How To Make a Terrarium: An In-Depth Tutorial

If you’re new to terrarium making & don’t know where to start, this video is for you. In this step by step guide I’ll be showing you how to make a terrarium whilst covering everything you need to know, from the drainage, substrate, plants & much more! Making your own DIY mini ecosystem is a great way to re-connect with nature, if you haven’t made one yet you should definitely give it a go!
Check out my Ebook, It’s perfect for beginners! terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
Materials:
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
Glass jar- amzn.to/3KPgpnq
Clear Acrylic lid- amzn.to/3G301hx
LECA- amzn.to/3Zr9GVV
Window screen mesh- amzn.to/3JYlmtA
Spiderwood- amzn.to/40seUBl
Slate stone- amzn.to/3LndT9C
Display light- amzn.to/3HKoLNi
Terrarium tweezers- amzn.to/3HJDBmY
Misting bottle- amzn.to/3nnlSKh
Amazon Links United Kingdom (affiliate)
Substrate: terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
lava rock: terrariumdesigns.co.uk/collec...
LECA: terrariumdesigns.co.uk/produc...
Glass jar: amzn.to/40yOjTc
Clear acrylic lid: amzn.to/3L0PDZc
Pea gravel: amzn.to/3F3MdTy
Window screen mesh: amzn.to/3ZHdgvE
Spider wood- amzn.to/3Ah93UX
Slate stone- amzn.to/43N2EOR
Display light- amzn.to/3k5Nu4T
Terrarium tools- amzn.to/3k9lCgk
Misting bottle- amzn.to/3GuZXXd
Plants:
Cushion moss (Leucobryum Glaucum)
Fittonia
Peperomia Caperata
Peperomia sp
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Time stamps:
00:00 Choosing a container
1:52 making the drainage layer
3:02 Substrate barrier
3:47 Creating the substrate mix
5:37 Terrarium hardscape
7:00 Choosing the moss
8:57 Planting the plants
10:34 Adding springtails
11:02 Watering the terrarium
11:36 Lighting & general care
Music: your love, yung logos - lullaby, JVNA

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Check out my terrarium making Ebook! terrariumdesigns.co.uk/products/ebook

[@user-yk2qp2fv5z]

Can you use a cheaper substrate option? Perhaps soil?

[@friedyoshiscat]

Do I need a mesh screen or can it be done without

[@wesleyballard6217]

I live in the woods and making terrariums is something I just started doing. I have been harvesting the plants I use, many types of liverworts, moss, and ferns as well as other plants that I've noticed grows very slowly like ivy. I usually just take some of the soil that the plant was originally doing well on and I use that as substrate and I use activated charcoal from my wood stover as a false bottom as well as stones from the creek bed. My projects were originally focused on a variety of species but I have recently started hard scaping. Thank you for this video, I appreciate it!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Love to hear this!😃

[@Equivicant]

Awesome

[@abbyplaysidv5343]

Wait, Go back and look at that fern, it’s very important.

[@YourComputerExpert]

@@abbyplaysidv5343 why?

[@abbyplaysidv5343]

Because, it will be very important later on

[@Anime_Girl8465]

I just wanna thank you for your tutorial. I had a project at my school of making this terrarium and I had no idea of how to make it. And worse, I had to do it alone. I really found this video helpful and I made the best terrarium in the class thanks to you. I can't thank you enough.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Love to hear this, glad you found it helpful:)

[@PeakOfHumor]

I made countless of terrarium inside beverage bottles. Yes it is very hard to place plants, but it is fun to build and relaxes me. Since beverage bottles pretty easy to find, and I live in a house with garden I converted lots of transparent glass bottle I found into small terrariums and sealed the lid. I have a small shelf for them.

[@jasonharrington7521]

There is a very important detail here to note, which is the way these plants are paired with this moss. These are plants that will block the light, and this is a moss that can survive being completly covered by leaves for a season. One thing that I want to add which is not a common approach I have seen, is that one of cushion moss's favorite substrates is dried pine needles. I think we should be preparing a bed of pine needles for our cushion mosses, but I have never seen a single person use dried pine needles in a terrarium.

[@MiniTrainLoco]

I stumbled on one of your short videos today and I have not stopped watching your videos since. The way you show the beauty and versatility of terrariums is incredible. Thank you for sharing how to make these magical mini ecosystems. I am pretty sure I will be dreaming about moss, plants and bottles tonight and absolutely sure that I will start making one tomorrow.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you so much! They are great fun to make:)

[@Womp_womp100]

I’ve been wanting to get into building turariums for a while now and this video is really helpful thanks for all the information

[@lauramearns1913]

Very clear and helpful video for a beginner! I found a very old 15 litre terrarium in my late Grandmas garage and am very excited to set it up now using all of your advice! ❤

[@riplavabit]

Thank you for guiding viewers through portable green spaces.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

No problem! Thank you for watching:)

[@Marlon_42]

I just made my first terrarium, here in Costa Rica there's plenty of life & materials in every corner to choose from.

[@Marie_Danielle]

Very very well done. The voice is easy to understand and comments straight to the point. Images are clear and show what we need to see. You write down what is needed. You just resumed in 12 minutes what I spend 6 months learning in various videos, and add more precision. Thanks.

[@user-zy6np5ox9u]

So glad I found your videos! I have been researching many different sites. I start building terrariums with my 7&8th grade Life Science class tomorrow. They are so excited. With your tutorial and ebook I purchased, I feel much better about the success of our projects. Thank you.

[@naga1630]

I never knew terrariums are one of my “forgotten” hobbies until I land on one of your videos, and now I just finished my first one in a very long time

[@karollitka]

Thank you! Just finished my first terrarium using your tutorials, looks great :D already planning second one

[@botanidanny]

Thank you for this very helpful tutorial! Ive just started exploring terrariums, but finding it such a therapeutic experience. Great Tips!!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Glad you found it useful & thanks for watching!:)

[@JackKahunaLagunaFGC]

Can confirm that the Ebook is great -- I've been following all sorts of channels for terrariums for about a year now, and this summer/spring I've really decided to jump into it. The book can be bought for $5 (USD) if you're checking out with the discount still active. Very much so the single best resource I have to reference when learning about and deciding to make my own terrariums going forward. So thanks!

[@brasseyebaby]

Thank you for this video. I recently got bought a Terrarium kit by my wife after telling her I wanted to create one for a long time and this video helps massively.

[@lorigarrett3780]

I just made one this weekend with a similar but larger jar. After watching I need to redo my terrarium with the proper type of substrate

[@rizmirza1829]

Brilliant video, complete beginner hoping to learn and this has really helped. Thank you for posting

[@joyces5226]

This was a fantastic overview, thanks so much :)

[@nm2795]

It’s beautiful. I love plants and have always wanted to try to make a terrarium but have been to scared. Maybe soon I’ll get brave. Thanks for sharing

[@user-qh8np9ni5r]

Thank you so much i have been wanting to make one for years!!! this is so helpful.

[@darwinplays5033]

Thank you for the tutorial I have been looking for a fun project to do at home and this works great!

[@emdm16]

Such a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. So calming and relaxing to look at and so beautiful!!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you!

[@des8616]

OMgosh, I was just about to start a terrarium in a jar identical to yours! PERFECT timing. LOVE your tutorial!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thanks! Enjoy making yours!😃

[@andrewburkholder3842]

I picked up a nearly identical container and made a terrarium today with some leftover materials from my last one+stuff from the yard. Nice piece of quartz I found plus white nerve plants a small pothos and some ferns and moss I harvested. Thankfully my springtail culture is going crazy so I was probably able to get 100+ directly into the substrate and 4 Isopods from the yard. Hopefully mine and yours settle in nicely

[@TerrariumDesigns]

That sounds great!!😃

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Thanks a lot. I plan to order your book in appreciation for your excellent effort.

[@terrylyn]

Not sure how I ended up here but you convinced me to start a new hobby, thank you for this video!

[@Dezwrr]

I'm really happy that I've come across this channel, I'm definitely going to start a Terrarium.💯

[@gabrielribeiro1927]

Thank you very much for this! I was looking for something to start a terrarium and just makes the things way more easier!

[@bertogamer2239]

Thanks for the video, for biology I need to make a terarium and this video is gonna help a lot👍

[@lauracelani7673]

Great description love the video and detail to this. Many thanks really enjoyed it so much information and knowledge. I will give it a try.

[@carltonbirds]

Very lovely, and informative.

[@uniqueleaveslover2907]

Useful informative video. Thanks for sharing

[@AboveTheLawler]

I put marbles, then landscaping fabric, then potting soil, then moss I found outside and a couple rocks in a 4inx4in square jar 3 months ago and the moss has actuslly grown. I'm genuinely surprised it made it. First and only terrarium I've made.

[@tamaramorton8812]

This video was extremely helpful. I’ve been on a quest to find out about terrariums and moss and this has been so the most helpful video that I’ve seen, so far. Thank you for posting. I’ll check and see if you have any other videos like this.

[@user-cc3of8zn9f]

I just started watching your videos, and I love them! Great for beginners and great for people who just want to relax!

[@meropale]

Looks like a fun project.

[@Cheetodile]

Thank you for making me realize that I’m giving too much water to the terrariums!! I really appreciate it 😁

[@IvantheRapp]

11:08 I’ve just started watching the videos and I find it fascinating. Seems like a very satisfying hobby that is inexpensive.

[@nanceebirdlover5222]

Brilliant video,thanks! I have all the stuff already but never really new where to start. The detail is perfect. I think I have a new passion😂

[@Harshharsh111]

KZbin to thank by letting out the extreme talents such as this gentleman

[@yingle6027]

Awesome, I can't wait to get started on mine!

[@jeffwilliams1352]

I am doing a class at the I live this Friday. This is so helpful.

[@chrishazleton2440]

I found a bunch of really cool moss on some year old chicken poop, i collected a bunch and trying to prop it now for my first terrarium

[@jasonkressel5353]

I just completed my first mossarium. I am pretty impressed how it looks, now to see how it fares

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Love to hear this!

[@harshitabayer2669]

Thank you for your free terrarium I made one for myself and its look soo good I just love it 😊

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thats great to hear! Well done 😃

[@susanstanley8356]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I just put together my first terrarium and then watched your video. I made some mistakes. Going to be making some corrections.

[@alexandnelly]

beautiful and seem easy to make but i am a beginner and so your tutorial is very ducational, thank you.

[@prenjklogaming5124]

nice tutorial

[@seandougherty3743]

man... this was an incredibly useful video. I never had expected to learn so much about terrariums before watching the vid... 12 minutes of the best terrarium tips better. btw liked and subscribed :)

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you! Glad I could help😃

[@TheArtestEffect]

Man. This is awesome. My seven year old loves science. We are trying this.

[@cindybyers7695]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@Escanor...12.00]

Just came across your channel and found it very amusing. Now finally decided to make terrarium 😅😅. I hope it goes well. From India ❤

[@TerrariumDesigns]

I love to see this! Good luck with your terrarium & thank you for watching😃

[@cannedcup2110]

Thank you, I made a small terrarium in an old pickle jar, helped a lot

[@TerrariumDesigns]

That’s great to hear!

[@onespicyrn3873]

Brother, I have to say-- this is really the best beginner setup video that I have seen. Clear, concise, and yet you didn't overburden the content with details that can be resourced elsewhere on your channel. You made it look simple, and inspired confidence while creating a beautiful piece. Excellent teacher! Thanks so much, Bro, your hard work is much appreciated. !

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Really appreciate this comment & thank you for watching the videos!

[@katepanthera7265]

Love your videos. They're right to the point, without un-needed chatter. Really appreciate the info on which mosses grow faster and slower. I see the link for the acrylic lids, but there are many places that sell them. Could you specify which ones you use, and how thick they are (listings show a lot of different thicknesses)? Thanks again! I really like watching you make these, in addition to the instructions. They're very beautiful, all of them!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Get you are enjoying the videos! Great question! I use 3mm thickness :)

[@katepanthera7265]

@@TerrariumDesigns Thanks!

[@katepanthera7265]

Planning on getting it very soon.

[@jacpace7611]

Do you have a video about making a big batch of you soil? Also, can we use regular potting soil?

[@charmainelru1898]

Thank you so much for your lovely video it's really useful for me

[@yanaprock636]

Thanks now I know how to make a perfect terrarium!

[@donnasaud5108]

Thank you for making this video it was really helpful for a complete beginner. Is it okay if I skipped the springtails step? or it will hard my terrarium?

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Great video...👍

[@susanfotos1454]

Great video! I think I will try this! Thank you

[@Dmitrii_Zit]

Wonderful. Thank you so much

[@HSEAUDITING]

We’re on it!!! ❤

[@shcheok9658]

What an amazing tutorial!

[@SH1974]

Very interesting video, thanks for sharing that precious wisdom! My experience is mostly the same, except one difference: When I set up a terrarium of that kind, my goal is to do as few maintenance as possible; keep it closed and untouched for long periods. Means: my soil mixture contains way less organic (nutritious) material, but instead it includes about 30% nutrient-poor soil, some fine gravel (*) and some "chips" of loam. The plants will not grow as fast, but imo that helps the terrarium getting quicker into the phase of biologic vs. microbiologic balance. (* organic material will be self-supplient by the terrarium itself, but minerals can't!)

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Love this!!

[@josejuanlopezguerrero6215]

Hermoso terrario y que útil es tanta información. La técnica para la construcción, mantenimiento y sobretodo materiales y en ello como usarlos !maravilloso! Y "gracias" por mostrar tal a la gente que le gusta este maravilloso arte ¡Bye!.

[@flaming547]

hey, this might be a crazy question, but could i use seachem matrix for a drainage layer? i have leftovers from when i was setting up an aquarium. it’s very porous and looks similar to leca. thanks!

[@AmbientWalking]

Thanks for this tutorial!

[@DecJackson]

thanks for the inspiration

[@andreeadeaconu5264]

This is a great video! Thank you!

[@101LoveAll10]

Great info video 👍🏻 thanks for sharing 👍🏻 Be Blessed 🙏

[@timlikescheese]

I personally like to use those red lava rocks because from the description are just like leca

[@margaretgreen2826]

Thank you , I’ve just found a new hobby 👏🌟

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Love to hear this!

[@tahzibibrahim868]

i am extremely delighted by watching your videos. could you please help me about using anything instead of the sphagnum moss? its a bit costly for me.

[@ProfessorCreatess]

Thx for the advice

[@YellowJacket2424]

Love this video! My question is what is a “part” like you’ve described for the mix? What form of measurement

[@Theguineachannel]

Thanks bro!

[@thecorndogwalker1]

Omg im wanting to make one now

[@havenmcgarity1472]

I’ve started making lamps and have a nice jar I was going to use it might flop but I’m gonna try making a terrarium lamp

[@monicarolnickelson3492]

Great video! I'm so glad I didn't just plow into the project before watching- it's way more complicated than I thought. You did not mention using sea shells for the hardscape- are they a problem in a terrarium?

[@TNKHART]

Great tutorial. I haven't made my first terrarium yet but this will be my guide. Thank you for sharing.

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thanks! Glad it helped😃

[@roboticyoutuber1123]

I can't find the terrarium on the back right. Can you maybe please put a link for it?

[@marthadanziger352]

What is the name of black shiny bits that resemble charcoal and you added to terrarium to freshen air

[@ianbrinkley5968]

I just made a 1 foot by one foot plexiglass terrarium. It’s drying right now and I’m excited to make one I’ve never made a terrarium before

[@TerrariumDesigns]

That’s great, have fun!😃

[@pradeepaatapattu1317]

U offered mavarlous knowledge 👍❤ thanks thanks alot 👍

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful😃

[@anncaraway4928]

Quartz and driftwood would be beautiful!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Yes I agree!

[@rechellethackray]

This was a fantastic tutorial, thank you. Just purchased your e-book and so excited to get started. I just have one question, in my area nobody seems to sell worm castings. Is there a close alternative? Many thanks 😊

[@andrewcrawshaw334]

Love the vid! You mentioned to open the lid every few weeks, is that just open it for a few seconds and pop it back on like in the video, or open it and leave it for a few minutes? 🙂

[@Astara_star]

Gorgeous!!! ❤

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thanks you!

[@Astara_star]

@@TerrariumDesigns Very welcome 😊

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

Hiya! I've scoured the web for horticultural charcoal, or the one used in aquariums, but it is very expensive here. Can I use regular charcoal for the barbecue? What's the difference, and what should I pay attention to when buying charcoal for plants.

[@amykelly3842]

This is so cool i cant wait to make one :))) I was wondering, for interior decoration what sorts of wood should you avoid in terms of rotting? I like making chairs/benches out of wooden clothes pegs but i believe theyre made of a sort of birch wood. Would i need to varnish this material somehow first to prevent decay?

[@MdMehediHassan-hq9gc]

Very creative and unique project....!

[@TerrariumDesigns]

Thank you😃

[@SlendisFi_Universe]

Is it possible to just use moss from my own yard and use the Fragaria Vesca or wild strawberry as a plant in such terrarium? Maybe in a bit bigger one? I have the fragaria growing happily on my yard and I would love to enjoy it all year around.

[@danielleroy7744]

Great video, thank you! For how long should you take the lid off every couple weeks? 🤔 couple minutes? An hour?

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@thomascoccimiglio]

For maintenance do you just trim the moss and mist and water it?

[@williamhoughtaling1602]

Can you put a link to one you did with a 10gal "Carboy" (glass water bottle)? Great video and always informative

[@chemicalwonderland2492]

This is an excellent well detailed tutorial! Only thing is i wished you explained more of why a terrarium needs these things- because it represents a rainforest. Im from the Colorado Mountains, and we have very dry, desert forests and all the local plants ive harvested would not like this environment at all. I know this is a tutorial for beginners but it would be nice to know what kind of environments these plants naturally come from and thrive in for the more advanced botanists.

[@matthewfoster2836]

Any tricks for making sure you use the right amount of water at the end? I can never seem to get it quite right 😢