10 ESSENTIAL Terrarium Tips For Beginners!

If you’re a beginner to terrarium making this video is for you! I’ll be giving you 10 essential tips to making & keeping healthy terrariums. Terrarium making can seem difficult at first, but once you know the basics they are super easy & fun to make. There’s no better way to bring nature indoors then a mini ecosystem terrarium!:)
Check out my Ebook, It’s perfect for beginners! terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
Amazon Links United States(affiliate)
Substrate:
Coco fibre: amzn.to/3Kprihf
Sphagnum moss: amzn.to/3Et2kcN
Orchid bark: amzn.to/3EtoLyM
Charcoal: amzn.to/3Z2RUZs
Worm castings: amzn.to/3IGziJj
Window screen mesh- amzn.to/3JYlmtA
Display light- amzn.to/3HKoLNi
Rack light- amzn.to/3B2y8mY
Terrarium tools - amzn.to/3HJDBmY
Misting bottle- amzn.to/3nnlSKh
Amazon Links United Kingdom (affiliate)
Buy my substrate mix! (UK Delivery Only) - terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
lava rock: terrariumdesigns.co.uk/collec...
LECA: terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
Window screen mesh: amzn.to/3ZHdgvE
Display light- amzn.to/3k5Nu4T
Rack light- amzn.to/41clYm3
Terrarium tools- amzn.to/3k9lCgk
Misting bottle- amzn.to/3GuZXXd
Chapters:
00:00 Pick a suitable container
1:21 Use a drainage layer if necessary
2:00 Use a substrate barrier
2:56 Use a quality substrate
3:57 Get some tools!
4:44 Best moss & plant species
5:35 Don’t overwater!
6:45 Use suitable lighting
7:18 Open the terrarium every 1-2 weeks
7:37 Clean the glass!
Music: Orbit, Corbyn kites - your love, yung logos

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Check out my Ebook, It’s perfect for beginners! terrariumdesigns.co.uk/products/ebook

[@timothymcglynn1935]

Awesomeness 🤩

[@danesmith4227]

Made terrarium. Had no idea I had a hidden jumping spider inside or fruit fly lava. The spider ate fruit flies for about 4 months and it's now may favorite distressing thing to watch

[@sanderpiek8216]

Wow

[@a.p.5429]

Jumping spiders are neat little critters. Had one in my kitchen window for weeks. Unfortunately, hubby washed dishes and didn't pour the water out. 😢

[@loooongneck]

Make sure to keep an eye on signs of lessening fruit fly activity! In a small terrarium predators like a jumping spider might hunt it’s available prey to near extinction levels and then starve itself

[@emmasnyder8636]

Very needed, im 23 years old. I have a patch of moss that is very important to my and older then me. It was living at my grandmas, and i finally decided to bring it home due to it may have been my last trip to my gandmother. It may seem silly but this patch of moss is super important to me. It has always lived outside in a flower pot. When i saw it was turning brown i knew i needed to at fast. I think it is cushion moss, but i cant tell for sure at the moment.

[@andromeda1903]

i dont think that is silly at all ♥️

[@lukediehl1210]

Needed this. I tried to make one with my kids, and it was a miserable failure. I think it was too wet, and the whole thing was just overtaken by mold.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Glad you found it helpful!:)

[@nachoman9480]

U need springtails

[@Mason_hammer]

@@nachoman9480what are they for?

[@theonlineanimal6009]

@@Mason_hammer they eat mold and provide nutrition to the soil

[@2-dsnumberonefan393]

There for u to watch it and NEVER take off the lid and that's how u make a Soler sistum

[@marydavis6341]

Wow this is so much more complicated than my method of shoving dirt, rocks and plants I've found into clear containers lol

[@Ricardo__Milos]

Your way sounds better. Less controled, more chaotic.

[@a.p.5429]

Hey. It works. 👍

[@carleehoag4811]

I’ve tired many times to make one and failed, I watched this video and now I have a beautiful terrarium. Thank you for the tips ❤️

[@terrariumforbeginnersshinark]

These tip so important for the beginners terrarium. So thanks for sharing these knowledge to all of us in this video. Thanks so much guys.

[@corydora2894]

I use peanut butter pretzel jars for all 3 of my terrariums. In my first terrarium, i have seen a thriving culture of springtails. In my second one ive seen 1, so im assuming there are more. In my third there is a angry flying bug, so im afraid to open the terrarium and check for springtails.

[@spooky_graves22]

I’m new to this stuff, did you put the bug in there or was that part of the growth and what not?

[@corydora2894]

@@spooky_graves22 Springtails can be found naturally outside and may have made their way in on moss or rocks or something, but most of them were added from a culture I got online.

[@prorandocopier7945]

how to fix third: electric fly trap. open the jar, put a piece of paper inbetween, and grab a fly shocker.

[@29jensen17]

just take it outside and let it free. :)@@prorandocopier7945

[@tessarae9127]

😂

[@FishOutofWaterTarot]

Thank you for this! Somebody just gave me a large jar. It’s perfect for a terrarium I can’t wait.❤❤❤

[@emperioszyrandios7667]

I was just starting and I found the perfect video explaining important stuff. Thanks a lot!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Glad you found it helpful!:)

[@a.p.5429]

Thanks. Simple terrariums are fun to have. Saw someone post they add isopods (roly polys). They are easy to care for and could add interest. I kept a small fish tank habitat with isopods at school. Kids enjoyed it.

[@SmoKKz0r]

Finally a video with all the detail… TY

[@craftingclasher3791]

Where do you generally get the plants from? I was curious on the best way to get varieties that would perform well in a terrarium.

[@Habib_779]

Thanks for sharing 🙏☺️

[@gazevanschooselife1207]

Never heard of a Terrarium until I stumbled on your channel I’m certainly going to make one 👍🏻 I think your channel is fascinating and really interesting… thank you 👍🏻

[@BananaBotanists]

Thank you for the awesome help because I am going to make some terrariums today👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TerrariumDesigns]

I’m glad you found it helpful!😃

[@BananaBotanists]

Thank you I was delayed with making those terrariums but I just got the first one done and I am pretty proud of it

[@dequashonfontaloosi4229]

I have just made my first terrarium and it looks awesome! Cheers mate

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Great to hear!!😃

[@BananaBotanists]

I just finished one like a couple minutes ago lol

[@funtimefreddysuniverse4464]

I made my first terraumium ty for the tips

[@NikitaSharma-bs4gg]

this is really good- i can try to make one too - so helpful

[@robstevens9667]

Brilliant 👌 thank you 🙏 👍

[@Dementia_scale_armour]

I once made a terrarium that had a 2 cm opening and was wide 5 cm and instead of putting there some professional plants , I just used some unidentified moss,plants and of course some gooseberry seeds. And the terrarium is doing pretty well, from the day it was planted it’s like 4 months.

[@lorelaimorace-kk1xz]

this seems like a pretty cool hobby

[@alexho891]

Hey thanks for the video, I got a question. For a moss terrarium is it a must need for springtails to be living in the soil? I do plan on making a closed moss ecosystem that is why.

[@Sinserg]

Understood, thanks for sharing this tips! 😁

[@Xiv2022]

You're a Terrarium Hero!

[@sheilatheo1059]

Great video and inspirational advice.

[@StarrO286]

thank you so much this was super useful!!!

[@dankpoutart5312]

im planning on getting everything for my first terrarium this week your videos have been a huge help and i cant wait to finally try it! i had one question i was hoping you could answer because i cant really find it why cant some plants be planted in the subtrate but have to be on rocks? Again a huge thanks for all your videos im hoping everything goes well in my first terrarium keep up the videos!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Glad you’re enjoying the videos! Some plants rhizomes will rot if kept in the substrate which is why they will be mounted on rocks. :)

[@cicciobug3981]

Thank you for the tips, you are so accurate!! Did you make a video about keeping moss and plants that are waiting to be implanted?

[@TerrariumDesigns]

No problem! I have a video on storing moss: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4XKY5-Xm7hgppI

[@cicciobug3981]

@@TerrariumDesigns thank you so much!

[@esria]

Great info, thank you!

[@briiannova]

In the middle of a lifestyle change. This is perfect for me.

[@sannanayt7594]

Thank you so much😍

[@Wolvesy]

Hi thanks for the tips really helpful. I was wondering do you use springtails in all your terrariums

[@Wrroom]

Ty for the beautiful content! 😄😁

[@TerrariumDesigns]

No problem! Thank you for watching!😃

[@sussycrewmate123]

Sir,I am from India it is greatful and joyous to watch your informative videos,but I am not able to find moss for my terrarium which makes it boring,So can you please suggest where to find them in summers?😊

[@SirGeneralGibster]

I just need u to do a blog on where u get all ur glasses 😂 I can never find rlly cools ones like the ones u have

[@traceylawrance5346]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@barrygamer9879]

Hi, do you have Any advice if Any sort of animal can Go in a 2 liter terrarium? And How big does it Need to be for Any sort of Animal?

[@TimJeffers-ey9jc]

Can sand be used as a drainage layer.

[@dwade6322]

Great video. Thank u!

[@HefHeresy]

Im using miracle grow and wet soil from the garden and a cork topper along with some dried out moss I had to revitalize with water. Lets see how this goes... LOL I assume there's mold in my future. OH! Also for the drainage i'm using some smooth black stones.

[@starcodeellijah]

Bro thanks for the help my terrium Is 15 months old! ❤

[@muaz840]

if i made one when should i water it again? and how do i know its thriving and alive? I'm new to all this

[@user-br9ou5mr7g]

you are the best terrarium maker.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you!

[@Colunited]

Hey man I’m new to this I created a terrarium using rocks to recycle water soil plants and isopods and moss ofc along with some peiges of bark any recommendations

[@faithwayman7000]

My sister found a rock with moss growing on it and gave it to me, and I'm trying to find a good way to keep it alive. I'm on a bit of a time crunch because I'm going on a weeklong trip, so I'm desperately trying to do something with it so it will stay alive. Is there a way I can substitute the substrate and plants with things I can find around the yard?

[@LucaPaglia]

Beautiful!

[@TI_Ted]

i love this

[@justalittledust]

I do have a question about moisture levels when setting up new terrariums in sealed Mason jars. (Keep in mind I live in a very dry place, low humidity here.) When I close the jar, they fog up. I suspect that is a Bad Thing, not just because I can't see in. I'm currently leaving the tops open to let them dry out. How little fogging should I accept. Keep drying them out until all fogging disappears? Just a little fogging in the substrate acceptable? Is fogging right up into the jar's stratosphere okay?

[@OstyOstafrikasaurus]

My terrarium luckily doesnt need a drainage layer because the spider plants and the moss in it do very well with the amounts of water given to them

[@mimikyuw2506]

Should I use handkerchief instead of substrate filter?

[@bobbymalta73]

What Type Of Light we Need Please? Thanks For Sharing.

[@gimini8985]

I just wondering does my used cut out Chacol face mask can be use for permeable layer? 😂 finally got my used face mask in to use instead just throw it out

[@Kyle-iu2tm]

Hey anyone! Can I please get some insight from you? Do you have to have substrate? Or can it just be worm castings with some sand mix? My last one I mixed in a dry Spanish/lichen type of moss and it molded up fast in the substrate. So I went and bought coconut fiber and sphagnum but I didn't put it in because I'm worried it will mold fast again. Thoughts?

[@Seafoamworks99]

6:14 root rot caused wilting and browning that is a direct result of overwatering. I might start a terrarium but I want to make it more like an edible one with microgreens in it. Idk if that is doable. I already have a garden and I get fresh chives pretty much daily now so I want something else to sink my time into. Shit I'm gonna go buy those microgreen seeds anyway, they have a massive variety pack at the dollar store. Probably gonna get some chia too. Love these videos, yours are particularly informative.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

That sounds like a really cool idea, good luck!

[@DERI_BAHTIAR]

Sangat indah terrariumnya kawan..

[@capuchinosofia4771]

I know its probably an stupid question, but can one use the algae buildup and put it in a jar with water to make it grow?

[@annarlramirez]

Can a old pickle jar work as well?? ( I cleaned it out and ther is no site of any vinigar left...complely "new" )

[@hailee1001]

i use coffee/pickle/pasta sauce jars.. i leave em to soak in sone soapy water for the night then the next day the label pretty much slips off, then if any adhesives still there a lil scrape with a steel wool gets it good

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Up cycling jars is a great idea:)

[@mrd_catholic]

I had the worst hangover in years after playing a drinking game to him say "Terrarium" hahaha great videos though I'm planning on making my first terrarium after my head stop spinning

[@rezkifabilla-lw2dr]

Is the lid has to fully sealed or is it okay to have litle gap? I diy my tank and the top level of the side glass is not even, so the lid is not fully sealed, theres tiny gap on it. is it okay?

[@melissadale7084]

@terrariumdesigns Can hessian be used as a substrate barrier instead of window screen mesh?

[@limonade7050]

Is i possible to place, for example, a metal piece in the terrarium? I have a medal I'd like to use as a centrepiece, but I'm unsure whether the plants around it will survive.

[@michelledorasami8332]

I love your videos

[@TerrariumDesigns]

thank you!

[@Tinnerito]

Same!

[@voltrainferno6360]

Hi, i have a question: for the substrate i have the charcoal, coco fibre, and orchid bark. but i cannot find the sphagnum moss and worm castings. is it possible that i can still use the three that i have?

[@michaelgusovsky]

sphagnum moss is sometimes known as peat moss. many places have it, like home depot. if not, you can replace it with coco coir. worm castings, most garden centers and nurserys have it. if not, you can just replace it with your basic compost.

[@guitarfox8316]

I used a Fiji water bottle with a very small amount of water in the bottom and added the substrate some black sand and some moss and attempted to add a glass bee but it hit the sand with enough force to bury it and I’m going to fetch the tools for easy removal of the moss and then put the bee back in a visible spot maybe remove some moss as most of it is taking up most of the space and I only made it today

[@lokdog257]

Question; the plants in my terrarium usually die and rot, looking slimey, as if there is too much water. However, I have a drainage layer that always stays dry. There seems to be either too much or too little water, with no room in between. I've had multiple terrariums fail because nothing wants to grow, any and all plants inevitably die.

[@HarryJimmyJamesWestThe3rd]

Hey where can i find/get moss, also is there an alternative for orchid bark and is it essential in the substrate mix. Also where can i buy these materials in australia like leca i cant find. And where can i get springtails.

[@oscargraefling3369]

I realy struggled finding springtails in australia (mt compass) untill i looked under a wine barrel (cool, dark, moist place) and all you have to do is wait a few seconds to let ur eyes adjust to seeing little white specs on the ground. As for the orchid bark i just use some leaf litter that i have cut up wit scissors

[@Enceladus_edits]

Do I really need a sub-barrier if I have med-large stones?

[@Seafoamworks99]

yeah btw you earned a subscriber hell yeah brother.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you!

[@timothymcglynn1935]

Very interesting 🤔🧐🤔

[@cafeinn4354]

Is it a must to put it under the sunlight? I have almost zero sunlight in my apartment 😢

[@petevenuti7355]

How do you keep it from getting overrun by by molds or mildew? I was told I needed more direct sunlight and I baked it 🔥 told I was over watering them so I ended up desiccating.. I got a definite Brown thumb, my terrariums get eaten by mold & my mushroom cultures die faster.

[@diamondly6250]

springtails will eat it

[@kennyfarmi9878]

I do this with smaller cup/ smaller container, but still with that components, but my color is brighter than urs, is that okay? Or i have to cut sphagnum moss into pieces?

[@bobmcbob9856]

Is a plastic container a problem? I have this big old bug container from when I was a kid & shape wise it’s solid, but is the material an issue?

[@s.rcreations3021]

I don't have spagnum moss, coco peat, I only hove the drainage lair and normally garden soil, but I still want to set a terrerium , plsss suggest me something.

[@LeanderDeJager]

do you grow your moss and how and where do you grow it?

[@insanity4224]

I was wandering why mine went brown and died no I know 😊 I think I’ll try again

[@rachel7455]

where did you buy the materials for your substrate?

[@MrKrakengaming]

Your the best

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thanks!!

[@ccarroca1]

Do I have to use springtails?

[@Nutamago]

hello, any idea how to get rid of mold/white fungus on the glass? I can't seem to find any springtails 😅 does cinnamon water helps?

[@TerrariumDesigns]

I’ve never tried cinnamon water. Manually removing whenever it pops up may be your best option:)

[@vmsfamily]

What’s about the rocks from outside did you putting into the hot water so they’re with no microbes

[@jylecrennan]

Could I use an old reptile enclosure as a terrarium tank? It has a mesh top and front doors, so air gets in. What would be the implications of leaving it as is?

[@TerrariumDesigns]

You sure could! It’ll just need to be sprayed a little more as water will be able to evaporate

[@jylecrennan]

@@TerrariumDesigns Okay cool thanks man!

[@junupbox4911]

Hi! I have an accidentally overwatered terrarium. Do you have any tips on how to get some of that water out? I don’t want anything too invasive since there’s critters living in there

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Check out this video:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3SqaXaun9yebtE

[@linpsaedit4282]

Thank you for all these tips, but i have a small question,Can I use a piece of fabric instead of a substra barrier? 😁

[@star_gazing37]

It could work but you should use a thin piece of fabric that let's water through.

[@linpsaedit4282]

@@star_gazing37 i see! Thank you for your comment, its gonna help me ☺️

[@PokeFit3]

I would assume organics like cotton would eventually rot but nylon mesh is what is used in outdoor landscaping, I'd assume that or polyester would work but it still may not be permeable enough to allow excess water through.

[@raquelsantangelo2040]

Loved all the tips!

[@sillysausage72]

Great video! New sub here.

[@tylerthrale9724]

Where is it you get your nano tanks from?

[@seth1371]

Where would be a good place in America too buy the plants?

[@sproutingart1575]

Question can I use a mix of gravel and small rocks I found outside as a drainage layer ?? Without having something separating it from the dirt

[@Mr_Almond]

Yeah that should work pretty well, I would would use more sand than gravel though. Hope this helps!

[@rachel7455]

what kind of charcoal do you use?

[@codefortl4937]

does it have to be made from glass? how bout plastic?

[@DukeofHesse-he7bu]

All good tips I'm sure, but the problem is getting the materials and plants. I want to make one terrarium so buying tons of stuff I will never use again is wasteful - not to mention wildly expensive. Just to buy the materials suggested requires getting bags and bags of materials that easily can add up to well over one hundred dollars. Then buying all the plants to be able to select exactly the ones I want is again over one hundred dollars. Any suggestions?

[@JigarGada]

Where can you buy nice and healthy moss varieties?

[@semihamet4439]

Nice

[@Dan-B]

Couple of questions: . Does window screen mesh break down over time and need replacing? . Is it required or a good idea to introduce small insects to maintain the health of the ecosystem? . Is it a good idea to add fungi to terrariums with plants, or should they be kept separate?

[@Biolo-G_KJ]

No Yes Sure but spores are in soil so it will come by themselves.

[@_loon5645]

how to manage the plant that grow too long? cut it? will it damage the plant?

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Simply give them a snip:) they’ll grow back in no time

[@wcdeich4]

Where do you find those kinds of moss?

[@CapzVerse]

I think it is important to note that this guide is on jar terrariums and not the classic terrariums.