DIY Terrariums

Looking to add a little bit of love and life to your home or office? You really can’t ever go wrong with a good terrarium. Unlike a typical house plant, terrariums have a lot of character and environmental inspiration housed in their coffee table or desk worthy containers. There are two styles that you can DIY that I absolutely love: one for your little ones at home and one just for you.

For a project for your little one and you, there are two options available: you can choose to make their terrarium a living environment that they will be in charge of or a whimsical show stopper just to ignite their imaginations and not their responsibilities.

Choose a jar that will work well for your space. A large, clear canister or cookie jar gives you ample space to work with, as well as a lid to keep a cover on it all if you so choose. Then you will need to make the decision of whether you want to go with a living indoor plant or a variety of plastic aquarium/terrarium look-alikes. For living plants, you should then choose a potting soil that will work well for them (and maybe some living moss to lie around the plant, as well). For imitation plants you can choose any stone or crystal bedding that you’d like. For finishing touches you can either allow your little ones to choose favorite creatures to dwell amongst the plants or you can go with a theme (such as a fairy or gnome forest).

Here is where mom or dad is going to really need to help: you’re going to start by laying down the ground work for your terrarium. Fill up as much of the canister as you would like with your soil or stones, and then situate your plants so that they are centered and secure.

Now is the fun part! It’s time to set up your Jurassic park, fairy kingdom, or gnome forest. Bring your little one in to situate all of his/her new friends and companions wherever they see fit. Once complete it’s either time for your terrarium to get its first watering or just to find its new home.  This makes a great centerpiece for a children’s play table or your coffee table, inviting them to interact with their little environment and respect/care for it.

Image and partial inspiration from National Geographic Kids.

Our second terrarium idea, my favorite, is much more simple and mesmerizing for you. All you'll need for your adult terrarium is a smaller container (mason jars, clear vases, etc), gravel or stones of choice, water, and, of course, your terrarium companion; a Marimo moss ball.  (In addition: you may also decide to add shells, beach glass, or other focal points that you’d like to add for additional decoration.)

Marimo moss balls are a fascinating work space (or living space) companion. They're ancient Japanese moss balls that start as small as a pebble, but can grow to the size of your fist! All they need for care is a weekly/bi weekly water change to keep their water temperature cool. Marimo balls can be found easily online: mine came from EclecticZen on Esty!

Set up your terrarium by simply filling your container with as much gravel and decoration as esthetically pleases you. Fill it up with slow-running, cold tap water (so that your decorations don't get stirred up), and then add your Marimo ball companion. It’s really that simple. Your companion may float for the first day or so, but will sink to the bottom as it saturates with water. If properly cared for your Marimo should grow about 5mm a year and live up to 100!