DIY Open Terrarium Craft

Learn how to make an open terrarium with plants, moss, and a few other items for a beautiful miniature garden under glass.

There's nothing prettier than a terrarium for bringing the garden into your home. I've made traditional terrariums with a closed lid. It's so interesting to watch as the entire vessel maintains its own watering system through condensation requiring only minimal maintenance.

Did you know that the first terrarium was discovered by accident by Dr. Nathaniel Baghsaw Ward? You can read all about it in my post called The Wardian Case.

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However, today I want to show you how an open terrarium is easy to create and makes a beautiful statement in the home.

Supplies

• wooden skewer or chopsticks
• paintbrush
• small watering bottle
• 1 large glass container open at the top
• gravel, pebbles, or small rocks
• activated charcoal pellets
• soilless mix potting soil
• plants
• moss from the yard or preserved decorative moss

How to Make an Open Terrarium

You can find open glass vessels like the one shown above at many stores. This one came from Target. However, you may already have something at home or could probably find a large jar at a thrift store.

Just like closed terrariums you want to start with a layer of rocks or gravel. Since there is no drainage hole in a terrarium, this layer of rock will help with drainage and prevent root rot.

Next, add a layer of charcoal pellets. You can find these in pet stores for aquariums and sometimes at the garden center. This layer helps remove toxins and odors that might build up in the terrarium.

Then add some soil. Any good fast draining potting soil or planting medium would be good. You can even make homemade potting soil that would work great for this project.

Tip: Make sure to water the soil in a bowl first before planting. This will get your terrarium off to a good start and will cut down on the mess of fly-away dusty soil.

Plant your plants as you like. Use a wood skewer, chopsticks, long tweezers, or a long pencil to help move the plants and soil around. These tools really help with tall terrariums and those with narrow openings.

You can also use a dry paintbrush to clean up the sides.

Open Terraium Suggested Plants

Plants that make good candidates for this project are those that enjoy moisture and a humid environment but don't need to be constantly watered.

• mini orchid (phalaenopsis)
• small ferns (lemon button fern shown here)
• pilea plant
• baby tears
• moss from your yard
• other miniature houseplants with interesting foliage

Using Succulents in an Open Terrarium

Many people are using succulents or cacti in open terrariums. I'm a little wary of this idea as succulents like a dry environment. This would be ok in a short walled dish garden with a fully open top. However, this terrarium has tall sides and will hold humidity.

Still, I decided to try adding a couple of baby sempervivums in the terrarium from an outdoor planter. Sempervivum aka "hens and chicks" are very hardy and should be okay with some humidity as long as the soil doesn't get too wet.

What Else Can You Put in the Terrarium?

• Cute small figurines such as mushrooms or fairies for decoration.
• Decorative preserved moss
• Decorative rocks or crystals

How to Care for Your Open Terrarium

Watering Needs

You only need to water this terrarium about once a month. Just keep an eye on it. If you see condensation wait to water. If the moss or any of the plants look dry use a watering bottle to direct some water to the area.

Lighting Needs:

The amount of light this open terrarium will depend on the plants more than anything. However, a good rule of thumb is to make sure it's in a spot where there is bright indirect light for a good portion of the day.

Maintenance

• Trim any damaged or unsightly leaves at any time. 
• Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases.
• The main issue that will come up is growth. Eventually, some or all of the plants will outgrow the terrarium. You can replace them, or try pruning or dividing some, and repotting them into the terrarium.

A little tiny garden inside glass is so pretty. I'm loving the way this little beauty looks in our living room.