A Beginners Guide To Making A Terrarium

If you've ever felt unsure about the basic steps when it comes to terrarium building, then this is the video for you. I wanted to keep things as simple as I possibly could so I've used as few materials as possible. Below are the items needed to follow along.
- A glass container
- Substrate - I've used coir mixed with vermicast
- Lava rock for drainage (you can use any type of small grained stone)
Plants:
- Actiniopteris australis (ray fern)
- Asplenium fern
- Begonia foliosa 'minima'
*feel free to substitute any of the plants, these were just some I had to hand.

[@ZDragonimated]

Terrariums are honestly so fascinating. I've been watching a bunch of different tutorials and as soo as school is over tomorrow I'm buying a big jar.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Amazing! Send me photos on Instagram if you are able to. I'd love to see what you make

[@abiuns7805]

Is the terrarium still alive!?

[@CornCrakerOats]

I have ordered a jar and my yard is a isopod ground, I find around 50 each day just hanging out by plants, along with the occasional spider resting alongside. I am making a woodland based terrarium, less for plants, but more to witness the animals inside interact with the safe habitat I provide

[@soupspoon9554]

Thank you. Never done one, but now I know how I'll doing my first. Thanks Mate 👍

[@maybeno4099]

I’ve been obsessed . As soon as I get the opportunity to start making my own , I am taking full advantage ! These are so beautiful . I eventually want to make one that sustains life . Like vampire crabs , shrimp with tons of plants . I don’t even know where I would start , so thank you so much !

[@davidwarwick4777]

Looking forward to starting my own terrarium soon. Thank your the inspiration.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Best of luck to you :D

[@danielmelendrez1616]

Me too! I am shopping stuff online for making my own! This is awesome

[@Nicoliegee]

Thank you for your awesome work! It is fascinating! I also can't get enough of your voice, would love to hear you narrating some audio books!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks Nicole! Perhaps that's a future career path 🤔 😂

[@spiritmae]

I love seeing these tutorials I just made my first one not many plants mainly moss but these videos really inspire me

[@yunamishi7915]

I plan to make a terrarium with old glass cocacola bottles! I like how you can repurpose almost every type of glass to make them. thank you for your education on making them

[@matiascontreras6390]

I came here from tiktok and I am so inspired to make a terrarium, thank you! :)

[@masturasurattee4465]

I am a teacher and I also do landscape design. I was looking for the best youtube video on terrarium for beginners for my students This is the best ! Very simple and important tips being observed and shared clearly. I would definately use this and recommend others to view. :)

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you so much!

[@faithmoody731]

I loved the tip about planting in odd numbers. I said something similar to my friends one time and they looked at me like I was crazy 😵‍💫😂

[@bethmurphy779]

Just got a terrarium for a Christmas gift from my daughter, so I'm new to this and found your videos and information very helpful. Merry Christmas

[@VictoriaLeeCreates]

Thank you for sharing and helping Me. I am in Chicago Illinois

[@AnnasViolets]

Love this video so much (and the background, of course!) :) I grow Fittonia in my terrarium too. It adds so much colour to it.

[@alicesmith7913]

Thank you so very much, this is what I was looking for, not a video for those who are Terrarium experts. In fact, I'm looking a project for myself and my nephew who actually is interested in plants, so...I've got to start off with a rather SIMPLE Terrarium.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks for watching Alice. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@klundyates1]

This is brilliant, thank you so much! Good luck with the new vids, will be avidly following 😊

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you for watching, I'm so pleased you like them!

[@stevenscurgell5672]

Just got here from tiktok I’m feeling crazy inspired ! And gonna hit the thrift stores tomoro 🙏💜

[@Vix2066]

So awesome. I really want to give this a go!🌿💚

[@connieammerman8302]

Thank you so much for making this video.

[@maybeno4099]

You look like Heath Ledger , he is so FINNNEE

[@Dekraakjes]

Just started 2 open terrariums 4 weeks ago one small bonzai tree and Saltwort and the second one is Cardamine hirsuta and a coffee plant and its still looking good and thanks for the tips

[@pinkspinks1588]

I love this channel. I have found my place. Looking forward to trying 😍

[@johnbritish5757]

I never expected to find you on KZbin 🔥💚

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Here I am!

[@scox7748]

great video. Good to see such a simple example. I've had way more failures than successes, i just cant keep moss looking good. definitely going to start simplifying the next attempts. I got hold of some peperomia prostrata after seeing you use it so cant wait to use it in the next ones.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Hey, do you collect your moss or buy it in? I find that collected moss, more often than not, results in failure, especially in the UK as many species are temperate and require a dormant spell. My favourite moss to use is Leucobryum glaucum, also known as bun/pillow/cushion moss. It's available from local florists!

[@scox7748]

@@WorcesterTerrariums i buy mine but I live in indonesia so I imagine a lot of it is collected from the jungle when i order it. I found a source for most plants that is reliable and sustainable (not collected from the jungle) but still have trouble with moss. Can't get ficus quercifola here either!

[@manvaranuz496]

Thank you so much for the lesson.and I already did it...

[@mariaayque455]

New subscriber!!! Really awesome video and your voice was super soothing 😌

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks! I am starting to get over the 'I hate the sound of my own voice on recordings' thing but I have some way to go. 😆

[@Wade_NZ]

Hello from New Zealand! I'm going to make one soon!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Awesome! Best of luck!

[@transforminghairstylists5949]

Love this idea💚

[@monsterwoman90]

So Awesome can't wait to try!!!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Best of luck!

[@tashaoconnor6952]

You have a beautiful collection! Im jealous 😁

[@jherday5110]

man, i just wanna say that you look like john cena. thank you for this awesome vid!

[@SwatejK]

Such an informative video, 1 rule.. keep it simple.

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Excellent, pertinent info!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you!

[@aviabad]

Beautiful ❤🌱❤🌱 Thank you

[@ToshydoshyAkamota]

Heath Ledgers cousin confirmed lol Love this channel, thank you for all the free information 🔥

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you for watching!

[@aliciac6822]

So cool! I love plants and actually have 14, 12 of which are succulents and two cacti. Id love to try creating and caring for a terrarium 😁

[@pershop4950]

cacti could also be categorized as succulents.

[@kidMclean]

Thanks, great guide, im just about to start my first one

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Best of luck!

[@codyjohnson007]

Thank you for sharing!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

My pleasure!

[@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!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Hi, thanks for the kind words! IMO, it's best to give terrariums airflow. In my experience it's rare that fully sealed terrariums thrive over the long term. I mention it on my five mistakes beginners make video. If you go with airholes you'll need to water more as some will be lost with evaporation. Send over pictures of your plans and we can go from there. Email or DM on socials are the best ways to contact me

[@archonone5164]

great video

[@bobbykonkle2631]

I have quit some bad habits and iam looking for a hobby this seems fun and somthing I can get into...

[@prfzcat]

Hello from London! Going to go to the forest tomorrow and try to make a terrarium with natural stuff.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Best of luck to you!

[@briangh1]

Thanks!

[@necker-zs7yu]

About to make my first one!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Good luck!

[@gabeb1331]

Thank you, Heath Ledger

[@drejam11]

Love your videos thanks very informative I have a fridge with carbon water filter is that okay to use is that okay to use to water my terrarium plants ?

[@olivertimmins2013]

Hey man, love the video, was wondering if I should use the same plants as here for my terrarium or if there are any others which are likely to succeed and give the best chance for survival?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you! You could use the plants I used here or if you'd like something different, I recommend using Nephrolepis cordifolia 'duffii' or Nephrolepis exaltata 'marisa'. They're two of my favourite ferns to use in a terrarium. Best of luck to you!

[@nitaell]

I LOVE terrariums...I want to learn how to make them for myself and my family. You are using words and terms I have no clue about😖. So many different opinions of what to use for the layers... Can colored marble be used as drainage? As decoration? As some kind of layer? Thank you (!!!) for your help!!💜

[@holisticlifeash2010]

Thanks for this great tutorial will be trying this. I heard that terrarium are self sufficient ecosystems is this true. Is it necessary to water them?

[@fernando.madeira]

Nice!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you, Fernando :)

[@aicirtapdadeip2039]

Thanks for the tutorial. I’ve always wanted to make a terrarium, just bought a jar today and I’ll be making my first terrarium tomorrow. I live in a tropical country, what plants can you suggest for my terrarium?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Any of these will do :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqnCZIR3Ysl4hK8

[@china_is_asshole]

Whoa... it's heath ledger.

[@miniscenesgb]

Oohhh The jungle Club I'm just 20 mins max from Worcester, must check them out

[@amanziswimcentre6616]

Thanks for the great video, please advise on placement... window sill?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

So long as its not too hot, cold or sat in the sun

[@justicezimmerman1684]

When you open it from time to time to let some air in, 1, how often should you do that!and for how long? 2, when opening it for air does it need to be re watered? Thank you:)

[@denisefreeman4659]

Hi Ben, thank you for the interesting video. I noticed you did not put charcoal in. Is charcoal not a key factor for terrariums? I find information quite contradictory. As I mentioned the charcoal, but then also whether to use clay balls or not. How do you know what to use when? So far I've only done open terrariums. So are they different to set up than closed terrariums? Denise

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Good question. Charcoal can be a helpful addition but it's not an absolute necessity. I've made many success terrariums without charcoal. Clay balls are a good drainage layer, especially in larger terrariums because they're light but I often use lava rock in smaller ones. Yes, open terrariums are a totally different being to closed and are usually made with succulents, cacti and other arid region plants. Tropical, humidity loving plants are used in closed terrariums. Hope that helps, Denise. Feel free to reach out if you need any help

[@denisefreeman4659]

@@WorcesterTerrariums thank you so much, Ben. Much appreciated. Have a good day.

[@lachyj8344]

Subscribed!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks!

[@themelody4587]

What are some alternatives for pebbles? Cant find any right now since my area is under lockdown, and I have none in my garden.

[@Andybiotics]

Try to run before you can walk? OK, I'm starting a huge self-sustaining ecosystem terrarium tomorrow with a variety of insects and snails in it!

[@erinhallmakes777]

Got a new subscriber in me. I've tried making terrarium before and they've never worked but I now have over 50 house plans and I used to not be able to keep anything alive so here's hoping... I was just wondering a few things. Would you recommend spring water or distilled water? Our water is pretty good here except they'll use chloramide in it. I could use a dechlorinator that I use for my fish tanks to get rid of that or I could use spring water or I can use distilled water. I have all three on hand for various purposes. Or I could even use fish tank water which is full of fish poop if it needs more fertilizer. That's what I water all my house plants with I'm not sure if that would be a benefit or a hindrance in a terrarium that's closed in. Or maybe later down the line on the soil starts to get older be a good way to regenerate it... I don't know. Thoughts? I was also wondering if you never use charcoal to help clean the water or a mesh to separate soil from drainage layer? And why. I've seen some people who do and some who don't trying to discover the theory behind the two. I have leca on hand I was planning on using as a false bottom but lava rock would be really good too cuz it would be a great environment for natural bacteria to grow like it does in my fish tank...

[@pershop4950]

distilled water is recommended but spring water is fine if you have easy access to that.

[@joyb4854]

So what do you do with the clippings that don't fit? Can they be salvaged into a new plant??

[@r7m]

What kind of lighting or light source would you keep it under now?

[@manisashafique3365]

Totally enjoyed the video. You made it look so simple. I accidentally bought a rhaphidophora pachyphylla without realizing it's a terrarium/vivarium plant not a house plant! It's almost a foot long and I lost most of its leaves despite my daily misting! Never made a terrarium, always seems sorta daunting! I'll give it try now. However, don't have coir, have sphagnum peat moss. Will that work? Thanks again.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Hi Manisa, misting doesn't do anything for the humidity around a plant. I've never used that plant before but give it a go and see what happens! Peat moss will work but it's acidic and will do better if it's mixed with some other components like vermicast, sphagnum moss and lava rock. All the best!

[@amdkai9112]

Hi there, how often should I water the terrarium? Daily? Weekly?

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

Can you make a similar video on how to set up an Open Style Terrarium please?

[@hengkysetiawan7502]

hi..may I ask you a question?how often you open the lid and spray the plants?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Good question. I open the lid once every few days to allow air in and it gets sprayed when it needs watering which is probably around once per month, give or take.

[@lildawid8395]

i cant find vermicast anywhere is there any chance to substitute it for some diferent soil or maybe use compost please i need some answers :)

[@Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

How do you feel about using aquarium water to mist the plants?

[@A2D4]

Ohmygosh, what a cute guy!

[@facelessfigure7985]

I have a question regarding drainage, do we have to use pebbles/gravel? Can we use a mix of big rocks and gravel?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

You can use a mix if you like :)

[@jakobklemm2381]

Why do I have to mix the coir with vermicast? I'm planning to use spaghnum moss and water it with rain water so I'm not sure if the alcalic pH value from the vermicast is good for it ^^

[@Scott-tq7ko]

Is the coir and vermicast mixed 1:1?

[@Buterfly90210]

Can I spray regular tap water? I'm not from the UK and the tap water here is drinkable

[@wolfysplat]

When you say the names of the plants it honestly sounds like your in harrypotter :)

[@acorn8170]

Do you have to use the gravel? Just wondering if it's possible to use glass beads or something decorative for the drainage bed

[@faithmoody731]

I’ve used tiny shells before- we visited a beach where the whole beach was teeny tiny shells. Took just a bit, rinsed them in water and the few terrariums I’ve made using that have been just fine. IMO, which is not as educated as his, anything that gives enough space for water to properly drain through well should be fine. Research what you have to see if it’s toxic to your plants first or if it will change the acidity level in your soil. I hope this helps some…

[@hannahatkins5648]

All I could see when looking at you was Heath Ledger 🥰

[@hannahatkins5648]

However... this was by far the best into info terrariums, I can’t wait to do one myself 💜

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Haha, thanks! Best of luck on your terrarium. Drop me a line if you need any help!

[@bobbysnider2719]

I am new to terrariums. I have watched a few of your videos. I see that you do not use charcoal. I thought charcoal was important to the success of a terrarium. Can you educate me what the role of charcoal is in a terrarium and why you don’t use it. Thank you. Great beginners video.

[@toocok5572]

Can you use charcoal as an alternative for the lava rocks?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Yes absolutely, just make sure it's suitable for horticultural use

[@briarhamrick]

do you think normal well water would be fine?

[@CardsbyMaaike]

have you ever made a terrarium in a Worcestershire sauce bottle? sounds like fun

[@Photron52]

Yet one more question: My first terrarium is a failure due to multiple reasons. Substrate being the main one I believe. It is compacted and I think soggy even though no water is showing in the drainage layer. But before I move to my second try in a larger aquarium I need more info on lighting. A lady at a plant nursery told me that I would burn up my plants if I use as much light as I intend to. Two seperate light fixtures for T-5 bulbs. One is 6500K the other is a 550 red spectrum plant bulb. This is in a 10G tank so the bulbs are about 7-8 inches from the top of the plants. Both are stunted and one shows to be shrinking. The other has just stopped unfolding the leaves. The bulbs are on a timer @ 14 hrs per day. I'm hoping to get some guidance on the light before I move to the next larger tank. Any help would be appreciated.

[@unrelatedcow9829]

Hello! Just a question is it okay if I use plants from my backyard? Just wondering because if so I would rather use those because the plants are already used to the soil and temperature?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Totally depends on what plants they are and whether they'll be suitable for a terrarium...

[@unrelatedcow9829]

@@WorcesterTerrariums Okay thank you!

[@ricklaming3007]

Should I wash clay balls / lava rock before putting it in jar. I wish I would have started a terrarium at the beginning of covid. Great video.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

You can do! I often don't because I'm lazy

[@catherineskis]

Dear Sir, does it matter the size of the terrarium? I would like to use a fish aquarium. Does it matter what one uses to grow in a terrarium? I would like to grow herbs inside the house and have a Victory Garden outside. What do you think?

[@gamingatpeak]

can you use a plastic container as well?

[@WynandBaasden]

Bit of a random question but is this Worcester in SouthAfrica? I was just wondering about materials sourcing...

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Worcester, UK! 🙂

[@JinsVarughese]

After making closed terrarium,how many hours keep it opened before going to be sealed? Hopefully you would reply...Thank you😊

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Not long, half an hour or so

[@srm4455]

do i need to buy specific plants?? or will any plant survive?

[@al3xdragos01]

Where do I buy that soil u have from?uk based I'm looking at my 1st terrarium

[@jeromegadi]

is it okay to add tiny rocks along with the plants just for aesthetics? will it affect their growth?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Yep!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Shouldn't effect growth

[@stitchynala]

Hello Worcester Terrariums! Love this video! Do you think you could add an earthworm here? Appreciate all the help!😄

[@johnwinterbottom4509]

can plastic jars b used? i can get from my local sweet shop octaganal jars if that makes sense. they can stand on theier ends or sides. t y i a.

[@Peter-dc3hi]

so is it okay that there’s no oxygen for the plants when the jar is closed because they produce it by themselves?

[@sebastianthomas8507]

Sir, is it require to close the Terrarium? I have a confusion about that, what would I do to keep the jar open or close this is a big confusion now? please replay

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

I keep them closed but open the lid from time to time to allow some fresh air inside.

[@hukeaz]

Is RO water ok to use?

[@cherylbrown80]

Can you grow a mango and/or papaya dwarf plant in a terrium??

[@darkbendover]

can venus fly trap grow on plant gel?

[@BrainFreezeMC]

I have a question: I don't have the money to buy a special light and I don't have a window that would be sufficient. Can I use a normal household warm white desk lamp?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

That should work! Warm white light is good for plant growth

[@BrainFreezeMC]

@@WorcesterTerrariums THANK YOU!

[@teawithteddy2185]

I feel like my furniture is gonna start floating when he listed the plant names

[@christinachen1152]

👍👍👍🙏

[@oliviaplays5782]

Please do a bigginer friendly bioactive terrarium tutorial

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

You got it

[@oliviaplays5782]

@@WorcesterTerrariums omg you responded thank you soooo much I am a massive fan thanks you Also pleaseee tell me where you get your garlic snails from