A DIY terrarium is a fun and rewarding project that brings nature indoors. Whether you're a beginner or a plant enthusiast, creating a terrarium is a great way to learn about ecosystems while designing a unique living landscape.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Glass terrarium container
• LECA (drainage layer)
• Activated charcoal
• Terrarium soil
• Tropical plants
• Live moss
• Decorative stones and accents
• Tweezers or planting tools
• Spray bottle

Step 1: Add the Drainage Layer

Start by adding a layer of LECA to the bottom of the container. This creates a reservoir where excess water can collect, helping prevent root rot.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Adding a LECA drainage layer to the bottom of a DIY terrarium

Step 2: Add Activated Charcoal

Place a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the LECA. This helps filter impurities and supports a healthier ecosystem.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Adding activated charcoal over the LECA drainage layer in a terrarium

Step 3: Add Soil

Carefully add your terrarium substrate. This layer provides nutrients and support for plant roots.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Adding terrarium soil substrate over the drainage and charcoal layers

Step 4: Plant Your Terrarium

Arrange your plants before planting to visualize the design. Once you're happy with the layout, gently place them into the soil.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Planting tropical plants in soil while building a DIY terrarium

Step 5: Add Moss

Cover exposed soil with live moss to help retain moisture, regulate humidity, and create a natural forest-floor appearance.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Adding live moss around tropical plants inside a closed terrarium

Step 6: Decorate Your Landscape

Add stones, driftwood, crystals, or miniature figurines to personalize your terrarium and bring the scene to life.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Decorating a DIY terrarium landscape with stones and miniature accents

Step 7: Water and Close

Lightly mist the terrarium and close the lid. The ecosystem will begin creating its own miniature water cycle through evaporation and condensation.

© Terrart NYC® | All Rights Reserved. Watering and closing a finished DIY terrarium to create a miniature ecosystem

Aftercare Tips

• Place in bright indirect light
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Water only when needed
• Monitor condensation levels
• Trim plants as they grow

Build Your Own Ecosystem

At Terrart NYC, our DIY Terrarium Kits include everything needed to build a thriving ecosystem at home, making the process simple and enjoyable for beginners.

Creating a terrarium is more than planting greenery, it's building a miniature world that can thrive for years with minimal maintenance.