1. Pick an Open Container
First comes the selection of your container. There are a few things to consider, mainly the size and shape. Think about the plants you plan on using. For a closed terrarium, the terrarium must be completely closed; this way, no moisture can escape which is great if you plan to buy moss. For an open terrarium, obviously it should have an opening.
2. Making a False Bottom
To make sure the roots of your plants won’t be sitting in the water, we will start by creating a false bottom (drainage layer) with clay balls. We do this so the roots will never sit in water, as this will kill any succulent or cactus. The water can leak through to the drainage layer and slowly evaporate without drowning your plants.
3. Create a Filter Layer
Next comes a layer of sphagnum moss, which acts as a barrier for the substrate. It will prevent the soil from falling into the drainage layer. Make sure to spread it evenly.
After that, we will add the activated carbon, which acts as a natural filtration system. If you want to learn more about how it works, take a look at our activated carbon question guide.
4. The Substrate Layer
Now, we will add the substrate mix. We recommend adding more soil to the back to make it higher, this creates a sense of depth and will make the terrarium look larger when viewed from the front. You can buy the materials separately from our collection of soil improvers, or check out our terrarium bundle.
5. Planting Your Terrarium
Now, the real magic happens! It is time to put in decorations. You can use cacti, succulents, sand, rocks, or anything you think will look good. Let your creativity run wild!
6. Caring for Your Terrarium
Caring for an open terrarium can be a little tricky. The biggest issue is watering too much and risking root rot. Succulents and cacti prefer lower humidity. We recommend watering a little bit around the base of the plants so only the roots get wet.
Water once every 1-2 weeks in spring and summer and once every 3-4 weeks in fall and winter. Put your terrarium in the brightest spot in your house; this will ensure that when you water it, it evaporates as quickly as possible. That’s it!
Since proper hydration plays such a major role in plant health, understanding common watering mistakes and knowing how to prevent root rot can make all the difference.
To better understand how to maintain your terrarium and handle typical issues, take a look at our article on terrarium care and solutions.
Once you are done, feel free to share your homemade terrarium with us! We would love to see your creations. Tag us on Instagram @Sybotanica, and we will repost it in our story. If you have any questions about terrariums or plants, reach out to us at info@sybotanica.com.
