Terrariums For Plants & How To Build One!

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

What is a Terrarium?
4 Types of Terrarium Plants
5 Step Planting Guide To Assemble A Terrarium
Where You Can Get Your Own Terrarium

What is a Terrarium?

By definition, a terrarium is a sealed transparent globe or similar container in which plants are grown. They are often made of glass or plastic and wood.

While some terrariums can house small animals, the majority of them house beautiful and vivacious plants. Terrariums are a great tool and decorative piece that gives your plants an enclosed and controlled environment to thrive in.

A terrarium will add the perfect pop of class and color to any space. Put it on your desk to add a little life to it, or add one to your windowsill to bring inside a bit of the outdoors. No matter where you choose to place your terrarium, it is sure to be eye-catching and beautiful.

Terrariums are great for growing mini-gardens, especially if you live in a dry area. There are two kinds of terrariums: enclosed terrariums and open terrariums.

Open terrariums require more supplies such as moss and rocks to help contain moisture in the environment. Enclosed terrariums are similar to a small greenhouse and require less material.

The soil and plants within an enclosed terrarium release water vapor that collects on the walls and slides back into the soil. It essentially recycles the water!

The best part about terrariums is that they are self-nourishing, especially if they are sealed. This is why they require such little maintenance. Of course, you should still check on your plants as needed, but you won't have to water them nearly as much as if they were outdoor plants.

4 Types of Terrarium Plants

While you may think that there are only a couple of plants that can grow in terrariums, there are actually many of them! Some are even sold right here on the NatureHills.com website!

Mondo Grass

Grasses such as Black Beard Mondo Grass and Dwarf Mondo Grass make an excellent addition to any terrarium in small quantities. Mondo Grasses are known for being ornamental, durable, and an excellent ground cover. This is why they are also perfect for growing in terrariums!

While Mondo Grass is known for being durable, it is still susceptible to the elements. A sealed terrarium will help ensure that the grass gets all the nourishment it needs, with little effort from you.

Begonias

This one is a bit of a surprise, but it's true! You can totally grow small flowers in your terrariums! Flowers like Begonias are just what you need to add a bright pop of color to your space. Take the Apricot Illumination Begonia, for example.

This Begonia happens to grow best in window boxes and hanging baskets! A terrarium will make the perfect habitat for one of these beautiful flowers. Just keep in mind that as your Begonia grows, it may need a bigger terrarium to support its future growth.

Again, this is a plant that is susceptible to dryness if not watered properly or frequently enough. A terrarium helps cut back on that extra work!

Ferns

It may seem strange to think that a fern can go in a terrarium of all things. But, they are actually quite perfect for them!

Ferns such as the Foxtail Fern are tough and easy to care for. They love to live in containers and hanging baskets which makes a terrarium an ideal environment for them.

Sedums

Sedums are another example of a great decorative ground cover. The SunSparkler Firecracker Sedum, for example, has vivid pink flower clusters and loves the heat! When grown in a container like a terrarium, it is sure to thrive and look vibrant.

5 Step Planting Guide To Assemble A Terrarium

The stained glass look of these terrariums is what makes them stand out from the rest! They are unique, beautiful, and even slightly complex. However, these terrariums are far from confusing and are actually quite easy to put together!

What You Need

Clay Pebbles / Pea Gravel
Activated Charcoal
Potting Soil
Your Plant!
Coffee Filter (Optional)
Moss and/or Sand (Optional)

Step #1: Add Pebbles for Drainage

Place a 1-inch high layer of pea gravel or red clay pebbles (Hydrotron) at the terrarium liner's bottom. These types of pebbles retain moisture and release it back to your plants' roots as needed for healthy drainage.

Step #2: Add a Layer of Charcoal

Add a 1/4 inch layer of activated charcoal pieces on top of your pebbles.

You can purchase charcoal at garden supply stores or aquarium supply stores. It is used to keep the soil purified and help with filtration. Another thing you could do is add a coffee filter, moss, or sand. This will help prevent soil from filtering down into the pebbles.

Step #3: Add Potting Soil

Add 2 to 3 inches of potting soil on top of the charcoal. We recommend using a good organic potting soil. A quality soil mixture will help them grow to their full potential and prolong the life of your plants.

Step #4: Planting and Decorating

Remove the plant from its plastic container, tease the roots gently apart and remove any excess moisture. Dig a small hole in the potting soil and place the root ball inside. Add soil around the base of the plant and gently pat it down.

Depending on the size of your terrarium, you may be able to add multiple plants. Also, consider adding decorative sand, moss, or objects to your taste.

Step #5: Cover and Place

Place your terrarium top onto the base and place it in a sunny spot in your home.

Where You Can Get Your Own Terrarium

Now that you know how to put a terrarium together, you probably want to know where to find one. Well, NatureHills.com, of course!

Leadhead Glass uniquely crafts each one of our terrariums. Using reclaimed glass and wood to bring modern eco-friendly beauty into your home. Visit the link below to get yours today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials and supplies do you need to build a terrarium?

Building a terrarium requires a transparent glass or plastic container, potting soil, and your chosen plants. Open terrariums also need moss and rocks to help retain moisture in the environment, while enclosed terrariums require fewer materials since they naturally recycle water vapor back into the soil. Start by selecting your container style based on the plants you want to grow, then gather your materials before assembling your layers for the best results.

How do you choose the right container for a terrarium?

Choosing the right terrarium container depends on the plants you want to grow and how much maintenance you prefer. Glass or plastic containers work best since they are transparent and allow light to reach your plants, while also letting you monitor moisture levels and plant health easily. For low-maintenance growing, opt for a sealed or enclosed container, which recycles water vapor back into the soil much like a small greenhouse. Start by selecting a container size proportional to the plants you have in mind, then decide between an open or enclosed design based on your local climate, keeping in mind that open terrariums work better in humid environments while enclosed ones are ideal for dry regions.

How do you layer soil and drainage materials when planting a terrarium?

When building a terrarium, start with a 1 to 2 inch layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom to provide essential drainage and prevent root rot. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel to filter the water and keep the environment fresh, then follow with a layer of moss to act as a barrier between the drainage layer and your soil. Finally, add 2 to 3 inches of potting mix appropriate for your chosen plants, such as a well-draining cactus mix for succulents or a standard potting soil for tropical varieties. Once your layers are in place, plant your terrarium specimens, tamp the soil gently around the roots, and mist lightly before sealing or placing in indirect light.

How do you transplant plants into a terrarium without damaging their roots?

To transplant plants into a terrarium without damaging their roots, gently loosen the root ball by hand before placing the plant into a pre-dug hole in your terrarium soil. Use a long-handled spoon or chopstick to carefully guide roots into position, especially in narrow-necked containers where your hands may not fit easily. Water lightly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots, and allow the plant a few days to acclimate before sealing an enclosed terrarium.

What types of plants grow best inside a terrarium?

Many plants thrive inside terrariums, including ornamental grasses like Black Beard Mondo Grass and Dwarf Mondo Grass, which serve as excellent ground cover in small quantities. Flowering plants such as Begonias also do well, adding bright color to the enclosed environment. For best results, choose compact, moisture-tolerant plants suited to your terrarium type, and browse Nature Hills Nursery at naturehills.com to find terrarium-ready varieties shipped directly to your door.

Can you grow herbs successfully in a terrarium?

While the article focuses on ornamental plants like Mondo Grass and Begonias for terrariums, most culinary herbs are not ideal terrarium candidates because they prefer drier conditions and good air circulation. Moisture-loving herbs like mint, parsley, and chives are your best options if you want to try growing herbs in a terrarium, and an open terrarium works better than a sealed one to prevent excess humidity that can cause root rot. Start with a well-draining soil mix, a shallow layer of gravel at the base, and choose a spot with bright indirect light to give your herb terrarium the best chance of success.

How do you water and maintain moisture levels in a terrarium?

Enclosed terrariums are largely self-maintaining because the plants and soil release water vapor that condenses on the walls and cycles back into the soil, meaning you rarely need to water them directly. Open terrariums lose more moisture and benefit from a layer of moss and rocks to help retain humidity in the growing environment. Check your terrarium periodically and water only when the soil appears dry, as overwatering is a far more common problem than underwatering in these contained environments. For open terrariums, mist lightly rather than pouring water directly onto the soil to keep moisture levels balanced without saturating the roots.

How much light does a terrarium need to keep plants healthy?

Most terrarium plants thrive in bright, indirect light for 12 to 16 hours per day, as direct sunlight can overheat the enclosed environment and scorch delicate foliage. Placing your terrarium near a north or east-facing window is ideal for low-light plants like mondo grass, while flowering plants such as begonias prefer brighter filtered light from a south or west-facing window with a sheer curtain as a buffer. If natural light is limited, a standard grow light positioned 6 to 12 inches above the terrarium for 12 hours daily is an effective alternative. Monitor your plants weekly and adjust placement if you notice yellowing leaves from too little light or bleached foliage from too much.

How do you prevent mold, pests, and overcrowding in a terrarium?

Preventing common terrarium problems starts with good setup habits. Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture before adding water, and ensure your terrarium has a small layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom to improve drainage and discourage mold growth. For pests, inspect any new plants thoroughly before placing them inside, and quarantine new additions for a week or two as a precaution. Trim back any plants that are crowding others, and remove dead or decaying leaves promptly to keep your terrarium healthy and balanced.

When should you prune or replace plants in a terrarium garden?

Prune terrarium plants as soon as they begin touching the glass walls or overgrowing neighboring plants, which can happen every few weeks with fast-growing varieties. Trim stems and leaves with small, sharp scissors to maintain the miniature scale of your garden and ensure proper air circulation. Replace plants entirely when they show signs of disease, rot, or have simply outgrown the space beyond what pruning can manage. Regularly inspect your terrarium and remove any dead or yellowing leaves immediately to keep the enclosed environment healthy and balanced.