How to Create a Closed Native Terrarium | Ecosystem in a Jar

How To Create a Closed Native Terrarium for Free
Terrariums are great fun to create; join me as I create a closed native terrarium in a sealed jar with moss, hardscape, and plants found around a local UK woodland. Terrariums are enclosed ecosystems that can be self-sustaining, making a perfect addition to your windowsill as they are great for relaxation, giving you a little chunk of nature to create and enjoy.
I was inspired to create this terrarium by SerpaDesign, who creates great tutorials and terrarium videos along with helpful tips on building terrariums and a variety of other topics. Watch him here: / serpadesign
Life in a Closed Terrarium: • Life in a Closed Terra...
1 Month Update: • A Terrarium Ecosystem ...
A terrarium is an enclosed ecosystem which can be entirely self-sustaining. Once set up and watered, you will never need to open it again since it will regulate its own water and nutrient cycles.
Before we begin, you will need an airtight container. Some good examples include glass jars with clip tops, screw on lids or corks but for my example I’ll be using a large jar with a lid which screws tightly on top, allowing it to retain the moisture in the air.
Other equipment you will need includes porous mesh which allows water through but not substrate, some rocks or gravel, some activated carbon for fish tank filters or charcoal, and a selection of small to medium sized local plants and mosses.
The first step is to place about an inch of stones or gravel in the base of your container. Next, sprinkle on a coating of activated carbon sticks or charcoal to help with filtration.
The next step is to cut out the shape of the base of your container from the porous mesh. It needs to cover the gravel layer entirely so it’s best to cut it slightly larger than the shape itself. Once this is in place over the gravel, you can add the soil. The purpose of this gravel layer is to separate the standing water from the soil to avoid roots rotting. The water will collect here as a water reservoir then will evaporate, condensate on the walls of your glass container and then fall back down into the substrate, effectively replicating the natural water cycle. This will ensure that the terrarium will naturally water itself.
Moving onto the soil, a good soil mix should retain moisture well and be a mix of dead leaves, moss and compost. The soil layer should be deeper than your gravel layer to allow root space.
Next, let’s add some plants to the terrarium. I will be making this a native terrarium so will be using plants from nearby parks and gardens. You could use tropical plants for yours instead. Place your choice of plants in the terrarium, paying close attention to your arrangement and how you would like it to look aesthetically. Think about putting larger plants in the background and smaller ones in the foreground. Moss is excellent for ground covering as it will eventually spread and make your terrarium look lush and wild. I’ve used a few different varieties of temperate moss inline and positioned them in-between the main plants. When choosing plants, pick some with a variety of leaf types and shades of green. Also, if you come across any worms or woodlice, set them aside for later as worms will help add nutrients to the soil and woodlice will decompose any dead matter which will help to break down nutrients. These nutrients will be absorbed by the plants through their roots via osmosis.
You can also add pieces of bark or wood for landscaping.
The final step is to water your terrarium by misting. Spray a very generous amount of water over the plants and moss to help them settle and to provide the ecosystem with water which will be continuously cycled throughout the terrarium.
And there we have it, the perfect addition to your windowsill. You now have your very own tiny ecosystem in a jar. Observe how the plant life changes and spreads over time.You may notice that some die but this is normal. Other plants will grow in its place and seeds will spread.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:36 What is a Terrarium?
1:19 What You'll Need
2:46 Step 1: Terrarium False Bottom
3:53 Step 2: Sediment Layer
4:35 Step 3: Terrarium Plants and Hardscape
7:32 Step 4: Adding Water
8:00 Step 5: Adding Woodlice
8:21 Step 6: Sealing the Terrarium
8:38 Outro
Natural World Facts is a channel dedicated to bringing you fascinating facts about our natural world, and the wonderful animals that we share it with.
Subscribe for more videos!
Leave a suggestion in the comments for what animal you would like to learn about next.
OUR WEBSITE: goo.gl/Ngj5V6
TWITTER: goo.gl/U4T8JX

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Heya nature lovers! You can now join our channel to support me and get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/G5_BraUMNcluZPZ__oOeKgjoin

[@parkertaylor4288]

Your channel has inspired me to make my very own terrarium! Thank you for your channel and all your helpful videos ! I do have a couple questions that would really help my out with my terrarium project. I understand you can make a closed terrarium that needs very little to no maintenance. I am attempting to make a coffee table with a closed terrarium in the table itself. I will be making it air tight and have a florescent light cycle built into the table. I'm not sure if this is possible due to the size of the terrarium. So I guess what I'm asking is, if I make a closed terrarium in a big glass box inside a table instead of a jar, will it have the same effect? Or will I need to add air holes? And if I need air holes what maintenance would be required? Thank u for you help!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s an incredible project, and I’m sure it’ll turn out incredibly :) Having never done something of that scale, my advice may not be the best, but I have a few tips. First, it would probably be best to have air holes and just spray it with water every now and then. This means it has better chances as you can more closely monitor the conditions in the terrarium. Also, ensure you choose plants that will do well in an indoor heated jar, you might need to do some research for that though.

[@megthompson5672]

I was if I was a primary school teacher. I loved this kind of stuff as a kid. Each week I would teach them something new they might expect to see and give the leaflets to take home to their parents so they can learn how to care for it.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

@Meg Thompson It’s activities like that which really invigorate learning - even now at 18 I wish we did more activities of this kind :)

[@mellewedin8221]

Last bit of moss that you added. You should so do a ecosphere with it. That moss will and can survive underwater. It will breach the surface of the water. All you need is a couple inches of good soil from a river or stream or brook. Find some of that moss stuck to a stone or wood. Then slowly add water so you do not stir up the sand, mud, or soil. Some will cloud it up,but it clear out. Then seal the jar and watch. It will team with life.

[@enzorico47]

This is so cool. Imagine a post apocalyptic desert world where everything is extinct and and somewhere in that planet there's still life thriving inside jars and bottles.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

And we, the few remaining survivors will erect a great glass terrarium in which to live!

[@crownofthee6370]

@@NaturalWorldFacts we need a movie made with this plot

[@melon7514]

@@crownofthee6370 I mean WALL-E is kind of like that

[@ZDragonimated]

oh my god yes

[@jhowardsupporter]

Climate change will do that.

[@dioogaming8226]

Why don't they do this for school projects it would be really cool

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I reckon kids would love to make terrariums! Education should definitely focus more on getting students out into the wilds

[@Candymw]

I have this due tmr (grade 7)

[@Candymw]

@hailey nunnery nice

[@brucethemoose1926]

@hailey nunnery we actually did it to! But mine sadly got a lil moldy..

[@refrigeratorNO]

I'm actually watching this for research for a school project about this

[@AmasterfulJuice]

I actually made one around 7 years ago and forgot about it, when I found it it was completely covered in dust but to my surprise it was full of life.

[@milf_hunter5144]

I'd love to see that.

[@FunTimeWithLeo]

wow!

[@AmasterfulJuice]

@@milf_hunter5144 I guess ill make a video.

[@milf_hunter5144]

@@AmasterfulJuice looking forward to that :)

[@kaomaki2624]

@@AmasterfulJuice where's the vid?

[@95iloveboobs]

Great video, man. My girlfriend has been exploring her interests in growing and caring for plants and such. I don’t really share the same interest but I love how happy she gets. So I’m thinking of starting a terrarium to give it to her for her birthday, hopefully she likes it. Thanks!

[@yourlocalarsehole1196]

That's such a sweet idea, hope she loves it!!

[@leilarepubliccc180]

Best comment ever

[@olivialoder492]

Oh my gosh you must be a good boyfriend

[@GR-sx9ri]

He’s a keeper y’all

[@ermac102]

Only if i was this smart 😂

[@atlasvoyager1463]

This would be a cool school project imagine starting it in kindergarten and raising it all the way through the end of elementary and high school

[@typicalyacob420]

I was about to say that

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I’d have loved to do something like that in school!

[@HomemadeEcosystems]

cool idea and definitely possible! i've seen closed ecosystems that haven't been opened for more than years and they still had life in them. However they go trough stages like in a real ecosystem, only faster

[@carleelankford2634]

I’m going to do this with my son that’s in kindergarten

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

@Carlee Lankford I’m sure he’ll love it!! Let me know if you need any extra tips or advice.

[@malondahutson9997]

lol when i saw the beginning i was like "He put that bird in the jar?!"

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Haha 😂😂 I’d put the whole darn forest in the jar if I had one big enough.

[@excuseme5086]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Sounds a lil concerning, not gonna lie.

[@djssquibbs3295]

lol

[@wolfwolf8100]

K I though the same thing lol

[@keysafikri]

making a terrarium should be a school project so the students can understand how cool nature is

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I agree. I would’ve loved to do this in school, it’d get me excited to learn

[@user_123_.]

YES

[@_Vixil_]

@@NaturalWorldFacts same 😊 school nowadays is just sitting and taking tests. You can’t process any information an easy way. It’s just all about books and tests and it’s honestly in healthy. That’s why I want to go to that one school in the Netherlands, but I can’t :(

[@timdev615]

No offense but all I wanted to do as a kid was play outside, not care for a terrarium. Taking care of a darn egg was too much of a hasstle already.

[@foxglove7992]

@@timdev615 good for you

[@esther_5467]

I usually just skip parts when I get bored because of information overload but for this video I didn’t skip at all. The editing, the pace and the music was all well put. Very interesting facts too. Can’t wait to give it a go!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much Esther!!! That’s really kind of you to say- good luck with the terrarium. I’d love to hear how it goes :)

[@allthatgirlcoronado]

Same here, but I watched the whole video 😊

[@Dragon_Tamer_kenlonb30]

I am 11 and I got a big jar to make mine in

[@Dragon_Tamer_kenlonb30]

​@@NaturalWorldFactslove this vid

[@anthonydewar934]

When a British person talks to me about science, I listen regardless of their age lol Jokes aside, great video!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Hahaha, I’ll take that as a compliment 😂 glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching

[@myna0814]

yes, and it just feels good listening to their accent😂

[@oceantree1911]

I agree

[@staciesheppard2048]

@@myna0814 , I agree ... I married one! 🤗❤

[@starfoxfanboy786]

U made me laugh 😂 so good

[@benjidaniel5595]

You have a calm, relaxing voice that I could listen to all day.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks a lot, that’s really nice of you :)

[@uresharodrigo5479]

couldn't have said any better! You hear real passion, so nice to listen.

[@kawhiie1108]

facts 5 am here still haven't slept and this just hits that spot.

[@bloodakoos]

most youtubers nowadays have the most annoying voice along with fake enthusiasm that just drives me nuts

[@AudTheGod]

This is awesome! He didn’t buy a bunch of stuff or make it complicated and overdone. Simple, easy, just need a jar and an hour of time frolicking outside. A+ 100% extra credit !

[@sj9247]

I'm 31 and I was never taught this at school. What a great way to learn! I think I'll get as big jar as I can find, that'll be fun for my daughter and two cats. I don't think wifey gonna care too much haha! Awesome young man teaching, I hope I was more like you at your age, and not spending my time on stupid stuff. Keep it going, you have a bright future ahead.

[@TheJasmine172]

Love this comment. I hope your daughter and cats love it!

[@jacksonhodge4638]

Where I live, there’re old glass beer bottles and Mason jars of different colors littered in the woods. Their labels have worn off, and over time the lids have sealed of naturally. More than half of them are full of life. Your video’s great! Hopefully people’ll get inspired to start this hobby, cuz it really gives you a perspective on how strong life is.

[@Zireaells]

This is so soothing and relaxing and cool! I wanna go on a terrarium gathering walk now

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aww I’m so glad you found it relaxing ☺️ you should definitely make one, it’s just such a peaceful experience walking and gathering and then creating your own little piece of the natural world. If you do make one, I’d love to hear how it goes :D

[@shinymewtwo1025]

3:49 Suggestion for no mesh for layer separation. Fill in the gaps with smaller pebbles and rocks. Shift the jar around until it is more sturdy of a layer and won't have larger gaps larger rocks tend to have between each other. Could even do a layer of sturdy sticks on top of the rocks before the dirt to make a "net" to hold a lot of the dirt up too. Plus, you aren't watering it with a watering can type thing and there won't be heavy rains in the jar either. That kind of stuff is what really washes the dirt down to the bottom. Just a suggestion from a fellow nature lover : )

[@jessapyon2023]

Thanks for the info! 🧡

[@Krisha-gf5os]

Can i replace woodlice with earthworm

[@toesandwich3163]

@@Krisha-gf5os sorta they often create dips in the land that disturb the plants growth

[@matijasostojic4288]

Would it be Better to spray water into the jar instead of pouring IT in.

[@BopWalk]

​@@matijasostojic4288 He literally over watered it, that's way too much water for a small jar type terrarium.

[@DvilleBirdz]

What a beautiful & inspiring video! After watching this, I created my own terrarium from the life in my own backyard which I've transformed into a wildlife habitat over the past few years. I went on a scavenger hunt & found several types of moss, a tiny fern, other small plants, lichen attached to sticks, rocks & slate, flowered ground cover, worms, woodlouse(s)? & a couple of garden snails. It's simply stunning & I couldn't be more proud! I wanted you to know that you "reached across the pond" & inspired a woman in the North Georgia mountains. What a gift you are! Thank you for sharing your love of nature. ~ a kindred spirit 🦋

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me - knowing you were inspired to head out and make your own terrarium really makes me smile. So many people don’t notice the beauty in the little things beneath their feet; the moss, the rocks, the plants that so many call weeds and want to get rid of. But from reading your comment I can tell you have an eye for the wonders of nature! Keep going, stay passionate, I hope your terrarium lives long and stays healthy, and that your wildlife garden continues to be a haven for the natural world. I’m thinking about heading to the woods this weekend to create another terrarium video, but more in the style of a relaxed ‘come along with me’ video rather than a tutorial. Your words have made me excited about the process again, and I can’t wait to get back out there ☺️

[@stephalloplayz]

A criminally underrated channel give the production quality

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much!! :) that means a lot

[@caviersim3806]

This guys is so chill and my age. It's feels like the teacher asks the class to do a project without instructions and I got lucky grouping with this guy, teaching everything our group needs to know

[@carinaas7053]

This video brought me so much peace? and calm? I loved it? and I'm definitely going to make a terrarium! I miss field trips to the forest and seeing endless green and plants ♥

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aww this comment made me smile! I know the exact feeling you describe about being out in a forest among nature- do you ever just crave those days when the air’s crisp and cool, but not freezing, and your breath fogs the air while the leaves below are crunchy? And those other days when you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face as if it’s shining just for you, just on your cheeks, and it lights up the forest in a way that makes you wonder how you never noticed it was all so beautiful before! Do you ever find those secret places (a glen or a clearing or a little stream) where you stop and think how perfect that one little place is, but how secluded, that you must be one of the only people to ever stop to truly admire it! Go out and make a terrarium and feel it all again, Carina. Just enjoy being out there in nature, it’s the best experience and I hope it brings you that peace again ❤️

[@carinaas7053]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Oh my, this comment just made my day. I do crave going up a mountain and away from all the noise, all the grey, all the smog. Getting to the forest and closing one's eyes and feeling all the nature surrounding, just being aware one's existence among so many beautiful creatures as our ancestors must have done, breathing the cold cloudy air and knowing, maybe, that's the place one truly belongs to. I can't wait to return to the last place that made me feel like that. It's a few hours away and requires a little bit of planning, but as soon as I can I will. I miss that peace and those feelings you described. For now, I went to my little garden and made a tiny terrarium! cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/714672582162383131/781008052152958986/IMG_20201123_143750.jpg Thank you so much for the inspiration and for reminding me the good things in life.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

What a lovely little terrarium, you’ve really captured that rustic beauty of nature in that jar. Where’s your special place in nature? Mine used to be a den I made in the bushes with my brother as a kid. We used to live in the countryside, so we cleared the twigs and bracken from the inside of these bushes, and built ladders and platforms and swings inside. I just don’t think I’ll ever forget that childlike wonder and joy I feel when I’m surrounded completely by nature- when you feel so genuinely happy that you start smiling at the trees without even knowing it. And your eyes just widen to the wonder of all the green lain out before you! And then, when you feel utterly alone amongst nature, it’s as if it’s the one place you’re free to absolutely be yourself. I sometimes sing, not well at all, but because I know there’s nothing to judge me. It the greatest feeling ☺️

[@carinaas7053]

​@@NaturalWorldFacts Thank you! I really liked making it! And that sounds so lovely, I wish I had a childhood like that! It sounds like an incredible way to connect with nature at a young age and appreciate and respect the wonders of it. You and your brother were very lucky! I've always lived in a city and every once in a while throughout the years I traveled with my family far enough as to be amongst nature. That is why I have my heart torn between the mountain forests and the sea. That's one of the reasons I ended up currently studying biology at university. Both getting lost in the sounds of the cold Andean forests and holding one's breath while looking underwater at a coral reef, realizing how small one is and that nature is all we all truly have, are the most amazing, humbling feelings. And the singing, you're definitely not alone on that one! hahah

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I know the exact feeling you describe. Being surrounded completely and utterly by untrampled wilderness, dipping into the beautiful underwater realm but knowing you can’t stay long, however much you might want to. I think it’s good to be humbled by nature like that. Because it doesn’t make you feel small, it makes you feel like a part of something far greater and more beautiful than you could ever comprehend. Staring at the stars... there’s another thing that fills me with wonder. Just the infinity of existence, and here I am, one person on one planet deciding to admire one tree out of millions because of how beautiful its branches have grown. Do you ever find yourself doing that? Wow it must be a dream come true for you to be studying biology! I’m sitting my A-levels soon, and have applied to a number of unis for marine biology. You can probably tell if you’ve seen my recent videos, but I love the deep sea! The infinite darkness, the otherworldly life, the true feeling of exploration and discovery it evokes, for it really is one of the few remaining unexplored places on Earth. And I want to get out there and be a part of it all. It’s so lovely hearing your thoughts and how much they resonate with my own. If you’re interested, would you want to start a message chat on google hangouts or some alternative platform, to discuss more things like this? It’s not everyday I stumble upon a person so in touch with nature and how it feels to be a part of the universe 😊

[@eri7772]

I always assumed it was easier to keep moss in an open jar, but after alot of experimenting I've figured out they prefer being put in a closed terrarium with only one spray of water every 2 weeks or even less. My moss is so happy now :)

[@keralynnhurd6773]

I made a closed terrarium after watching this and its thriving! It's so beautiful, thank you for making this video!

[@autumnhiner5519]

I have never seen a tutorial for a terrarium like this that uses foraged items. I love it! I've avoided doing something like this because it always looks so absurdly expensive. Well done!

[@mickey4697]

This is in Britain, I’ve never seen Britain this beautiful.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

This was in Richmond Park, surprisingly in London. If you know where to go, you can find some absolutely beautiful parts of England!

[@mickey4697]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Oh ok, for the information!

[@perceptoshmegington3371]

@@mickey4697 or you can go to the Scottish Highlands which is even better

[@stephrashid6513]

@@perceptoshmegington3371 Yes, Scotland has some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!

[@evilwizardattack4657]

Do you live in the uk? Literally there is so much space like this I can literally walk next to my house and there is a place like this or down the road literally it’s everywhere lol!

[@attackcrow5948]

I wish that we could just take 1 day and walkthrough a forest and see and enjoy nature in school

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Students would love it! It’s such a shame the education system doesn’t value the educational value of experiences, of being in nature.

[@petrabodrozic]

Doesn't everyone do that in school?

[@tangerin__a4804]

I've struggled a lot with mental health this quarantine, life has stopped making sense and the only thing that's been giving me comfort lately is nature. I really want to clean up my room, make one of these, and put it on my window shelf along with some other small plants. I think it will lift my spirit :) thanks

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I really hope you get the chance to make one! It can be so rewarding and incredibly calming, and I hope it helps you relax and take a moment away from the hustle and chaos of life. Do let me know how it goes :)

[@greatplainsman3662]

Come on....just do it. Get outside and appreciate God's gift. You can do it! Happiness is self served. Good luck!

[@MiguelAngel-dm9hx]

Nature is great! Maybe you can try to uproot what makes you feel like that? I know in my case prayer really helps!

[@CookedSaladkacler]

See I really like watching these videos because it's like real life animals sustain in a human-made ecosystem that you can make so simply

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Exactly, you get to have a little piece of nature in your home :)

[@simonalsdorf]

Great Video! And i love how much you care about the nature itself, putting back the Moss for hideout and giving advice how to remove some small parts without damaging the beautiful ecosystem thats present :))

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you noticed that, I think terrariums are beautiful but part of the process should always be to respect the ecosystem you’re utilising :)

[@simonalsdorf]

@@NaturalWorldFacts That’s true! :)) I made my first own terrarium yesterday, regarding your tips! I’m looking forward to see this „mini world“ growing.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s brilliant!! I hope it survives long into the future!

[@Flypidge]

I like your consideration for nature, great vid.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks so much! :)

[@jonahmarlow3991]

Hey dude, awesome video - not just the content, but the music,editing,pacing etc... keep it up!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed :)

[@donaldbrown55]

The music sounds like aphex twin

[@AbsurdExistentialist]

Looking for a new hobby and I think I have found it! This will also motivate me to go out for walks a little more, and observe nature.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s so lovely to hear! It’s certainly refreshing to get out and be so intimate with the nature around you - looking under logs, scrabbling in the dirt. Have fun, and comment if you need extra advice :)

[@kream_8127]

goodness I love mini ecosystems, I love how nature just recycles itself and seeing it in a small scale is rlly beautiful

[@jordanbosley142]

I think it would be really cool do do a massive one of these in like a 10 gallon or bigger aquarium maybe you could as a video?

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I’ve always wanted to try something like that!!!! I’ll be sure to make one, but it may not be for a while as I have a lot going on at the moment and I’d want to make it perfect

[@nickismarried]

100% this is a great idea. I hope he does this.

[@danalbury3931]

Love your work! Bringing a native approach to the ever loved terrarium build, remember everyone not to take from national parks

[@grodey3985]

Whenever I’m older i would love to have one of these in my home

[@racquelrobinson3030]

Simple. Nothing complicated. Thank you so much!

[@NaturallyCuriousUK]

Great idea. Keen to give this a try. Really well explained and demonstrated Leo. Hats off to ya mate! 👍😎👍

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks mate!! Definitely have a go, I’d love to see how it turns out if that’s possible, let me know if you have any questions :) 😁

[@audreylee1699]

Ok not to seem weird but you're honestly adorable🥺 also, the video was super helpful, tysm!♡

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aww thank you so much!!! I’m glad you enjoyed and I hope you have fun if you decide to make your own terrarium ☺️ it’s such a relaxing process! Being out in nature gathering materials and having a little piece of the outdoors to put on your windowsill. There’s nothing quite like it.

[@sophietheinfallible8907]

This is wonderful and soothing! I am about to move away from a nature reserve into the city, and I think I will do this using the surroundings. Thank you for sharing

[@clarysstoryboard3317]

There is something very gentle in you, your speech and the way you explain things and I like that a lot. Thanks for the video, I might actually go out and try this come spring.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you, this is really lovely to read. ☺️ Please do! And if you do, I’d love to hear how it goes.

[@apile0fb0nes36]

I've been wanting to make one of these for a while! You also have a really calming voice and I found the video very helpful for what I need to do, thank you :]

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

NEW! The 5 month update will be live at this link from Thursday 18.1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKYeoF5prt7qNE

[@adith293]

There's something just soo relaxing about watching videos with nature and animals!

[@carnageonpluto]

I never comment on anything but I’m bursting out of it to say Thank you! This is the kind of content humanity needs.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much!! You’ve made my day by saying that :)

[@carnageonpluto]

Every single young human on this planet deserves to know this wisdom. To experience the joy of the biome. If we can teach the young of the world the true connectivity of everything, maybe we as humans can truly reach the stars.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Beautifully put, and absolutely true! Everything around is connected and only works in balance. Remove the trees and you reduce the oxygen in the atmosphere. Remove the oxygen and the planet heats up. Heat the planet and ice begins to melt. Melt the ice and the oxygen rich water that flows from the poles all around the world no longer does so, and life in the deep sea dies from hypoxia, so life around islands dies as it relies on nutrient upwelling from the now barren depths. Everything’s connected, but people either don’t realise or they don’t care. The value of that education is, as you said, so important, and it should be emphasised in schools! Only then can we live as a true part of the natural world, rather than as its destructor.

[@hdave2803]

this is the best terrarium explanation video ive seen

[@DaveyDingDong]

Just created my first Terrarium - using this video as a guide! Thank you for sharing.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s great to hear - I really hope it went ok :) Let me know!

[@yvettetodea3916]

This was a great video! Thank you so much for the how-to as well as the great educational tid bits! Will definitely be making these with my nature kiddos! THANKS SO MUCH

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aww brilliant!! Say hey to the nature kiddos, and let me know if you need any further advice on terrarium making, GOOD LUCK!

[@ambernelson4149]

Thank you for this! I homeschool my child and we will be doing this as a project! So exciting!!!!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s brilliant! Let me know how it goes

[@Nfscarbon07]

I'm 27 and I've been wanting to make a sealed terrarium for a while, thanks for this video!

[@kRis-rn6so]

I used to make those! Thanks for reminding me of a simple way I can bring joy to my city patio.

[@moonlightriver6190]

Such great idea to spend time in nature. Ty

[@ellareid-akehurst734]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been super interested in making one of these for ages and your video was very helpful.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I’m so glad you enjoyed! I filmed a new updated version of this vid yesterday, and it’ll be released tuesday after next. Stay tuned if you’re interested :D

[@krystopherfischer2919]

Im just getting into building one or two of these. 12-5-2023 thank you for the video. Great job.

[@cocoapebbles10]

Everything about this is so wholesome I love it!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aw thank you!! 😁

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Check out our brand new website at naturalworldfacts.com - Join the forum to discuss the natural world and ask the community any questions. - Read our news articles and stories about wildlife and natural history. - Browse our video library.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

@Jamina Permano You do? 😁 Yay!

[@CarnivalChimera]

Tutorials for most things: So you'll need this specific thing to do the thing, it's a big startup cost but it'll be worth it Chad terrarium building: All you need is a blunt stick for this part and *dirt*

[@wizardfight]

I live in northern california about two miles from an old growth redwood forest. I can't wait to get started

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That’s an incredible ecosystem to create a terrarium from!!! Do let me know how it goes, and send me a picture or video after if you can! 😁

[@mirceab.1572]

Bravoooo! Young men. We need more like you!

[@williamfreeman7141]

Great video! I was out walking yesterday and thought that this could be a good Xmas present for someone, a quick youtube search and BAM i can get started! Thanks a bunch!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Glad I could help! Who's the lucky person receiving a terrarium? :) (psst, it's my birthday tomorrow - kidding but still worth a try)

[@marshmellowtea4525]

okay so this is the first of your videos I've watched but your voice is really calming

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks so much 😊 welcome to the channel!!

[@robertoferreira2750]

the video just started with "blue ridge mountains!?" already won my heart!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Hell yes! Glad you recognised it 😁

[@robertoferreira2750]

@@NaturalWorldFacts for sure! my fav of that album! i loved the video. u seems to be a very kind person. greetings from Brazil.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Aw thank you so much! Greetings from the UK :)

[@ailanebula4921]

This would be such a great activity for younger kids . They can have their own little forest in their room 🥰

[@goldenagenut]

Thanks, great vid! Just found some interesting large glass jars, vases etc, been interested in trying out some terrariums, gonna give it a go.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Best of luck!! I hope it goes well.

[@augustopolloni4998]

I loved this video! Im definitely gonna do this too, but with plants that are native to my country. Greetings from Chile 🤩

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Brilliant idea!! Please do come back and tell me how it goes, I’d love to know :)

[@Lord_Baphomet_]

This is by far one of my favorite channels!

[@snowmanapocalypse497]

This is so cool! I can't wait until the spring so I can make one

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

It’s very fun. Be sure to come back and drop me a comment if you need help :)

[@snowmanapocalypse497]

@@NaturalWorldFacts I sure will! Thanks :)

[@ponderosacal1218]

You should think of adding a layer or charcoal or activated carbon above the mesh, as this will filter the water dripping through the soil!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Yeah, it’s definitely important in a lot of terrariums. Unfortunately though as this terrarium was native I limited myself to purely materials I could find and there was no charcoal in the forest :( Thanks for the tip though, I hope to find some and add it in

[@kgrotelueschen1433]

Pointless. Once the charcoal has "filtered" a bit, it's saturated and stops and whatever it was "filtering" is just in there. In a closed system, charcoal doesn't do anything.

[@keaponlaffin6737]

@@kgrotelueschen1433 try being a little bit more friendly, was your coffee machine broken or something?

[@kgrotelueschen1433]

@@keaponlaffin6737 delicate flower, are ya

[@gooman989898]

A good rule of thumb is thirds in terrarium builds; 1 third soil, 2 thirds air. This helps create more space for the plants to breathe. Also - activated charcoal is a great addition to help clean the water cycle and can add a depth of colour contrast to your base. 1 morething: choose maybe 2 or 3 high humidity/jungle style plants depending on your jar size... Usually one plant becomes dominant and with grass/weeds this becomes unsightly. Nice vid!

[@zefror_7078]

Thank you mate, this video really helps me out. I've wanted to make a terrarium for quite a while now and now i can thanks to you.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

I love the presentation. You have a great narration supported by a calming voice. Glad I found this channel.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

I’m so glad you enjoyed, that really means a lot! Welcome to the channel.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

@@NaturalWorldFacts I came here after watching Tanner's videos in his channel Serpadesign. I hope you also remain the same in the years to come. I like Tanner and your style. The ambience, narration, and the projects. I am looking forward to more terrarium and similar contained ecosystem builds bro. SUBSCRIBED for more. 😎

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks so much! Tanner is a huge inspiration, so that’s really lovely to hear :) I’m hoping to do a lot more Terrarium videos in the future when the weather warms up here in England.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Oooh, I'm excited! 🤩😎

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Haha, awesome!! 😁

[@blooky102]

For my jar I used mostly just haircap moss and to prevent excessive mould growth I added springtails to eat it.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Sounds like a good terrarium! I hope it continues to thrive :)

[@lizzyanthus1]

It's coming onto winter here now, but will absolutely try this this spring! I have several large pickle jars to do it in. I'm excited to try this, and know the perfect place to gather my materials in! Thank you very much! Subscribed and saved.

[@elvesnspells7774]

Thank you SO much. I'm doing this tomorrow. Thank you once again for explaining this so beautifully

[@michelleanne3220]

Very informative and super relaxing! You’ve got a wonderful voice!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed :)

[@kerrpoww]

i've made a few terrariums before and this is definitely the best video i've seen on how to go about making them! i really appreciate how you explained what every element of the terrarium does for it, nobody ever really seems to explain that!! i'm going to try and find a big jar and make a more interesting terrarium than the ones I've made in the past :) great video!! will definitely be subscribing, keep it up!!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you so much, that really means a lot! I think so much of the fun of making a terrarium comes from knowing what you’re making and how it works - the way one can recreate the conditions and systems of ecosystems is awesome!

[@kerrpoww]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Yesss I completely agree!! It's amazing how we can encapsulate a piece of nature in something as small as a jar and how it can just take care of itself and everything :)

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Absolutely!! It just shows the power and stability of nature as something way beyond anything a human could manufacture - nature will always bounce back!! Put some soil in a jar and seal it and somehow it turns into a complex ecosystem! It’s simply phenomenal

[@Kkahl2468]

Your voice, I can listen to it for hours, for me, you are up there with David Attenborough and Neil Oliver. Came across your channel recently and now going through the back log. Great channel.

[@josephlikluy3481]

I made one of these today, and I don’t think it is keeping up very well. Thanks to your video, I now know what to use and do for my self sustaining ecosystem. This video was very helpful as it was entertaining. Definitely subscribing.

[@FedgirlTV]

Great video! Looking forward to trying this when summer comes around! Cheers from Canada

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Best of luck to you!! :)

[@FedgirlTV]

@@NaturalWorldFacts thanks mate!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

No worries. Be sure to drop me a comment if you need advice on building it :)

[@FedgirlTV]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Will do! Thanks in advance!

[@ShelbyOnSafari]

You keep upping your game Leo! This was a great video to mix things up, and it felt very personal coming along with you and seeing how you set yours up! Great tips about gathering mods, I had no idea! And I did laugh about the reminder of don’t go for saplings cause I could totally picture myself now: “oh! That looks cute I’ll put that in!” ...months later... whoops! 😅 another awesome video, can’t wait to try this out myself! 💚🤙

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thanks Shelby! I’ve always loved terrariums, it’s so fun having a little bit of nature of your own and watching it grow, but of course hopefully not into an oak tree 😂 I’d love to see if you create one, I’m sure it would turn out brilliantly 💛

[@nas6699]

Just look how every species has a role on our earth 👏🏽

[@codyhenson3373]

Coolest video on KZbin award? 🤷‍♂️

[@evellynlichnov3953]

I hear fleetfoxes within the first couple seconds. Yep. Gotta watch it.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

You’re the first person to spot that so far 😉 but yep, it absolutely is! I adore them. I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@diepixeldie8725]

I did something like this two days ago but I accidentally made it semiaquatic but I actually like it better with the semiaquatic look also when I was trying to get the excess water out I accidentally tilted it but the with the semiaquatic thing going on it actually looks way better than what I had wanted to build.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

That sounds awesome, like a paludarium in a jar! Would love to see it.

[@LeoncarloCanlas]

Thank you for this!

[@jetwolf8136]

Thank you so much for inspiring me to make a terrarium now I plan to make one every month. You inspired me to go outside and explore the amazing expansive forest that is our back yard. Thanks to you people like me and others can bring the wilderness into our bedroom I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you brother.

[@user-dd3eh6ei9o]

This looks so beautiful!!!

[@thecapone45]

One thing I wish you’d talked about was which plants to put in for good oxygen/CO2 levels. I saw some other videos mention it because eventually plants run out of CO2 to take in, so CO2 producing plants would balance it out.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

It really depends on your area, but all plants respire and photosynthesise simultaneously so they should maintain the balance of gases by themselves :)

[@philipyeo7535]

Used this video to help me create my first terrarium today. Hopefully it does well

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Well done! Let me know if you need any advice :)

[@philipyeo7535]

@@NaturalWorldFacts cheers, appreciate it!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

No worries!

[@philipyeo7535]

@@NaturalWorldFacts Hi. I originally put 5 woodlice in my terrairium. They don't seem to be reproducing and now I have found one dead and there are centipedes making an appearance.... Do you recommend I collect more woodlice or just leave it alone? I'm unsure of how often the woodlice reproduce.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Woodlice don’t reproduce often, but when they do they produce a ton of offspring!!!! I think it’s best to leave it as it is for a little while and see how it goes - if a lot more start dying, it could be because there’s either too few plants, or too much moisture.

[@aurathewolf6737]

I just saw this video on my fyp. Thankfully I have a jar, and I'm now planning on making one soon.

[@ZDragonimated]

Hell yes, this is amazing. I can't wait to try this.

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Let me know how it goes

[@ZDragonimated]

@@NaturalWorldFacts I will! I just got a jar from the store and I'm excited to get started!

[@mareng_louya9972]

Ty I was planning to do this cuz I'm bored at home :> nd ty again lol

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Hope it goes well :) let me know!

[@linatabo78]

This is wonderful, thanks a ton for such a guide! One question: Can it be successfully done in autumn? Where i live the leaves are already all fallen of, most of insects already went to sleep (observed some adorable drowsy ants still walking around their hill today). Will it be fine or by bringing them to a warm environment i'll mess them up? Thanks a lot in advance!

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

It might interrupt their behavioural patterns but they’re highly adaptive and should be perfectly fine. They won’t be messed up or killed by moving them to a warmer environment, just make sure you give them plenty of places to burrow down and hide again :)

[@davewme]

I absolutely love listening to your voice. Calm knowledgeable and informative. I really really enjoy your vids

[@nancyhatcher3320]

Great info and very well presented, thank you! I think I'll start one this spring when everything thing thaws and comes back to life. What fun!

[@amirulmujahid6236]

I like your video🥺❤. I hope you will keep uploading video here. Love from Malaysia🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Thank you Amirul 💛 that’s very lovely of you, I’m really glad you enjoyed :)

[@jpgaming9527]

great video I loved it and I'm defiantly going to make it 😃😃😃😄😄😄

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Awesome!! Enjoy, and let me know how it goes 😁

[@neomixes4426]

I was just planning on doing this tomorrow! Thank you!

[@anggijohnentertainment7360]

That's beautiful, i love nature

[@plug2112]

This is great! So informative and helpful. I'm hoping to build one of my own like this, but am keen to add some critters to it. I've seen some terrariums with beetles, snails, worms, centipedes etc. in. I know you've collected woodlice to add, but when it comes to the other critters, are these likely to be accidentally added through eggs etc. in the soil, or would you recommend finding some to include if possible?

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

The soil you collect will be bioactive, meaning it contains bacteria, bug eggs and small organisms, so you don’t need to add more critters if you don’t want. But you can if you’d like to be able to observe them up close, and to know exactly what’s in there.

[@minhdinh6244]

Hello. I love this video of your. Thank you for doing these things. How is the ecosystem in the jar going?

[@NaturalWorldFacts]

Heya!! The jar is doing really well. Here it is after 5 months (recent update): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKYeoF5prt7qNE