12 best terrarium gardens

Product features

INSPIRATION COMES IN MANY FORMS

Just what is a terrarium? Terrariums create an enclosed ecosystem that mimics the natural world. Moisture evaporates from the soil level and the leaves of plants, then condenses on the roof and walls of a glass vessel or container. The condensed vapor then drops down, replicating the natural rain cycles that provide moisture for our ecosystem and keep our planet alive.

In 1829, Dr. Nathaniel B. Ward (1791–1868), a London physician with a passion for botany and nature, realized the scientific principle behind what is now our modern-day terrarium. In a closed bottle, Dr. Ward studied a sphinx moth in its chrysalis and found a fern seedling growing. After four months’ time, without so much as a drop of water from him, the seedling developed. Ward was amazed, and the concept for the Wardian case was born. Ward could not have known how he would influence the future of terrarium craft over a century later, but we appreciate his discovery today.

TERRARIUM DESIGN

In this chapter, I share my favorite terrarium designs. These designs mimic the natural world, such as a woodland, desert, bog, or tropical jungle. In these concept designs, I will add fundamentals of small garden design, maybe a bench, a stream, a dry riverbed, or a gravel pathway. Even the simplest glass container is elevated to a splendid garden by the details we meticulously place inside. I will highlight how we create variation by using these details in similar containers. The use of one distinctive plant can influence your design and change the “feel” or “style” of your terrarium. You’ll see how distinctive plants influence each of the terrarium design in this chapter:

• Tropical Terrariums
• Variations on a Fish Bowl
• Woodland Flavor
• Desert Landscapes
• Seasonal Terrariums

In glass garden design, we use basic ingredients to change the miniature landscape and create a unique place taken from our memories of the beauty in the real world we admire.

THE BASICS

This is an inspirational, instructive book on terrariums, but let’s infuse our experience with humor and above all—fun. Let’s find out how much enjoyment we can derive from magnifying natural beauty under glass. In the following sections, you will find plenty of details that will help to create your landscaped theme. Let’s start with the basics for building the foundation of any terrarium. What are “the basics”? These are the ingredients, supplies, tools, and specialty mosses. The basics involve certain sizes and colors of gravel, pebbles, or sand in different colors. All these basic ingredients create a specific look. You can find these items in traditional terrarium supply websites and at local garden supply stores, among other places. Be sure to rummage through my Resource Guide (page 165) for sources. I find looking for supplies and tools somewhat of a fun-filled scavenger hunt.

THE GLASS VESSELS

There are many styles of glass containers, some with and some without lids. In this chapter, I will cover many terrarium possibilities and help you start your collection of vessels. Even a humble fish bowl can become a masterpiece with your plant and design choices. Glass vessels include (but are not limited to):

• Fish bowls, footed glass vessels, and cylinders
• Lidded cookie jars and apothecary jars
• Vintage Wardian cases
• Hanging ceramic planters, glass globes, and teardrops
• Cloche displays and lanterns
• Cake stands, compote dishes, and footed fruit bowls

Here, you will learn how to select glass pieces and how they will affect your plant choices. I’ll offer my observations on the moisture levels created inside the different container shapes and how you can alter this outcome with a few simple, handy tips. You will learn which containers are good for dry deserts and which are good for humid tropical jungle terrariums.

GETTING STARTED

There are just a few basic steps to keep in mind on your way to success. This chapter shares the standard, traditional, classic terrarium building steps for any vessel. Familiarize yourself with these concepts, and you’ll be able to adapt them to your own unique abilities, interests, plant availability, and, of course, glass terrarium vessel. I suggest that you just dive right in. There are step-by-step photos to guide you on your way.

• Assemble the ingredients.
• Choose the plants.
• Place the drainage material at the bottom.
• Add a divider to separate the planting medium from the drainage well.
• Place your activated charcoal.
• Decide where the plants will be placed.
• Plant, tamp down, and add the final potting mix.
• Topdress your final design to finish the look.

THE PLANTS

This chapter contains a special listing of specific plants that survive well in the special conditions of glass biospheres. Each creates an unique look. Some have unusual growing patterns, red veins running through their leaves, or other intriguing attributes. Others need no soil at all, just a weekly water-bath dunking. These are the plants that I have found to best dress up terrariums while surviving the effects of warmth, humidity, and cramped living quarters. Most are houseplants that we are accustomed to seeing in pots on a windowsill or in container gardening. Terrarium plants include tropical plants, succulents, a few cacti, ferns galore, and some other very unique specimens. Here is a list of the best terrarium and modern indoor gardening plants:

• Air plants Tillandsia
• Staghorn fern Platycerium grande
• Pink star Cryptanthus
• Club moss Selaginella
• Mexican rose Echeveria
• Baby tears Helxine soleirolii
• Mikado Syngonanthus chrysanthus
• Creeping fig Ficus pumila

MODERN INDOOR GARDENING

Japanese-inspired indoor gardening trends are becoming ever more popular. More and more bloggers and magazines, as well as specialty shops, are featuring Kokedama string gardening plants for sale, classes to make your own, and instructions on the steps. I want to inspire you to explore this fun and easy technique. I will share some display ideas for Kokedama creations in this chapter. Marimo algae balls are also found all over Pinterest pages, in the most otherworldly aquatic scenes. So I had to include these fascinating natural wonders in this chapter too.

My profound love of Japanese gardening begins with my deep emotional connection to the Japanese interpretation of nature. I see a natural richness in the moss and stone. I want to share my passion with you, and I hope it is contagious as you create your own projects.

MAINTENANCE

Is there any plant care at all required for a terrarium? Well, very little, but once you have invested your creative energy planting these fabulous gardens under glass, you’ll want them to thrive. I am one of those people who thinks about plants 24/7. I’m sure everyone does not spend their day obsessed with their plant collection. Well, maybe a few of you do. When you bring a new plant home, take a moment to discover its basic needs.

• Does it naturally grow in the desert? Rainforest? Marsh?
• Does it go dormant in a certain season?
• Does it like to be wet? Dry? Evenly moist?
• Does it need air circulation?
• Does it love hot, moist, humid conditions?
• Does it thrive in bright indirect light or hot sunlight?

The idea is to establish a small arsenal of care information for each plant. We have filled our containers with healthy living things that we expect will flourish and look great.

Product description

Experience the wonder of nature all year as you take the fun of gardening indoors with the Creativity for Kids Magical Mini Garden Kit – Unicorn Egg Terrarium. Mini Gardening is a unique, fun experience that combines both arts and crafts with science (STEAM) as your child creates their own mini unicorn garden. Perfect for beginners, this gardening kit for kids features quick growing chia seeds that sprout within 3-5 days! Our guaranteed to grow terrarium kits means a green thumb for everyone! Everything you need to decorate, plant and grow your own unicorn paradise garden is included, just add water! Complete gardening kit includes potting mix, quick growing chia seeds, unicorn themed stickers, dimensional accents, fun minis - rainbows and unicorn and decorative sand. Mini egg-shaped gardens make the perfect Spring-time or Easter gift for kids. This unique craft activity makes the perfect addition as an Easter Basket Stuffer, stocking stuffer, small gift for kids, Spring Craft, rainy day activity and so much more! Terrarium kits allow for indoor gardening - anytime. Let creativity and self-expression take the lead as you decorate your magical unicorn garden. Colorful unicorn stickers and accents bring your garden to life and spark creativity and wonder of magical unicorns. Growing a mini garden is a unique activity, and also an opportunity to develop nurturing skills, responsibility and creative confidence! Since 1971, Creativity for Kids has proudly created unique craft experiences for children to create, explore and build creative confidence for life. This unicorn gardening kit for kids features non-toxic materials that are kid-friendly and recommended for ages 6 - 96. For best results, do not put your terrarium in direct sunlight. Completed unicorn garden measures 5 ¼” h x 3” w.

• MINI UNICORN TERRARIUM FOR KIDS - Decorate, plant and grow your own mini magical terrarium in a unicorn egg-shaped environment. Quick grow seeds and fun decorations bring your to unicorn paradise life (Completed garden measures 5 ¼” h x 3” w.)
• COMPLETE KIDS GARDENING KIT – Everything you need to grow your own mini unicorn garden paradise is included, just add water! Unicorn garden kit includes potting mix, quick growing chia seeds, unicorn themed stickers, dimensional accents, fun mini figures and decorative colored sand
• QUICK GROW PLANT GROWING KIT – Easy indoor gardening with great results! Our guaranteed to grow unicorn gardening kit for kids means a green thumb for all! Included magical chia seeds sprout within 3-5 days of planting for immediate results
• MAGICAL FUN WHILE LEARNING – Explore the wonder of nature and science with a mini terrarium. This STEAM science activity is fun to do with a unique learning experience. Spark curiosity, inspire creativity and wonder about the magic of unicorns while creating a habitat for your unicorn
• BUILD CREATIVE CONFIDENCE – Growing your own unicorn garden is a fun activity that encourages independent play and creative confidence while developing nurturing skills, responsibility and patience. This unicorn craft for kids is recommended for ages 6 - 96.

User questions & answers

Question:	how long will the grass continue to grow before it eventually will wilt with no return
Answer:	After around 3 weeks it may start to get stringy due to lack of nutrients. The water beads can be rinsed off, replanted and grown again with more seeds from the kit.
Question:	Has anyone used just the bowl for a fish bowl, like for a Betta
Answer:	We do not recommend using the plastic bowl as a fish bowl - this has not been tested in this manner. We recommend choosing a glass bowl or a plastic container that has passed the safety standards to house a live fish.
Question:	Can this toy be stored and reused? In other words, can the water beads be carefully rinsed off, thoroughly dried, and stored for future use
Answer:	The water beads give off water when dried, they will most likely not store well for a lengthy period of time. Please contact us at [email protected] with more details and we will try to help you further.
Question:	What color sand does it have
Answer:	If I remember correct it was multi-colored. pink yellow, blue. It was a fun project.

Product features

Decorate your Planter

• Use creativity to decorate your egg shaped terrarium with pretty stickers
• Comes with 1 sheet of rhinestone stickers in various shapes and sizes

Grow Included Chia Seeds

• A great STEAM activity for kids!
• Plant, water and watch it grow! Even beginners can make the seeds sprout

Add a Pop of Color

• Comes with purple, blue, green and pink sand
• Simply pour the packages of sand onto the dirt to make your mini garden look magical

Easy and Fun Gardening

• Comes with Chia Seeds that will sprout in 3-5 days
• Mini Garden Kits are great for indoor gardening
• All seeds are from and packaged in the USA

Give the Gift of a Green Thumb

• Makes a great Easter basket stuffer, stocking stuffer, small gift for kids, rainy day activity and so much more!
• Perfect present for kids ages 6 and up

Make your Terrarium Magical

• Included decorations make it a unique and fun gardening experience
• Your unicorn habitat would not be complete without a unicorn and rainbow figurine

• Includes Everything Needed to make a High Quality and fun Educational Toy For Children ages 4 and up. U.S.A. Made Glass Globe Measures 4 1/2 inches Tall, With a 3 1/2 opening. Includes Pea Gravel to Ensure Proper Draining, Activated Charcoal Helps to Remove Toxins. This Is a Terrarium That Can last!
• Everything in the Box Includes: Organic Soil, PeaGravel, Activated Charcoal, Moss, Two Toadstool Mushrooms, Polished River Pebble, Fairy Garden Seed Mix(chia Seeds), Instructions. Perfect Craft Project for the family and Nature Lovers
• Great For Children and Adults. Great for those without a Green Thumb. Our Easy Grow Seeds sprout within a couple Days. Product Photos are taken only one Week After Planting! The best part is TerraGreen Creations included Enough seeds to replant several times!
• Creating a Magical Terrarium is a Great Stress Reliever. This Terrarium is Great on a window sill and is a Zen Desk Decoration
• Makes a Wonderful Educational Gift, or birthday gift for all ages. Great for Group Children Activities. This complete indoor Garden kit is Proudly Made in U.S.A.

User questions & answers

Question:	When do you water terracreations
Answer:	Hello! The Chia seeds included are very resilent. It is very hard to over water and kill this sprouts/plants. However, If there is too much water you can create conditions for mold to grow at the top of the container. It is hard to say exactly how water is right for you. There are considerations such are tempature and sunlight. 1/4 cup a week is a good guidline. Just make sure the soil is somewhat damp. Consider using more water if the plants are wilted. Our favorite part of this get, is that if you kill your plants- You can plant more! We provide enough seeds to plant several times.
Question:	What are thr watering instructions for this? I didnt see sny at all
Answer:	One tablespoon of water.
Question:	My instructions are missing... can somebody tell me how to do this
Answer:	Please check the bottom of the box. Here are complete instructions: 1. First gently pour pea gravel (small unpolished) stones into bottom of container. 2. Put a thin layer of soil on top of pea gravel. 3. Spread activated charcoal across top of thin soil layer. (Removes Toxins) 4. Pour and Place soil - (save a tiny bit) 5. Sprinkle Chia Seeds at desired location A little bit goes a long way!! 6. Cover Chia Seeds with a small layer of soil 7. Decorate Terrarium. Place Mushrooms, Moss, and Polished Stone. 8. Lightly water soil with approximately one tablespoon. 9. Keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight until Sprouts start to show! 10. Over watering is a COMMON MISTAKE. In most cases no more than a tablespoon a day. 11. When the Chia Seeds over grow the Terrarium Simply pull them out and replant seeds. CAUTION: Remove mushrooms prior to watering. Bio-degradable paint May start to degrade. Do not hesitate to contact us over amazon or email us at [email protected]
Question:	i just received my kit,how do i water it when and how
Answer:	Hello, 1-2 tablespoons every dar or two. Just enough to make sure soil is not dry. If sprouting make sure you keep the soil moist, but not completely saturated with water. Chia Seeds are very versatile. You should not need to water everyday. Chia seeds are also hard to overwater. Factors Such are sunlight and heat make an exact measurment impossible.

Product features

See Sprouts In Only A Couple Days

You Can Start To See Sprouts In Only A Couple Days. This Photo Was Taken Only After 3 Days!

We Wanted To Give Our Customers Plenty Of Seeds!

You Can Regrow Your Magical Garden 10+ Times. The Photos At The Top Only Used About A 1/10 Of The Seeds. Meaning, You Could Replant Many Many Times. It's Great For Children, Or People Without A Green Thumb. These Seeds Are Non-Toxic!

A Little Slice of Nature

Create Something to Brighten Your Day

Everything You Need

Comes With All the supplies you need. Really!

Great Decor

This Is A Great Little Terrarium To Put On The Desk Or Near A Window.

Many Uses For Many People!

This Is A Fun Educational Gift That Is Great For Children. The Globe Makes Great Decoration And Makes A Great Adult Gift. Building A Terrarium Is A Great Way To Blow Off Some Stress, Or To Make Awesome Desk Decor.

Great Uses For This Terbium Include: Education Gifts, Educational Toys, Group Activities, Desk Decor,Gift For Nature Lovers, Gift For Boyfriend Or Girlfriend, Earth Day, Nature Gifts, Indoor Garden, Craft Project

Product description

Add a burst of life to your favorite space. This low maintenance succulent terrarium has a flat bottom but can also hang. It needs a bright location and water sparingly. Comes in a kraft gift box to give to that special someone. This DIY terrarium kit includes the following: 1- 4 Inch Round Glass 1 -Succulent Sempervivum -Organic Succulent Soil with Charcoal -River Rocks -Light Green, Natural and Rusty Red Reindeer Moss (preserved) -Twine - Assembly Instructions/Plant Care Sheet.

• BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY- Bring nature indoors with minimal effort. Makes a great gift and comes in a kraft gift box
• EASY CARE -Succulents are very low maintenance. They only need water once a week and a bright location. Great for beginners in gardening
• DO IT YOURSELF- Complete terrarium kit includes the following: 1- 4 Inch Round Glass 1 -Succulent Sempervivum -Organic Succulent Soil with Charcoal -River Rocks -Light Green, Natural and Rusty Red Reindeer Moss (preserved) -Twine - Assembly Instructions/Plant Care Sheet
• FAST SHIPPING- From our Greenhouse to you, to ensure a fresh delivery

User questions & answers

Question:	How much light does this need? Would it work in a north facing room
Answer:	Doesn't need a lot of light. She's very tough she can live through anything
Question:	I plan to purchase this, but not open it for a few weeks because it's a gift for someone else. Would that kill it
Answer:	Hi there - thanks for the question. Yes if you leave it in a box for a month, it would surely die. It needs some soil, light and water.
Question:	How do you water it
Answer:	It's small, so it doesn't require much watering, as there is not much soil in the glass. Maybe 2 teaspoons a week. It will depend on your house temperatures. Succulents like to be watered, then have the soil completely dry before watering again. If you notice the plant leaves wrinkling, or drying up then add more water. When it comes to cactus and succulents, less is more when it comes to watering.
Question:	Do you have to hang it? Or can it sit on a flat surface
Answer:	It can sit on a flat surface.

Product description

Terrariums are usually sealable glass containers that can be opened for maintenance and to access the plants inside. terrariums create a unique environment for plant growth, as the transparent walls allow for both heat and light to enter the terrarium. This plants from the terrariums you would receive will variety of the season. The size of the plant it is approximately 4 to 6 inches

• The plant assortment may vary with the season
• Immediate shipping in 2.5 actually the size of the plant it is 4 to 6 inches
• Miniature Ferns, Polka Dot Plants
• You will receive 5 different terrarium plants growing in 2.5
• easy to care of

User questions & answers

Question:	Can these plants survive in a closed terrarium
Answer:	yes they can thats what i used them for, very nice plants,
Question:	What zone are the fairy garden plants for
Answer:	These are indoor plants. Zone not applicable
Question:	Are these plants shipped in a heated or insulated box? I am shipping to VT in winter, will they be dead on arrival
Answer:	The box was definitely not heated, but I recall a lot of packaging to keep the plants stable. They were all in good shape, and are still living.
Question:	Item name says you get 6 plants, but the description says 5. Which is the correct number
Answer:	I got 6 plants. They were all healthy and have been thriving in our garden.

Product description

Complete Terrarium Kit: Just Need your Own Succulent or Cactus



Comes with All hard to Find Ingredients That Normally Must To bought In Bulk



Kit Includes:

• Washed Pea Gravel - Don’t Buy Muddy Pea Gravel
• Activated Charcoal of the Highest Quality - NO DUST, Removes Toxins
• Organic Succulent/Cactus Soil - Handmade For Finest Quality
• Smooth River Rock- Mixed Lot of Exotic Shapes and Colors
• Bright and Colorful Sheet Moss-Add Life and Remove Moisture

Kit Instructions

1. Put Pea Gravel in Bottom of Container For Proper Drainage
2. Add Very Small Layer of Soil - Just enough to Keep the Charcoal in Place
3. Add Activated Charcoal - (Absorbs Toxins and Odors)
4. Add The Rest of the Soil
5. Place Succulents When added Soil For easiest Placement
6. Add River Rocks for Decor
7. Place Moss To Add Color, Absorb extra Toxins, and Moisture

This Kit Makes A Great Gift For

• Those Who Need Awesome Desk Decor
• Kids who want to Learn About Plants and Terrariums- Fun Activity
• Mothers and Sisters Love this Kit - Add Green Energy to Any Room

Succulents and Cactus are widely Available at these locations

• Home Depot
• Ikea
• Target
• Most Small Nurseries

Don’t Hesitate Your Satisfaction is Our Top Priority

TerraGreen Creations

• We Listened! A larger Supply Kit for your Terrarium and Succulent Needs
• Includes All needed Supplies for a Nice Looking Terrarium
• Instructions Included - Made in U.S.A with Organic Soil - Don't Buy kits Made outside the U.S.A
• Save time and Money - Avoid Buying in Bulk and Searching for Ingredients
• Plants not Included - This Kit will work for many plant types - Made specifically for Succulents

User questions & answers

Question:	what the amount in small & large
Answer:	I had enough in the small to fill a 9.5 inch x 3 inch container...planting 5 succulents
Question:	Is this live moss in the kit
Answer:	Yes it is live moss, but I put it in with my succulent open glass planter and it went from green to brown even though I tried to mist it daily. I have since found out that this particular moss is supposed to be used in a closed environment of a terrarium. I have not tried this myself, but it needs to stay moist, which is not compatible with succulents.
Question:	I have a 10 gallon fish tank. will this work for terrarium? if so, what size kit would i need to order? thanks
Answer:	I would say there was probably enough soil to fill a gallon milk carton. Just enough for my terrarium. But for 10 gallons if you are not filling it I’d get at least 3 mediums
Question:	At which part of the planting do I use the charcoal
Answer:	The way I layered it: pebbles, charcoal, soil, moss, river rock. My plants are doing well.

• [OBLATE SHAPE DESIGN]--Various cute shapes to meet your special needs with different plants fit for a variety of different home decorating and beautifying homes.The small holes are convenient for you to easily install on the wall with mounting accessories.
• [GREAT FOR CUTTING]--Our glass plant pots are made of premium high borosilicate heat-resistant glass, durable, not fragile, not easy to deform, water-saving, corrosion resistance, great for helping with the propagation of a few plant cuttings.
• [MULTIPURPOSE]--The wall hanging planters can be used to place ivy, moss, Pothosl tillandsia wisteria plants, fake succulent air plants both for indoor and outdoor, fit for weddings, parties decorative props on the cafe, bedroom, office, bathroom, staircase. Christmas DIY tree decoration, holiday crafts.
• [DIY design]--They were easy to paint, easy to hang and they're very unique that have a hole on the back so you can remove them to change the water, and can be hung on a regular nail or hook. Very pretty to creat your practical ability.
• [PACKAGE INCLUDES]--6 pcs wall hanging planters and Free 1.06 oz colorful stone per 1 Pcs, comes in styrofoam packaging. Plants are not included. Suitable for all kinds of plants and household items.

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these include hardware for hanging
Answer:	Each of our Wall Hanging Glass Planters is equipped with hooks for you to hang, we hope you will love our products. Customer service,

Product features

WALL HANGING PLANTERS IN GLASSEAM!

We develop 9 style wall hanging planters to meet more customer's need!

You can DIY with fake flowers, ivy, hydroponic plants, moss, goose warm stone, raffia, small cartoon characters, even if you don't like the color of the appearance, you can easily spray the favorite color.

Think of it as a decoration for your office, home, garden, and coffee table. It will bring you more green, oxygen, and be in the fresh air anytime, anywhere. Are you very exciting?

What types of plants are recommended for this planter?

Most plants will root in water. Patho, Hoyas, Philodendron, Peperomias and many more.

Is the glass thick or thin?

It is made of high borosilicate glass which is durable and clear( even it is not a thick glass).

Can you get replacement glass planter if they broke.

Our packaging has upgraded, and the glass planter are packaged by styrofoam. But if you still receive the broken glass, we will reship or refund for you.

It come with the plants? It come with the colorful stone?

It does not come with the plants. It does come with the colorful stone.

Product description

Feature:



1.Fine workmanship is essential micro landscape DIY landscaping.



2.Suitable for succulents,various other decorative fence potted.



3.Mini but not a toy,decorate one of a small garden that looks wonderful.



4.They will be to decorate your garden or the best partner for children room.



5.Mini, hand-painted, each color will be slightly different.



Material: Resin



Package includes:

Dry well x 1

Running water x 1

Pool x 1

lawn x 1

wood Bridge x 2

Stone Bridge x 1

Water windmill x 1

lighthouse x 1

• Material:Crafted from high-quality synthetic environment protection resin to prevent cracking,chipping and fading.
• Realistic outdoor ornament makes a great gift for fairy garden enthusiast friends and family members.
• You can put it anywhere you like,it will add more fun to your life. garden,tabletop, desk,patio,sitting room ,bedroom,yard ,kitchen,indoor outdoor anyplace.
• Miniature fairy garden terrarium doll house figurine statue home decor ornament,Very detailed and will add a magical touch to any fairy garden, Terrarium, or Miniature Collection.
• Usage:For home decoration, fairy garden miniatures, wedding arrangments, party arrangement, and stage decoration,table decoration etc.