based on your style and available space in your apartment. If you opt for a closed terrarium, make sure to select a container with a lid or one tall enough to isolate the internal environment.
• Step 2: Create a Drainage Layer
  Place a layer of stones or gravel at the bottom of the container. This drainage layer helps prevent water from pooling in the soil, which could harm the plant roots. The thickness of this layer can range from 2 to 5 cm, depending on the size of the container.
• Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal
  Place a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel. This helps filter the water and keeps the terrarium fresh, preventing mold and odors from developing. A thin layer of activated charcoal is enough.
• Step 4: Add the Soil
  Now, add soil on top of the charcoal layer. The soil should be thick enough to accommodate the plant roots. For closed terrariums, you can use a more humid soil, while for open terrariums, a drier, sandier soil is preferred. Make sure the soil is spread evenly.
• Step 5: Plant the Plants
  Before planting, arrange your plants inside the container to see how they will be positioned. Leave enough space for them to grow without becoming overcrowded. Use tweezers or a spoon to make small holes in the soil and carefully plant your plants. Start with the larger plants and add the smaller ones around them.
• Step 6: Add Decorative Elements (Optional)
  After planting your plants, you can add decorative elements such as stones, moss, or miniatures to give your terrarium a personal touch. These details can turn your terrarium into a true work of art.
• Step 7: Water Lightly
  After assembling the terrarium, water the plants lightly. The amount of water depends on the type of plants you’ve chosen. For closed terrariums, the natural humidity will be more controlled, so water should be used sparingly. For open terrariums, the soil will dry out more quickly, so you’ll need to monitor it more often, but always moderately to avoid waterlogging the soil.

Essential Care Tips for Keeping Your Terrarium Healthy

Now that your terrarium is set up, it’s important to know how to care for it to ensure the plants grow well and stay healthy. Here are the essential care tips to keep your terrarium vibrant and beautiful:

• 1. Location: Where to Place Your Terrarium
  The location of your terrarium is key to its success. Plants need light for photosynthesis, but the intensity of light depends on the type of plants chosen. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal spot:
  • Closed Terrariums: If you’re making a closed terrarium, it can be placed in an area with indirect light. The glass creates a greenhouse effect, which helps maintain humidity and temperature. Avoid placing the terrarium under direct sunlight, as this could overheat the container and harm the plants.
  • Open Terrariums: For open terrariums, the plants will need more light. Try placing them in a location with indirect or filtered light, such as near a window, but avoid direct exposure to intense sunlight.
• 2. Humidity and Watering: How to Control It
  The humidity inside a closed terrarium will be automatically controlled by the evaporation and condensation of water. Plants release water vapor, which condenses on the glass and returns to the soil, creating a natural cycle. This means watering should be minimal, and it’s important not to add too much water, as excess moisture could create an environment conducive to root rot.
  • Watering Closed Terrariums: If your closed terrarium has consistent condensation on the glass walls, this indicates that humidity levels are sufficient. If the glass is completely dry inside, water with a small amount.
  • Watering Open Terrariums: In open terrariums, the soil dries out faster, so you’ll need to check it more often. Water lightly to avoid soaking the soil. Remember, plants like succulents and cacti prefer drier conditions, while tropical plants may need more moisture.
• 3. Ventilation: Preventing Mold and Fungi
  While closed terrariums create an ideal environment for many plants, they can also become a breeding ground for mold and fungi if not properly ventilated. To avoid this, occasionally open the lid to allow fresh air circulation and reduce excess humidity. Open terrariums naturally have better ventilation, but it’s also important not to keep the container too sealed, as this can lead to stagnant air.
• 4. Pruning and Maintenance
  Like any other plant, terrarium plants need regular maintenance. You should trim dead or damaged leaves to keep the terrarium looking neat. If plants grow too much, you may need to prune them more drastically to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, if a plant becomes too large or starts to dominate the space, consider removing it and replacing it with a smaller plant.
• 5. Regular Cleaning of the Terrarium
  Over time, terrariums, especially closed ones, can accumulate dirt and debris on the glass, affecting their appearance. Gently wipe down the inside of the glass container with a soft cloth to maintain its cleanliness.

By following these basic steps and tips, you can create a stunning terrarium that will thrive in your apartment for months or even years. With the right care and attention, your mini indoor garden will continue to flourish, providing you with a little slice of nature to enjoy all year round.

Troubleshooting Common Terrarium Issues

Even with careful planning, there can sometimes be issues that arise when caring for a terrarium. Below are some common problems and solutions to help you maintain a healthy and thriving ecosystem:

• Condensation Problems in Closed Terrariums:
  If your closed terrarium is constantly fogged up or has excessive condensation on the glass, it may be a sign that there is too much moisture inside. This can be caused by overwatering or a lack of ventilation. To address this, try:
  • Reducing Watering: Water your plants less frequently, as closed terrariums retain moisture well. Only water when the soil looks dry.
  • Improve Ventilation: Open the lid for a few hours a week to let the air circulate, or consider removing the lid entirely for a few hours on particularly humid days.
• Mold Growth:
  Mold can develop if the humidity is too high or if there is stagnant air inside the terrarium. If you spot mold, take the following steps:
  • Remove Moldy Material: Gently remove the affected plants or soil using clean tools.
  • Increase Ventilation: Open the lid to improve air circulation and decrease moisture buildup.
  • Avoid Overwatering: Ensure that you’re not watering too often, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Plants Becoming Leggy or Stretching:
  If your plants start to grow tall and leggy with spaces between the leaves, this can be a sign that they’re not getting enough light. To fix this issue:
  • Move the Terrarium: Place your terrarium in a brighter location, making sure it’s getting indirect sunlight.
  • Rotate the Plants: Occasionally rotate the plants so that they receive even light on all sides, preventing them from leaning toward the light source.
• Yellowing or Wilting Leaves:
  Yellowing leaves are often an indication of overwatering or poor drainage. When water sits in the soil too long, it can cause the roots to rot and affect the overall health of the plant. If you notice yellow or wilting leaves:
  • Check for Drainage: Ensure that your terrarium has a drainage layer of stones or gravel to allow water to flow away from the roots.
  • Reduce Watering: Cut back on watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Remove Affected Plants: If the damage is extensive, remove the unhealthy plants to prevent them from affecting the rest of the terrarium.
• Invasive or Overcrowded Plants:
  Some plants, especially ferns and mosses, can spread quickly in a terrarium and may need to be pruned back regularly. Overcrowding can result in competition for space, light, and nutrients, so it’s important to trim plants as needed. If a plant becomes too large for its container, you can remove it and either replace it with a smaller plant or let the remaining plants flourish in the available space.

Decorating Your Terrarium

Beyond its function as a plant-growing environment, a terrarium can be a beautiful decorative feature for your apartment. Here are some ideas to customize and personalize your terrarium:

• Themed Terrariums:
  You can create a terrarium with a specific theme in mind, such as a forest scene, a desert landscape, or even a miniature fairy garden. Adding tiny figurines, small rocks, or artificial decorations like fairies or gnomes can bring your theme to life and add an element of storytelling to the terrarium.
• Layering for Visual Appeal:
  Create visually appealing layers by arranging the stones, gravel, and plants in an interesting way. For instance, you can place a few larger stones at the back, and let smaller ones gradually lead to the front. This adds depth to your terrarium and makes it look like a tiny, three-dimensional landscape.
• Adding Colorful Decor:
  While your plants will provide most of the color, you can enhance the look of your terrarium with elements like colored sand, shells, or pebbles. These can create contrast with the greenery and add a playful touch to your setup. Consider using small, neutral-colored decorative items so that the plants remain the focal point.
• Miniature Accessories:
  Adding tiny figurines, such as tiny animals, little houses, or natural elements like wood slices or moss, can create a whimsical, natural environment within your terrarium. Be mindful of scale and choose accessories that don’t overwhelm the plants.
• Adding Lighting:
  For a bit of extra charm, consider adding a small string of fairy lights around the exterior of your terrarium or inside if you have an open design. These lights can help to highlight the plants and add ambiance to your room, especially at night.

Types of Terrariums: Open vs. Closed

• Closed Terrariums:
  Closed terrariums are ideal for humidity-loving plants such as ferns, mosses, and tropical plants. The closed environment creates a self-contained water cycle, where moisture evaporates and then condenses on the glass, providing constant humidity. This makes them great for plants that thrive in humid conditions. However, they require occasional ventilation and may need to be opened from time to time to reduce excess moisture.
• Open Terrariums:
  Open terrariums are best for plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents, cacti, and air plants. These plants do not require as much humidity, and the open design allows for better airflow. Open terrariums are easier to manage in terms of ventilation, but you will need to water them more frequently.

Final Thoughts

Terrariums are a fun and rewarding way to add some greenery to your apartment. Not only do they help create a calm and serene atmosphere, but they also offer an easy way to grow plants indoors, even in small spaces. By selecting the right plants, choosing the appropriate container, and following the care guidelines, your terrarium will thrive and become a beautiful focal point in your living space. Whether you’re growing lush mosses or vibrant succulents, your terrarium can become a self-sustaining mini garden that brings nature indoors all year round.