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Mason jar terrarium

Course DIY
Keyword closed terrarium, houseplants, indoor garden, jar garden
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
A closed tropical terrarium layered with pebbles, charcoal, potting soil, moss and small plants in a large jar.

What You’ll Need

  • Large clear glass jar (apothecary jar; large mason jar, cookie jar or similar also works)
  • Pebbles or small rocks (or aquarium rocks)
  • Mesh or landscaping fabric
  • Activated charcoal (or horticultural charcoal)
  • Tropical potting soil (or indoor potting mix)
  • Terrarium plants (for example a pink fittonia and a dwarf maidenhair fern)
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Optional: larger rocks and driftwood
  • Equipment: bowls, garden trowel, gardening tweezers (optional), spray bottle or mister (optional)

Directions

  • Collect your supplies.
  • Spread a layer of pebbles or small rocks on the bottom for drainage; top with mesh or landscaping fabric so the soil does not wash down.
  • Spread a layer of activated charcoal over it.
  • Fill in with tropical potting soil.
  • Set the plants in with sphagnum moss; add larger rocks and driftwood for decoration if you like.
  • Put the lid on.

Notes

Closed terrarium: water about every couple of months (more if the lid is opened often). Don't overwater; pooling water means too much. Bright, indirect light; glass magnifies heat in direct sun. Use plants with similar needs; succulents and cacti in open containers only. Mist until soil is lightly damp, not soggy; a little condensation is normal.