DIY Terrariums - Simple Decorating Tips

Green, fresh, living plants!

Been in the mood for houseplants lately? Me too! Last week I showed you a super simple DIY Plant Hanger idea. This week, I’m going to show you how I turned some thrifted containers into really pretty DIY terrariums. They’re wonderful in our new townhouse and make lovely gifts.

Thrifting is a great way to find really unique containers for houseplants. I gathered several different styles for these DIY terrariums. Nearly all of them came from Goodwill. A couple were actually meant for plants, but most were not. Large mouth jars were my goal, but even though I only found 1 large jar like that, I found some great options.

Think Creatively

You never know where you might just the right thing. The copper lined glass house was in the pet section at Goodwill! The previous owner had it set up for a reptile or spider or some other creature. I definitely prefer it as a terrarium for plants. LOL

I ordered the plants and soils for these DIY terrariums came from the same source. Each item is linked for your convenience as it’s described in this post. I also put all the shopping links together at the bottom.

Layers

After stockpiling the containers and waiting a couple days to receive the order, I could start creating! First thing was to clean the planters. I washed the containers with soap and water, (especially the one that housed a creepy crawly!) then I started filling them with layers.

The first layer placed at the bottom was a layer of small pebbles.

Millie sticks by my side with whatever DIY I’m doing. I like to think she’s my buddy. I have a feeling she’s actually thinking her person is known to drop things and she’d like to try to eat them, (pebbles included!)

Since none of these containers have drainage holes, I like to create a space for drainage with this bottom layer of pebbles. I figure any extra water will drain down and keep the plant roots away from any standing water.

Fortunately this simple funnel I made with a piece of paper prevented me dropping any pebbles for Millie to grab!

Next, on top of the pebbles, in went a layer of charcoal to inhibit mold growth and root rot.

The top and final layer was potting soil.

I used the same 3 layers for all the terrarium containers.

Easy Plants Resource

Next it’s time for plants. This pack of mini terrarium plants I ordered was perfect for my DIY terrariums! Even though I received it in the freezing winter weather, I fortunately was here when it came, so it didn’t sit out on the porch. I appreciate the feature to set my account up to text me with updates for delivery times, so I can be prepared. All the plants were healthy and perfect options for small terrarium plants.

After the small plants were placed in each container’s top layer of potting soil, I filled in around the plants with this living moss. It seemed dry and dead, but once it was watered, it sprung to life pretty quick.

I ordered only 1 bag of moss and had tons! I planted 5 or 6 terrariums and still had some leftover.

Details are So Fun

Then a few finishing details just for fun. Not a fairy garden, but still a little interesting detail.

I finished each terrarium with larger polished stones sprinkled here and there to add to the wonderful organic layered look.

From the side you can see and appreciate the layers of the terrarium. It feels like you’re peeking into a green growing miniature world.

The moss instructions say to mist it with purified water. That’s easy, I just used purified bottled drinking water.

It was amazing to watch the moss practically spring to life right before my eyes!

I’m a maximalist, so of course I added a little extra detail to the terrariums. Each one a bit different.

This antique bowl cake stand piece I gave to my daughter for her birthday. I thought the vintage McCoy type bird looked so sweet, along with these really sweet mini mushrooms.

Because this planter was quite shallow and didn’t have a top, I didn’t add any plants besides just the moss. She did wind up putting it under a cloche to keep it at the right humidity.

Terrariums all Planted

Here are a few of the containers I thrifted all planted up. Aren’t they so pretty converted to terrariums and planters?

The glass house with copper trim, the one that used to be a reptile house, only needs watering occasionally because the lid holds the humidity in.

The bottle with the glass stopper, which totally seals the jar, hasn’t needed watering since the initial watering… and it’s been a year!

The containers that don’t have covers need regular watering/misting to stay moist. Adding a glass cloche over the container is a way to hold that humidity in and looks really pretty too.

I hope you’re inspired to plant a DIY terrarium or two, (or a half dozen, like me) and not let the dreary outside into your home. Spring is right around the corner!

Shopping

Here are the shopping links for each item, click on the highlighted description to shop:

Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate you reading along.

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