What you’ll need:
- Jars (mason or spaghetti sauce jars)
- Small rocks or pebbles (unpolished)
- Soil
- Plants (small ferns or succulents work best)
- Preserved moss
Step 1:
Start by placing a 1 inch layer of small rocks or pebbles inside the bottom of the jar. It’s best to use unpolished rocks so that they absorb moisture when you water the plants.
Step 2:
Add 3-4 inches of potting soil as the second layer in the jar. You can also add a thin layer of activated charcoal before this step to help clean the air of the fumes caused when the plants begin to decompose.
Step 3:
Now you’ll add your choice of plants. For pre-packaged plants, squeeze the bottom of the container and gently push the plant out. Tear the roots at the bottom so that they will take hold when transferred to new soil.
Step 4:
Transfer the plants into the jar by holding them at their roots. For smaller jars, it might be helpful to use chopsticks to fit the plants inside.
Step 5:
Tear up small pieces of preserved moss. The moss is optional, but will help absorb water.
Step 6:
Press small pieces of moss onto the soil around plants to create ground cover.
Tips for upkeep:
- Keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight.
- Water terrarium lightly every few weeks.
- If jar starts to condensate, take the lid off for a few hours to let the moisture escape.