To make a basic terrarium, follow these steps:

Materials Needed

• Transparent glass or plastic container with a wide mouth (e.g., aquarium, mason jar, apothecary jar)
• Gravel or small stones
• Activated charcoal (or crushed charcoal)
• Sheet moss or live moss
• Sterile potting soil (without fertilizer)
• Small plants suitable for terrariums (e.g., ferns, nerve plants, African violets, pothos)
• Optional decorative items (small figurines, shells, stones)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Container
Pick a clear container with a wide opening to allow easy planting and maintenance

. 2. Add Drainage Layer
Place a 2-inch layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom to prevent water from pooling around roots, which can cause rot. For taller, narrow containers, use a deeper layer

. 3. Add Activated Charcoal
Sprinkle a thin layer (about a tablespoon) of activated charcoal over the gravel to help with drainage and reduce odors

. 4. Add Moss Layer
Place a layer of sheet moss over the charcoal to prevent soil from mixing with the drainage layer and to add visual interest. Alternatively, live moss can be used for color and odor control

. 5. Add Potting Soil
Add 2-3 inches of slightly damp, sterile potting soil on top of the moss. Avoid soils with fertilizer, as terrarium plants require minimal nutrients. Keep soil level low enough to allow plant growth inside the container

. 6. Prepare and Plant Your Plants

• Remove plants from their nursery pots.
• Gently tease apart roots if root-bound and trim long roots to slow growth.
• Arrange plants with taller ones first and smaller ones around, leaving space so plants don’t touch the glass.
• Dig holes with a spoon or small trowel, place plants, and pat soil firmly around roots

7. Decorate (Optional)
Add small decorative items like stones, shells, or figurines to personalize your terrarium

. 8. Water and Care
Lightly water the plants so the soil is moist but not soggy. Place the terrarium in a location with low to medium indirect light. Closed terrariums create a humid environment ideal for tropical plants, while open terrariums suit succulents and cacti with different watering needs

. This method creates a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem that can thrive indoors for years with proper care