How to Make a DIY Flower Terrarium

Creating a DIY flower terrarium is a fun and creative way to bring some nature into your home. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with plant arrangements, a terrarium offers an excellent opportunity to design a miniature world. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you build your own flower terrarium from scratch, using easily available materials.

Materials Needed

• Glass container: Choose a clear glass container, such as a jar, vase, or fishbowl. The shape and size depend on your preference and available space.

• Rocks or gravel: Small pebbles or gravel provide drainage and prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

• Activated charcoal: This helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, keeping the terrarium fresh.

• Potting soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential for your flowers to thrive.

• Flowers or plants: Choose flowers or small plants suitable for terrariums, like ferns, succulents, or air plants.

• Moss: Adds a natural, lush look to the interior and helps retain moisture.

• Decorative items: You can include tiny figurines, shells, or fairy lights to add a personal touch.

• Gardening tools: A small trowel or spoon will make handling soil easier.

Steps to Create a Flower Terrarium

1. Choose Your Container

Start by selecting a glass container that allows you to view your flowers from all angles. The size of the container will depend on the number of plants you want to use. A wide, shallow container is ideal for low-growing plants, while a taller, narrower jar works better for taller plants or a vertical design.

2. Prepare the Base Layer

To start the terrarium, create a drainage layer at the bottom. This is essential to ensure that excess water can escape, preventing root rot in your flowers. Use small gravel or rocks, placing them about 1-2 inches deep, depending on the size of your container.

3. Add Activated Charcoal

After the drainage layer, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. This helps to keep the water fresh by preventing mold and odors. Spread it evenly over the rocks or gravel, ensuring it covers the surface.

4. Add Potting Soil

Now it’s time to add the potting soil. The depth will depend on the plants you’ve chosen. For flowers or plants that need deeper roots, you’ll want to add enough soil to accommodate their root systems. Spread the soil evenly, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top of the container to prevent overflow when watering.

5. Arrange Your Plants

Before planting, decide on the arrangement of your flowers or plants. Start by placing the tallest plants in the center or towards the back (if using a tall container). Smaller plants or flowers can be arranged around the larger ones. Consider the color and texture of the plants to create a visually appealing design. If you’re using flowers, ensure they don’t crowd each other too much, as they need space to grow.

Carefully remove the plants from their nursery pots, shaking off excess soil. Dig small holes in the soil and gently place the plants inside, filling in any gaps with more potting mix. Press the soil gently around the base to secure the plants in place.

6. Add Decorative Moss

Moss can be added on top of the soil for a more polished, natural look. It also helps retain moisture in the terrarium. Place moss around the plants, filling in any empty spaces. You can use various types of moss, such as sheet moss or cushion moss, depending on the desired aesthetic.

7. Add Decorative Items

This is where you can get creative. Adding decorative items like small figurines, stones, or shells can give your terrarium a unique, personalized touch. You could also add fairy lights or small crystals for a bit of sparkle.

8. Water the Plants

After the plants are arranged, lightly water them. Be careful not to overwater, as terrariums are designed to retain moisture. The amount of water you need depends on the size of your plants and the humidity of the environment. Typically, the soil should be slightly moist but not soggy.

9. Close the Terrarium (Optional)

If you’re using a container with a lid, close it. This helps create a humid environment, especially for tropical plants. If you’re using an open container, make sure to place the terrarium in a location with indirect sunlight to prevent it from overheating or drying out. Open terrariums may need more frequent watering as they don’t retain moisture as effectively as closed ones.

10. Maintain Your Terrarium

To keep your DIY flower terrarium thriving, follow these simple care guidelines:

• Light: Place your terrarium in a spot that gets indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause the plants to overheat, while too little can stunt their growth.

• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Closed terrariums need water less frequently than open ones. Check the moisture level every few weeks and water accordingly.

• Cleaning: Occasionally, clean the glass to prevent algae growth or dust buildup. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the inside and outside of the container.

Tips for Success

• Choose compatible plants: Make sure the flowers or plants you choose thrive in similar conditions (light, humidity, water).

• Monitor the moisture level: If the soil becomes too wet, it could lead to mold or root rot. Conversely, too little moisture will cause the plants to dry out. Balance is key.

• Prune regularly: Trim back any overgrown plants to maintain a neat and healthy look. This also helps prevent the plants from overcrowding each other.

Conclusion

A DIY flower terrarium is a beautiful and rewarding project that allows you to bring nature indoors. With careful planning, selecting the right plants, and maintaining the terrarium, you can create a stunning piece of living art. Whether for yourself or as a gift, a flower terrarium adds charm and tranquility to any space. Enjoy the process of creating your little green world and watch it thrive!