Making a Bottle Terrarium + Closed Terrarium Basics

I have been wanting to make a terrarium in this bottle for months. I figured in this demonstration I would take the time to answer a lot of very common questions while simultaneously building this terrarium.
As I explained in the video the goal of this terrarium is for it to literally be packed with plants. When it's grown in I want it to look like a ball of plants.
Anyways I hope you enjoy this video and thanks for watching!
Additionally here are the links from the video, if you can't access the cards for whatever reason:
Tropical Substrate Mix: • Tropical Terrarium Sub...
All About Springtails: • All About Springtails ...

[@SerpaDesign]

I tried to answer a lot of very common questions in this demonstration. If you have additional ones, feel free to ask. Also thanks for 26k subs!

[@jontray1948]

SerpaDesign a

[@pickupgames2995]

Where can I get large very big carboys or demijohns or big glass containers? I really need it for my huge terrarium.

[@SerpaDesign]

Ebay, Amazon, thrift stores, antique stores, home stores, craft stores, etc. If you look around you can find stuff for cheap. I got this jar for $4.

[@boxofcrap1]

How can I tell if my plants are getting a proper amount of light?

[@balzonurchin]

+ Pick up games Try the local homebrew/ winemaking shop if you have one, or the brewing section in the grocery store. New, 23L glass carboys should only cost you around $20. Mind you, some are smooth glass, and some have a texture (a raised grid pattern).

[@a1r592]

Me: *puts dirt in the oven at 350* Mom: What are you doing? Me: Just baking some dirt

[@betainvestments7215]

Lmao

[@starshipgus8578]

LOL,I’ll try that when my wife is not home...

[@spoopyscaryskelebones3846]

@I am y-you too

[@hydrogaming0128]

Reference to bfdi when coiny bakes dirt

[@LexflipRO]

mistaken floor with flour

[@bobkelley8291]

I made one of these closed terrariums about fifty years ago using a very large water jug perhaps 7-8 gallons. A few years later I moved to Asia giving the jug to my brother. I came back to the US for cancer therapy and to my surprise he kept it very well. People tell him he better open and give it some water but he refuses to open it as it is alive. I must have gotten lucky and gave it the right amount of water from the start. And I thought I had not added enough water but I knew we could open it to add some H2O. But brother said he never did. I used dry moss to separate the rocks from the soil. And he has kept it in a north window. I like the way you think as I also learned from my mistakes.

[@JR-xk1rd]

👍🏻✌️👍🏻

[@thiagooliveira9000]

Can you upload a video showing your fifty year old terrarium?

[@Telthecelt]

That is a great story! I had a large (2 gallon?) ex-lab glass water container (it had a cracked seat for the tap) I kept sealed for maybe 10-15 years (until the crack 'matured'!), moving house with it too. Only variegated wandering sailor, mainly, so nothing exciting, but it took over that jar beautifully.

[@SnozBerryQueen]

I love this story.

[@hip5702]

please film it and upload

[@faroshscale]

Guy: "We'll set him aside for later." Worm: "WHERE AM I"

[@SnozBerryQueen]

😭😂😂😂

[@daddyfatsacksmf]

😂

[@simplyminimalist6302]

That worms fate is sealed

[@Star-nl5id]

literally

[@MrPopoWantssubscribers]

SimplyMinimalist Maggots

[@jesbsnrn]

😂

[@RajOhYeah]

🤣🤣🤣

[@siriusleigh24]

Did anyone ask the worm how it feels about solitary confinement?

[@DireSloth]

The other day I was cleaning out a glass jam jar and had the sudden urge to plant something in it. I know nothing about raising plants but this gave me a great start, thank you!

[@SerpaDesign]

No problem, you gotta start somewhere and that sounds like a good spot.

[@rhyanonstuddert7384]

I am keeping all my glass jars now!

[@7AM.Adrian]

bro its been 5 years hows it been

[@nicholas9268]

“These will grow nicely among the other plants” The plants: “THIS IS WARRRRR!!!”

[@antagonist8629]

Actual funny comment. Thanks for the chuckles

[@YagrumBagarn]

xD

[@deineMuddaMagier]

The „other“ plants

[@nikolebisceglia3903]

Lmao

[@kamieaston3016]

80% of the comments: *MR WORM NOOOOOOOOOOOO!* 10% of the comments: *This is pretty cool, keep up the good work.* 9.9% of the comments: *This is pretty cool, how do I do one?* 0.1% of the comments: *I too have built a terrarium similar to this one, utilizing succulents instead and Flatback Milipedes, alongside Greyback Isopods. I found that while the mesh is not required for more desert ecosystems, it works particularly well (as you mention) for more humid environments such as yours.*

[@opallunar]

did you honestly just cut out that circle in the middle of the mesh? savage lol.

[@DakotaofRaptors]

Who is that - your pfp?

[@nibiruthecat7652]

Hahaha i thought the same.... my o.c.d and frugalness meant his mesh left me triggered lol

[@_missashleybanks_]

🤣🤣🤣

[@denisethasder8193]

Izaiah Florés Opal’s profile pic is of Luna from Sailor Moon

[@godricmclauchlan6842]

Definitely living wildly on the edge that's for sure😂😂😂

[@inquaanate2393]

"Luckily we got a little worm out of the deal, we'll set that aside for later"

[@iceni6409]

Inqu'aanate ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@siriusleigh24]

Ohne Knete rote Beete

[@TheNopyu]

Honestly one of the most humble channels, keep it up proud of you.

[@siriusleigh24]

The humble judge has spoken

[@frostyman349]

H

[@tammyvanwinkle8870]

I used to do these as a child. I'm 58 now and I thank you for reintroducing me to an old passion! Such a joy!

[@bathysphere1070]

Seems like a great hobby. I'll give it a try.

[@horseenthusiast1250]

This was really helpful! I am hilariously bad at keeping plants alive, but I really want a closed terrarium for my little bedroom. If I can't put together a functioning closed ecosystem, I'm thinking of trying to grow air plants in a pretty bed of moss and sticks.

[@wing3789]

that was so soothing. Thank you, I think people need to learn about things like this and understand the ecosystem more. We're so detached now a days. It'll bring new appreciation to mother earth, especially for young children.

[@SudeeshSubramanian]

Very true !!

[@rafaellablinker9440]

So true!! I was thinking about doing this together with my son as a learning experience.

[@janno04]

beautiful tiny planet without humans.

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

That is the appeal in a nutsh...in a bottle.

[@kelceyfirth]

In millions of years, maybe a v small human will grow in the jar 😂

[@NickRickTheOnionling]

Only one human is the god of the little world xD

[@dirkklapzeiker4891]

The world is flat! Dont tell anyone

[@britthartloff88]

@Frankel oml y'all i found one

[@emmagarciasz4071]

Once I used soil from my garden and then suddenly I had 5 snails

[@Honeyvanityy]

-snail eggs

[@amethystpaw3437]

Nice

[@antagonist8629]

Sounds like good soil

[@flameofanor1415]

How did that effect your terrarium??

[@Yasmin-tz3qz]

Same the snails messed up my terrarium :(

[@MTreatVO]

Just started watching your videos the other day. Made a Native Terrarium 5 days ago and its already rooting and doing great.

[@jilljackliza]

Mate, your video with information is excellent and 'spot on'! I used to make closed terrariums as a kid in the '60's. And I found two huge glass vine vats here in Australia and decided to build one for our bright / sunny kitchen island. Your great advice has enabled me to build a SUPER TERRARIUM (may be proof that life can be established on Mars!!!). Many thanks and cheers. : )

[@laurensietzema9189]

I've only just started getting into terrariums and through all of my research your videos by far have been the best! I love your process and how authentic you are about what you do. Thanks for the great content

[@kylefenrick7842]

I would like to say thank you. Your videos are my go to. Your care, and attention to detail, while not cutting corners on important factors, maybe you very respect worthy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@LagiacrusHunter]

Looks great! I've got a set of 5 vial terrariums and one sealed jar sitting on my bedroom's windowsill thanks to this channel. Keep up the awesome work!

[@balzonurchin]

Careful of those windowsills... A sunny day will heat up a small closed terrarium quickly, and kill off your worms if you have any. It happened to me, and it wasn't even a warm day- just sunny... it was October... and I live in Canada.

[@LagiacrusHunter]

balzonurchin thanks for the advice! The window is (i believe) northeast facing and has half open blinds, so it only gets direct light in the early hours of the morning.

[@toxicsnipe3034]

balzonurchin same •_• but it killed ALL my plants idk how :(

[@mohamedkabha6861]

@TJ is there any workarounds for this?

[@fish2468]

Trump 4 Prison 2020 Solution is needed

[@SilverCymbal]

Very cool idea and excellent video - Thank you for sharing this

[@tayloryoung5156]

i made a terrarium after watching this video 3 years ago, and it’s been going ever since! thank you so much for your help!

[@JrMedieval]

2017 and I just barely learned about this Bottle Terrarium, SO FREAKING AMAZING AND MIND BLOWING! thanks for all this data, I'm so doing this myself !!! hope to impress some friends!

[@morph2406]

Me: watches plant videos all the time KZbin recommendations: *GET RIPPED IN 22 DAYS*

[@eleckson]

Dude plants are ripped. They gotta stand all fucking day. Infinite endurance.

[@donnielee8556]

Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites. So glad I stumbled upon it last night. I could watch all day haha. Thank you. And greetings from Kentucky. Can't wait to get out there and make my own

[@gentleguitar6370]

It's fascinating!! I could watch you doing this for hours!!!!

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

Love the terrarium, it's going to be gorgeous when it fills out. 🌾Be Blessed ღ 🌿

[@jivoochi]

Putting some extra polish and personality into the video, nicely done.

[@MediaSock]

That's amazing, I saw a video where a bottled terrarium has lived for fifty years without interference, I've also seen videos where a thousand year old seed found in pottery germinated & gave fruit, no wonder plants have survived countless extinction events. Bottled terrariums remind me of the giant space terrarium in the film The Fountain, I always thought that it was just science fiction but it's totally possible.

[@zumbaoligofri]

So cool, love how organized and neat everything looks

[@joyfulsoul4537]

So pretty and well explained. I could watch this video every moment of my life. I will try to create one by following your instructions. You inspired me. Thank you!

[@daetouidk8463]

I know you aren't going to read this, but if you could create a terrarium specifically for insects, such as a walking stick, or make a aquatic one? that would be awesome.

[@SerpaDesign]

I actually have a few insects on my list that I will be making terrariums for at some point. Those will probably be summer projects.

[@daetouidk8463]

Ya, and thanks for responding so quickly

[@pickupgames2995]

What types of insects

[@nephilaedulis2073]

SerpaDesign definitely would suggest large millipedes or a large centipede

[@SonOfFurzehatt]

Make Magazine did build plans for an aquatic one - called a tabletop biosphere. There is a video here on KZbin.

[@lisat2247]

I'm so happy that you include such great descriptions of the aesthetics that go into your choices! And thanks for keeping it real with budget and prices, as always. Cheers! Also HOORAY resident worm 😊

[@JessiCallahan]

This is what it looks like when a worm wins the lottery

[@bobbieakers4033]

I found a really old bottle while looking for arrow heads and was wondering what I was going to do with it and I came across your channel ...this is really cool !!! 😊

[@xeureyli]

Terrariums are great, I found one in a glass bottle when I was younger it was in the ground and had plants growing all within it it even had its own water system and ever since then I’ve been amazed by the wonders of mother nature so you should try to make one they’re very awesome and I’m in the process of creating one now

[@megie4228]

Probably my favorite terrarium! I'll probably build a smaller one over spring break! Keep up the great videos :)

[@eve9525]

As a gardener, I love to see videos like these. thank you!

[@reallynotpc]

Not only very informative and interesting to watch, but a great example of how to add background music - pleasant but above all UNOBTRUSIVE. About half of KZbin producers don't seem to know this.

[@digitalchef91]

Can't wait to make a 1 gallon jug terrarium out of my leftover homebrew stuff. Keep up the awesome work!

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Actually ... the music selection is ace ... perfect for the way you're working through the video.

[@socks4less]

Your channel has inspired me to make a terrarium! Me and my two year old daughter made our first native terrarium today. Complete with isopod and millipedes! Thanks for the awesome content keep it up!

[@goober685]

Always love watching you work. Your knowledge and passion are inspiring.

[@maltt8715]

me: oh cool a cheap art project me later: yeah okay guess not...

[@frostyman349]

You can make one for free if you use plastic with holes in it for the mesh and plants/soil from outside and old jar

[@davefisher3257]

I did make one earlier using nothing but stuff I found on a walk and a jack Daniel's bottle I had from the lockdown binge drinking

[@acewinge2302]

@@davefisher3257 howd it turn out?

[@nathanurquhart6828]

I just bought a jar and tried putting a sand layer and didn’t put a mesh layer so I’m hoping it will work out. It has small millipedes slugs a snail and some other tiny insects

[@AUSSIETAIPAN]

@@acewinge2302 He got wasted and had the great idea of making an ecosystem in a bottle.

[@ninam6826]

Great video and beautiful terrarium! I can't wait for the updates!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you!

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Thank you for your detailed explanation. This will be my next project as I continue to green our home.

[@drestnar]

Thank you for the tutorial. The descriptive details on the false bottoms was immensely helpful. Now I know what type of charcoal to bring to the vivarium party and add it to my spring tail cultures.

[@TheHollowBodiesBand]

I just made a terrarium with moss, but even before watching your video I used (almost) the same materials that you used! Including the charcoal! It's good to know that my little world will probably work just fine! Excellent video!

[@thinkingemojer6314]

keep up the great videos!

[@rosskappa5410]

Thank you for sharing your skills and experiences man.

[@Stayfoxxxy]

I’ve been watching so many terrarium videos and this one was the best! Love that you kept the worm! How cool is that

[@kozmik4848]

In the time since I found this channel you have grown 7,000 subs. WOW! cool stuff keep it up!

[@unknown81360]

1.02M now

[@AkhmedSheikhify]

so you are basically the creator of their universe - a god

[@estherwolf1574]

Love it just opened a whole new world for me, thanks a million.

[@75blackviking]

Thank you for the great tutorial. What a cool looking end effect as well.

[@candytripn]

You're a modern day Bob Ross. Love the vids! I'm hooked.. looking forward to making my own soon. Thank you :)

[@Jimking666]

Bob Moss

[@ballisticbadger9955]

7:30 *"HEEEEEEEEELP MEEEBLRBLR!!"* 🐛😱. Poor Mr. Wormsworth!! 🥺😭....

[@TuckerSP2011]

I love this design, definitely want to start some terrariums now.

[@davidplants]

I'm finishing my house and I'm building alot of spaces for terrariums and maybe even a vivarium. You've really gotten me interested!

[@lisasummer701]

thats so cute that you do this 😂

[@FalconFastest123]

Fascinating! I wonder how the population genes will have changed in an isolated environment after a decade. That would be pretty cool to discover!

[@Javmonster]

I just got curious about making terrariums, i'll be using this video to make my first one this weekend. Thanks for the videos!

[@abuzdream]

Superbly explained all the basics with logic. You are genius bro

[@happythecat2008]

You've earned yourself a new subscriber :)

[@marissa6509]

Do i need to use the mesh or can i just lay the substrate right on top of the gravel?

[@fyreowl]

Great primer, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@fashiongirl654]

Thank you so much for this video, as well as including the names of the plants you used!

[@bluerazz8417]

Could you be able to plant seeds for small plants inside the terrarium and they could still grow? EDIT: and yes I know i'm late

[@napischu]

Worm: "NO, I DON'T WANNA GO!"

[@ReflectWithMe]

What a great informative video. Thank you so much.

[@scorpisces182]

Im like 30 minutes into discovering Terrariums and WOW! this video is amazing!!

[@bubby211]

Why don't people like the spring tails. I currently only have one terrarium without them and it is probably going to succumb to the mold that has spread on the bottom.

[@hank7281]

I would imagine it's an aesthetic complaint. They don't like little white bugs running around everywhere.

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah from what it sounds like it's something like what Hank said.

[@natashaauditia8565]

SerpaDesign maybe you could try using woodlice if you make another? i got woodlices on my garden since the springtails are too slippery to catch... i hope they do the same job as the springtails...

[@nicolehennessy7380]

We need an update!! 🥬🌲🌿🌱

[@LiliWhiteWorld]

Thus far, one of the best demos I have seen for terrariums. thanks:-)

[@chemacruzortiz]

One of your finest creations!

[@thayne559]

@8:31 dont you mean when plants have no light they convert oxygen to carbon dioxide?

[@benpassmore-webb9102]

Does the charcoal layer ever lose its ability to filter the water? Also whats the connection between springtales and the charcoal? Why do they arrive in a pot of charcoal?

[@zookeeper3502]

Ben Passmore-Webb I would guess it keeps the water in the container clean for the spring tails to drink

[@patrickdenver7941]

Thats what i wanna know too, im worried that the charcoal will rot overtime

[@theducer]

@@patrickdenver7941 I spilled charcoal on my lawn years ago, still looks the same, no sign of rot

[@alexiology]

so excited for this. hope it goes well after a few months. great vid.

[@stumpchump7014]

Thanks for the new part time hobby. Thanks for sharing!

[@justcallmejim]

hi serpadesign i have been following your tutorials and i cant wait to start a terrarium of my own. are "pests a problem? is it best to put the soil in the oven? if im honnest i think i want to see bugs moving arround :)..... love what you do .... peace

[@SerpaDesign]

Personally I haven't had much of a problem with pests. I think a lot of it has to do with where the soil is obtained. However, I know a lot of people have had issues with gnats. I have had them occasionally in my moss tanks, but they never lasted long.

[@Cali1030]

How do you fix a gnat problem?

[@allinterestinghandmade983]

To put Flycatcher

[@1madhatter363]

Question: Where is a good place to get terrarium plants as I am in the city? I’ve been to two Home Centers with no luck.

[@lindalawton3801]

home depot , Menard any home improvment store

[@Frosthadr]

Great videos! Thanks for the tips and inspiration.

[@angelaluisamuriel]

thank you, your videos are so instructive & clear & you are so knowledgeable!

[@ij6806]

Hey bro you are my favorite nature channel. I love how you are able to show how beautiful nature and animals through your different projects. I would love to get your contact information so I can buy plants and terrariums.

[@SerpaDesign]

I'm not selling anything just yet. Once my website is up, you will have access to such things. Thank you!

[@smaulee]

Tomorrow i will do this and fail miserably

[@youarecrimge2980]

smaulee did you fail? I am curious.

[@korneldavid3415]

yeah me too :D

[@85cckilla123]

Same.. about to head to the local hardware store and get the materials now aha

[@dimitrisgonidis287]

Me too

[@garykhrisnara7964]

Bro i hope you didn't fail

[@rafaambros4800]

Hi! From my experience, I can give you several tips for your future installments. Fittonias are generally good choice, although you might need to find or make smaller stems. They grow beautifully in enclosed and shady spaces and are perfect even for tight bottles. False bottoms and coal layers are entirely optional for them - 5 litre bottle will last years easily if kept in right place. Selaginellas are kind of short-lasting. They grow too explosively after time and start to decay once they start finding no nutrients. Then they become fungal growbed, sadly. Most of crassulas and sanseverias are also good terrarium material. They are resistant to pests, are easy to keep alive and are pretty common and cheap in stores.

[@newhomemech]

I really appreciate this content as well as the background music ! How fresh !

[@alaiaaa2228]

I'd love to make one, but I wanna touch those insects tho.

[@lordofthechimie]

Wow terrarium collections... a good way to invite a girl in your house. You gave me a good idea man!

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha!

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

You can't keep a woman in a bottle you know, it's not natural.

[@SIowpoke]

I have a basement for that though.

[@growinginthegreen5850]

"Come and see my Springtail"

[@TheGoldSwann]

Wth lol creepy

[@dweebery]

what a wonderful video!! this has really inspired me, thanks so much.

[@eva2k0]

I'm very much enjoying your channel. I have recently been getting into terrariums as well and your tips and tricks are very helpful.

[@Runspenstinsqui]

Does it have to be closed with a cork? I ask this because I have a recipient which can be closed with some kind of hatch, and it's made entirely of glass, so I wonder if it could be used for this.

[@daleisharuiz-portugal6456]

Pedro Yes, the glass one will work very well so you can use it.

[@Runspenstinsqui]

Nice. Thank you!

[@moinakahmedmridul]

I have been greatly inspired by your videos and just made my first closed jar terrarium this morning! Keep up the good work mate! :)

[@rachelw821]

This is wonderful- you are extremely well educated on plants, and have a very simple and easy way of explaining for those of us who are not as educated! I just subscribed! Your content is great and super inspiring!

[@gazratjackson]

The 600 dislikes are from the springtails 🐜

[@barryfields2964]

You should put links in the description too because mobile apps won't let you click on the on screen links

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks for the suggestion, I can do that.

[@toxicsnipe3034]

SERPA DESIGN Your commentating lvs THIER OVER 9000!!!!!

[@zelousfoxtrot3390]

It's cool to watch your method change over time...

[@CalvinJCandie]

Your videos are very informative, Appreciate ya.