Make a Native Terrarium

With mostly everyone stuck at home, I figured now was the perfect time to show a project anyone could replicate. What better than a native terrarium? No need to go out or order things when you likely have everything needed in your house and backyard.
If you're unfamiliar with these, we refer to them as native terrariums because they are composed of items local or native to your area. Think of it as capturing a slice of nature specific to your yard. Getting outside to collect materials and build is also a great way to destress and bring the beauty of nature indoors for year long enjoyment.
Although I presented this video in an ASMR no voice over format, I have videos that detail this process. I followed the same procedures used for the $0 Free Terrarium video: • Make an AWESOME Terrar... . I recommend watching that video if this is something you'd like to make. Two years later and that terrarium is still going strong! That video of course is a modification of my native terrarium from How to Terrarium episode 3: • Make a Terrarium w/ Lo... .
If you're familiar with my other builds you may wonder why I didn't add charcoal or springtails to this one. Charcoal helps create the optimal environment within a terrarium and increases the likelihood of success. Although extremely beneficial, it's not a requirement. If you have it, add it. If not, don't stress and move to the next step. As for springtails, they help create a natural decomposition cycle and mitigate issues with mold. When using components from outside, you're pretty much guaranteed that springtails will take up residence. They hitchhike on the materials.
That leads to one of my top FAQs, “my terrarium is full of white stringy mold, what should I do?” Getting mold in a newly established terrarium is almost a grantee, especially if you include wood or botanicals. DON'T STRESS! This is easy remedied. Like I said previously, springtails and charcoal will help. Without either of those though, the easiest way around it is with manual removal. I like to use my tweezers for that job. After a week or two of consistently removing it, the terrarium will gain equilibrium and the mold will dissipate.
Another common FAQ is, “what plants should I use?” My first recommendation of course is moss. 9/10 it will acclimate to and thrive in a terrarium with only a few exceptions. If you live somewhere tropical, then anything will work. That said, choose plants that stay small or be prepared to consistently trim them so they don't outgrow the space. If you live somewhere temperate (like me) I've found that the best ones to use are evergreen plants (stay green year round). Otherwise they will thrive initially, but won't last long-term. Again, choose plants that stay small or be prepared to trim. Lastly DO NOT use succulent or cactus plants. They will not work in a closed environment.
Hopefully that bit of insight will help you get started. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, leave them down in the comments! For additional content like this, photos of my terrariums, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @SerpaDesign.
/ serpadesign
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#terrarium #asmr #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I felt that now was the perfect time to release another native terrarium build. It's something I know most of you could easily make at home with materials that you already have available. I left a lot of information in the video description and links to other videos that explain the process in detail if you want to learn more. I hope everyone is well with you and I'll be back with some more content next week. Let me know if you have other suggestions for bonus content as well.

[@unknownmale7467]

SerpaDesign the native builds are the best! Very inspiring art as always

[@FoulUnderworldCreature]

I just want to recommend something I do incase you revisit this again in the future: I found that the plastic mesh bags that garlic is sold in works great for separating the soil from the stones in the false bottom. There's no need to make your own from a plastic bag if you have garlic at home.

[@lisajohnson1563]

I live near Cleveland so we have the same mosses and other plants here too. I enjoyed listening to the bird calls as well. Crows, at least one redwing blackbird... I'm growing 4 kinds of moss, collected from my backyard, in closed containers on the kitchen window sill right now. They will go into my first paludarium. You inspired me to undertake the project! Thank you for teaching your fans "how to".

[@ivancadiz.]

Thanks a lot buddy, I asked you the other day for an "all natural terrarium" good to know they are called native ones and good to know the can be free. Thank you.

[@DrOctagon]

Nice one mate. How about 10 minutes in the 180 as a relaxing no commentary style like this one? I could sit in front of that for hours. Stay healthy!

[@RoseKazable]

I never really had any opinion on moss until I started watching this channel. And now I'm all "Oooh, that's a nice piece of moss, I wonder if I could find something like that here".

[@necrobestial]

i dont know where you live but here n miami is kind of impossible

[@bones1026]

im not sure but i think i have a ton of java moss in my yard which is a big win

[@tinawindham6958]

You have a very distinguished head piece young man

[@tinawindham6958]

I mean, ms alice(my eyes,not so sharp)

[@joepogoman6748]

The round one? I love that one

[@emelynrudalavage]

I love how you did this one in your yard because it really shows that you don’t need much to make a great looking terrarium. Also, I live in Pennsylvania too and our yards look so similar! I definitely have to do this today!

[@SerpaDesign]

That was the point. I wanted to make something that anyone could do.

[@netsofdeath]

OMG! He lives in PA too? Tanner I would love to visit on a free day of yours (after the COVID outbreak has come to an end of course) and maybe get to take a peek at your animal room...? I’m so enthralled by your work and attitude towards nature and animals. You truly make my heart smile and it would be an honor just to spend a half hour seeing your creations in person. If its not possible though, I understand. Either way, I’ll look forward to seeing more of your wonderful displays in the future :)

[@wxlurker]

I don’t have a yard since I live in an apartment but I enjoyed the foraging and how relaxing it was!

[@Fofers-1419]

@@wxlurker oof

[@LaurieDeBruyn]

@@SerpaDesign I just made one, love the look, but it's my first one and have no idea if I gave it enough water and where I put it light wise? Thx

[@thehornwortofhornwort9832]

This shows up in notifications: Me: yes

[@Jabeanboy]

Wow so funny and original😐

[@thehornwortofhornwort9832]

@@Jabeanboy yeah I didn’t mean it to be funny doe.

[@vincentmonteleone4788]

you should make a channel themed tank with your logo and stock it with serpa tetras

[@lisajohnson1563]

Serpa tetras! What a great idea!

[@lillm0th560]

and lots of sphagnum moss of course😂

[@oDeepBlueSea]

As a fan of no talking asmr and your terrarium builds I really appreciate this combination. I like how you cut the video to follow you through the whole process in a very storytelling way. The sounds were all really nice and crisp. If you ever feel like doing this again, I will definitely watch.

[@alexchang7828]

I love these native terrarium builds as you can just make something beautiful without having to spend too much money. Hope you are safe and healthy

[@KAJUsemJU]

my profile picture is beautiful right?

[@amysart]

5:43 - oh look a teeny tiny plant sticking out the soil 6:06 - RIP

[@oclavukialufalu8657]

When you live in a desert and wonder where everyone is finding moss......turns out their backyard.....

[@leastallwitz2760]

A desert terrarium would be very nice as well tho!

[@bradleybellamy2416]

@@leastallwitz2760 You just described a sand timer without the timer bit

[@Casicieloshop]

Same / :

[@michaels5705]

Even deserts have water (though it may not be in your back yard). Find a desert stream, pond maybe even a well if it isn't just a pump may have enough water to grow some moss. I live in St George, Utah (desert climate) and I found moss on the base of my heat pump where the condensation leaks.

[@wanshi4518]

@@leastallwitz2760 perfect idea 😀 I never thought about it. Thanks.

[@samlj4725]

other asmr videos: calming talking, clickity noises 1:44 : *stabstabstabstabstabstabstabstabstabstabstab*

[@Fofers-1419]

lol

[@laurap2434]

saaaame!!!😂

[@maxbradley9534]

Indeed, that wouldn't have been out of place in a prison

[@themuffinman4044]

"lets get a false bottom"-flexes awesome backyard waterfall. i love this guy.

[@MaiAriSquee]

Well that caught me off guard... near the end there I started crying. I live in a more urban area now, but I grew up in a wooded area. Seeing the little bits of dried leaves on the moss ... I miss it real bad. Guess I need to make one of these.

[@crystalwilder]

My 9y/o daugther is making her first native terrarium today! She is so excited about it! She may have seen a few of your builds over mom and dad's shoulders and gotten inspired. ;) Keep up the good work and hope you and yours are doing well.

[@NlSETSUMURI]

there are no words to describe how happy i felt when i saw that perfect bright green moss at 8:02 i really like moss

[@_royalant]

ASMR+terrarium=perfect

[@HalieeSheaa]

I watched this with my new pup nearby and he was so intrigued by these noises, wish I could’ve recorded him 😝

[@tinawindham6958]

Congrats on your new bf, adorable

[@connihinkel7295]

Just what I needed .... getting lost in the pleasant diversion that is watching you build a beautiful terrarium. Thank you!

[@leowang4454]

I love art, I love nature, I love asmr. This video is PeRfeCt 👌

[@TnyTV]

This is a terrarium that's so cool. I feel like the video is alive with asmr.

[@Dr.Peppermintz]

Hey Tanner! I just wanted to take a moment to say that you've inspired me and exposed me to the wonderful world of plants. I always thought I had a "green thumbnail", because Im only slightly good at keeping plants alive. I made a moss-terrarium out of a to-go container, and it's been flourishing with steady growth for over 8 months now. I really enjoy your videos and the kindness you show to nature (and to cost). I hope to make a larger, more elaborate terrarium in the future as a focus point to my desk, where I actively work on my studies and schoolwork. Thanks again. Hope you guys stay safe and take some time to relax.

[@RobertoMarassi0]

I love your compositions: great balance of the different components, plants and stones

[@littletrashboi7210]

I love the idea of making it more of an asmr rather than a diy, it is so relaxing 💖

[@SerpaDesign]

It's a good change of pace, but both are needed. Gotta teach people how to do it themselves and DIY/How To is the best for that.

[@littletrashboi7210]

@@SerpaDesign That's true, since everyone needs a way to learn how to make them, I think that you do a great job at that 😊

[@Jacques80120]

The ambient sounds like the birds really make this video just that much better.

[@natasplund]

I ordered, and just got in the mail a big beautiful Victorian greenhouse looking terrarium and am collecting moss and quartz around our farm to make my own native terrarium! It's hard to find all native botanicals in the prairies though so I did buy some ferns. This was awesome to watch and great timing for inspiration for my own project!!!

[@avapictures0]

I made a huge native terrarium for my Dubia Roaches, I even added other creatures like earthworms, spring tails and isopods. This video is inspiring and I am really proud of the terrarium I made

[@joymalek8939]

It was really inspiring to see you outside, building this terrarium from what you have around you. I also loved the natural sounds, including hearing you work, as well as seeing it.

[@paolo.barone]

I've made two (my first) native terrariums since the virus struck here in northern Italy. Very satisfied, they're full of micro fauna and even springtails! Thanks for the step by step guide!

[@noahzephyr]

Something new 🥰✨✨✨

[@junicesorgen7116]

Just discovered your videos a couple of weeks ago, and I am addicted! My kids can identify different types of mosses now. You inspired us to make our first terrarium today. I really liked the video where you turned that baseball bat display case into living wall art. As someone who doesn't have a lot of horizontal places to put things, I would love to see more things like that. But I love all your content! Thanks for all you do!

[@jaydenanderson1794]

hope your doing well during this time of chaos thank you for posting such a relaxing video!!

[@SerpaDesign]

You're welcome! I hope you're doing well too.

[@RodeoTomX]

Thank you so much! I've been itching to make my first terrarium after watching your videos, but haven't been able to get any mesh liner, using the plastic bag alternative is great!

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah it works well if it's your only option. Have one that's 2 years old and doing really well using the same technique.

[@vituperation]

Does your local hardware store not have window screen? If you're in the US, I know every Lowe's and Home Depot carries it. Also online delivery. The bag is a good alternative otherwise. I've had success with plastic knitting mesh too.

[@rhondaborders3452]

Could even use a new or used coffee filter.

[@MarinaLeeAnne]

I love how perfectly that large center plant fit. Almost as though it was made specifically for this terrarium! Beautiful job! Just what I needed today 😊

[@aletaevans1314]

When I saw you decided to put weeds in your terrarium I thought NO! These plants are the bane of my existence! I can't get these out of my garden fast enough. Well this has turned out to one of my favorites. Thanks for keeping it fresh!

[@jubi400]

ME TOO!! I saw the bittercress, and thought,,NOOOOOOOO!!!

[@stephenneedham106]

I read asmr and thought, oh no, i cant stand voices in asmr, but just the noises of the build and the nature..... very cool.

[@indigochild6450]

Wow! That's incredibly beautiful!!! 😍😍😍 I was already extremely impressed how you managed to keep the inside of the jar and the plants so clean. No mess at all despite all that finicky work with dirt. Surprised! You even sprayed and cleaned the inside with a cloth! OMG!! Absolutely loved a clean jar and the artistic landscape! Perfect!!!

[@glendapotter9525]

I live in Michigan and it's in the teens.. today. This video is making me sooooo anticipate spring. I love these videos. I can almost smell and feel the earth in my fingers and the warm sunshine. I so needed this today. Thankyou. I have learned so much from watching your channel.

[@alabasterkros]

Satisfying for the ears and eyes! Awesome! ✌

[@erikasanchez7972]

It would be great to see your creations after 1 or 2 months old, 6 months old and so on. Not all of these are going to thrive without constant maintenance and care. Have you thought of using orchids or violets? small bulbs? Would love to see one of those Snowdrops-Galanthus Nivalis bulbs! So cute and fairy like!

[@PotNatura]

This is so beautiful. I love how everyone put their touch of soul on every terrarium, and all of them they are what they are: vegetation in cristal jars, but how they different they look each other. And this one looks so natural and magic. Great job!

[@Canna1d]

I love the silent ones with just the natural sounds in the background. Definitely satisfying and relaxing for me!

[@Alphatek666]

You helped inspire me to make a terrarium around 8 months ago. It was nice to watch this video as it reminds me of the excitement I first had. Thank You :)

[@miss.scales7159]

I just made one yesterday! Your channel is undoubtedly my favorite for plant creations, thanks so much for being such an inspiration!! Soon I'm hoping to repurpose my old 5 gallon aquarium into a tiny paludarium :)

[@wam54out]

Ive got to say, I love ALL your videos, but this one with no voice over and just listening to the sounds of nature while you work was beautiful. You are amazing with all you do. I enjoy your channel very much. Thank you, keep up the great work.

[@mcoutu6849]

I am absolutely doing one at the lake this summer. There is a plethora of moss, and foliage, bark, and more! Thanks for the inspiration! It is a beauty!

[@Amoulier1983]

second..... Good one like always.... I just open youtube expecting to see one new video from you. Keep up with the excellent content and educating us on how to keep nature close to us.

[@anxiouscervidae4975]

I absolutely love this video. I’ve already made one terrarium and now I’m inspired to make another one! 💚

[@ashescloud8548]

This was exactly what I needed! giving me vibes of the terrarium I made from plants and moss of Hampstead Heath, thank you for teaching me to love plants more

[@veiryloza7996]

Absolutely enjoyed the fact that it was made with the resources found in your yard 💚💚💚 Awesome!!!

[@Drezeq]

Keep up the good work, love your channel

[@thehornwortofhornwort9832]

Dang it not first

[@haileyalbergo]

4:51 me making a mud pie for my parents when i was 5 thinking i was a whole chef

[@vijeshkumar692]

Lol

[@mtngypsy111]

Dude. You are awesome. I absolutely love that you made a build video showing how everyone can make a terrarium with items around the home. Perfect for people that are home bound. Just.... Dude. I have alot of love and respect for you 💓

[@bezdik79]

Как всегда красавчик,фантазия у человека просто на уровне бога 😁👍

[@maryjocollard8282]

I really love these native terrariums. You always amaze me by making it look so simple. One of these days I will give it a try. I wish I could find a cute jar like that.

[@wiqklxz8785]

Tanner you are not only that guy that makes terrariums. You are the guy that inspired me to get into terrariums, you are the guy that is so good at what you do I am surprised that there are not more people in the hobby who also truly respect and admire Mother Nature and the brilliant recreation of nature like yourself. You are an artist. A true artist. Forget the Mona Lisa and all this stuff, when are you going to be recognised to that level? You truly deserve it and I can’t wait until you upload your next video. I hope you stay safe from this horrible virus, I need something to watch that I will watch at least ten times a week.

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha thanks! I just do my thing. Not much else to it. I hope you stay safe as well.

[@noneofyourbusinessstillnot9558]

The video was perfection. Watching it in front of my open window with the frogs chirping. So relaxing. Thank you so very much for all you do.

[@bleaterbaelostpaw8769]

PLEASE MORE LIKE THIS I LOVEEEEEE THIS NO VOICE QUIET AND BEAUTIFUL

[@arnouxgaming6148]

I made my first terrarium thanks to u.. I’m loving the process a lot it’s very satisfying and enjoyable. I have learnt a lot for your channel and was motivated by your designs

[@ultimatefantasy1]

im always suprised how you find such good rocks that size...at my area there are not a lot of such rocks..but it looks amazing as always. you really sparked my interest in building these closed Terarriums..thank you so much and keep making video's..thumbs up and like

[@bookworm3005]

Ah, those sounds are so perfect... 💕

[@robertthompsonii6657]

Loved that ep, very relaxing and enjoyable! It made me think of you traveling around the world making terrariums, with native material from each remote location. Thank you for another beautiful masterpiece!🌱 🖼

[@everythingcreated4636]

The plant in the upper left at 5:24 is called hairy bittercress and can do well with soggy soil and high humidity. It would probably be great for a terrarium!

[@luiscolome75]

I love this no-words video. It's incredible how well you explain and document how to build a terrarium with just the camera. Really good work. I have no excuses to have my own terrarium. Just ine QUESTION: I live in a very warm climate area of Spain ¿How would you build a close terrarium to resist the nearly 40ºC in summer? One more....Thanks million for your work.

[@tededwards1592]

That was probably the best ASMR video I’ve ever seen and then a sweet native terrarium to boot?! Awesome

[@allenlafan]

I choose to focus more on the thousands of likes, but I will take a second to point out the 143 people who took the trouble to click the dislike on such a positive and charming video are why we can't have nice things.

[@fritobandito4157]

This reminds me of footheflowerhorn's channel. Really great!

[@christopherspets4326]

Thanks for making this video, it was relaxing, it calmed me down and it inspired me, I'm going to build a Terrarium tomorrow.

[@martimrocha9067]

Always great to see another video from you come out. Great content!

[@havenaviaryhaeviary5717]

As someone with pretty bad insomnia. This video was so soothing it put me to sleep cold without any sleeping meds. I personally absolutely love this video and would be so happy to see more of it's kind. Expessially if they help me sleep. Thank you so much for this! Knowing I can still sleep without medication is absolute bliss.

[@riverhere9483]

The little cup/hive-like structure are a kind of bird's nest fungi

[@Ororo0626]

Thank you!!

[@Cottoncandycorner]

Very nice work

[@kanishksinghofficial]

Those bird sounds are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo relaxing 😀

[@rockhoundingwithjasperblue]

Love that!👍

[@jejehdh]

Is it just me or is this quality ASMR. Also it looks awesome

[@OverwatchHengbok]

Very interesting video with asmr only :o

[@lixx6324]

Yeey perfect thanks

[@LearningCurveAcres]

I absolutely love your native terrarium builds. I have tried to make 3 now, but only 1 was successful and thrives. Thanks again. Take care - Marcie

[@yuelina9221]

12:26 can someone tell me what this black, squishy thing is? Is it some kind of mushroom? It looks weird and interesting at the same time. :D

[@dylantomas1066]

Looks like Urnula Craterium or some close species

[@MaiAriSquee]

Birds nest fungi!! I was so charmed that he noticed and used them. I hope they do well!!

[@yuelina9221]

Thanks for the replies

[@fouraces1949]

Cool

[@KS-un4yb]

I love this video! It reminds me of another KZbinr who does art restoration and releases an ambient version and then does a narrated version with voice over. I always watch the ambient version first and then have to watch the narrated version to find out more about the process. That’s always an option here, too. You could do a narrated version explaining things... Just a thought...

[@TheTravellingDuck]

That’s so awesome. Gorgeous. Best terrarium ever. I am inspired to get into my garden and get terrariuming.

[@mcoutu6849]

Brilliant!

[@wellingtonmaia2640]

Ola amigo sou do Brasil,sou seu fã,vc é o melhor,também fasso terrário,todos os que eu faço minhas ideias são feitos copiando os seus,obrigado amigo!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤙🏻

[@DragonMG2]

I have built a lot of these lately, one in a 10 gallon tank and others in mason jars. I just wish I had some cooler jars like superdesign. Also I would like to see a bog build.

[@lisajohnson1563]

A bog build would be spectacular in Tanner's talented hands.

[@ivonnecruzaravena3670]

¡Very good !

[@MrsRosewater]

You are especially appreciated for your inspirations at this time. You are a blessing.

[@staceyorourke6810]

You make it look so easy! Must be the power of editing! I would have started over a hundred times!

[@jjflowers4025]

This is the best video I have came across since the start a isolation 😂

[@Jen-yo5dn]

Love this! If I had some doubts before about making one I feel now I don’t! Could you do a video of plants that grow naturally that you would not recommend using?

[@artsyscrub3226]

I'd love to see both versions, mainly because i like the asmr but i also love learning how to build it

[@natha1386]

Bonjour Serpadesign, thank you so much for your videos, I learn so much from you, it helps me to keep going on with the wish to make terrariums, especially from natural ingrediants coming from their original part. I really enjoy watching your videos, they are so well done, full of beauty and patience. I'm grateful. From France, with care and love.

[@abbichan]

Any tips for a person like myself who lives in an arid desert? I live in the Sonoran desert and do not have these types of lush, green plants to work with. Thanks!

[@SerpaDesign]

You could make something like a dish garden. I know it's not quite the same, but still a cool way to bring nature indoors. This might give you some ideas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIizn5p-pbp4Y68

[@DragonMG2]

What about small cactuses or tumbleweed.

[@20greeneyes20]

I'd look harder there has got to be some kind of life in a different form than our green plants. It has its own beauty with odd rocks. I've been to Arizona lot a of goodies there. ??? Make it your own..

[@Sad_cup_of_tea_]

Why am I so satisfied by the sound of a nail punching holes in a foam board? 😂 *Tis confusion *

[@julz63]

Such a beautiful video, just what I needed at the end of my day! That was a fantastic terrarium build too, all for free 💚

[@ianaliciaperry5243]

Wonderful, thank you!!

[@edrowlett-barbu142]

6:10 you covered the poor plant :(

[@flamingogh_]

I wonder if it will grow anyway, since it's in its native soil. Can only hope I suppose.

[@phr_9000]

i see a new uploaded video, i click, i see asmr, i click faster

[@BorkPlays]

Your pond is looking amazing!

[@lanaroux3393]

Beautiful terrarium, lovely video. I love it, no chit chat, no music, just the sounds of nature and a young man at work. Keep up he good work, you are wonderful. !

[@ArnoldQMudskipper]

5:38 1st thing I thought of was Skyrim texture overhauls 🤦🏼

[@DillieVal]

r.i.p to all the mosses in Tanner's backyard, they're gone but never forgotten

[@lilXmrsXponyXjumper]

Thank you! I actually gave this a try yesterday after watching this video. It looks so cute!

[@twistysunshine]

Very calming, thank you