How to build a Terrarium in 5 Steps

If you are looking for a family bonding activity that you can do at home, building your own terrarium may be a good option.


Not only it brings nature closer to you, it is also an activity both young and old can indulge in.

What is a terrarium

A terrarium is a mini glasshouse that is either enclosed in a glass container or open to the atmosphere. Cultivate your green thumb by creating your own low maintenance garden that you could display in your home.

DIY your own terrarium

Building your own terrarium can be a fun family activity. With the courtesy of Masons Home Decor, we received a DIY set for 4 terrariums, perfect for a family of 4 to create our personalised terrarium

Terrarium

What you need 

You could probably replicate the experience by sourcing for each individual items on this list. Personally, we think Masons DIY Terrarium kit would make an excellent gift for housewarming or even a unique present for a child. It is never too early to expose one to the beautiful world of nature from the comforts of your own home.

Mini Plants

Mini Plants

The centerpiece of your terrarium would be the plants. Get small plants such as Moss, Baby's Tears, Cactus,  African Violet or Creeping Fig for the terrarium. There are plenty of plants to choose from. The important criteria to consider are plants that are small in size and easy to maintain.

 

Decorative Pebbles 

Decorative Pebbles

Decorative pebbles are used to decorate the Terrarium landscape. Choose from monotone hues or add coloured rocks to add a dash of vivid fun in your creation.

Gardening Tools

Gardening Tools

You need some mini gardening tools to help put the plants in place in the soil. A mini rake and hand fork should do the job.

 Soil

Soil

Two types of soil are needed to make the Terrarium.  You need activate charcoal to reduce fungi and order and potting soil to plant your plants.

Ornaments

Decorative Items

Add some mini ornaments to bring your Terrariums to life. We think items such as little puppies are great for the terrarium.

Container 

Terrarium Container

Terrarium containers come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose to have it open or enclosed. Choose between an expensive bowl or simply an Ikea jar that cost less than $2 each. Most importantly, it should be clear to allow you to enjoy the pretty terrarium within,


One stop solution

DIY Terrarium package from Masons Home Decor

Finding it a hassle to get all the items together?

Masons Home Decor provides several terrarium DIY kits that you could order online. For kids, we think the KIDS DIY Terrarium Kit is the perfect set to kickstart the terrarium experience. Each set consist of the following

• 2 Set of Shovels
• 1 Sprayer Bottle
• 1 Detailed Guide on How to Make a Terrarium and How to Care for a Terrarium
• 1 Bag of Premium Terrarium Mix
• 3 Bags of Decorative Pebbles
• 1 Bag of Activated Charcoal
• 2 Medium Sized Globe Glass Jars
• 5 Assorted Adorable Ornaments
• 1 Pot of Fittonia Plants
• 5 Pots of Succulents

5 Steps to building a terrarium

Building your own terrarium makes it more special than compared to buying one off the shelf. This is a cool activity to do for kids too. Not only would they venture into the world of gardening, they would take pride in their own creation too. It is an easy activity to do in 5 steps.

Step 1: Rock base

Build a rock base

Build a rock base in a clean jar. This will form the drainage system for the terrarium. The base should be about 2-4 cm tall depending on the size of the container.

Step 2: Add Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal

Add a thin layer of activated charcoal over the rocks. this will help reduce fungi, bacteria and odors.

Step 3: Add Soil

Add Soil to the terrarium

Terrarium requires a special soil that differs from the soil you find in your garden. Choose the right mix or ask the gardener at the florist shop for advice.

Step 4: Plant

Plant

To start planting, take the plant out of the pot and remove the soil. Trim the roots, if necessary, to help fit the plant better into the bowl.  Do be gentle as the leaves from the succulents tend to be more fragile. Use gardening tools to make the planting a smoother process.

Gentle with the plants

 Step 5: Decorate your plant

Decorate the Terrarium

Finally, add your own personal touch to complete the terrarium. Add rocks, small toys, stones anything you can fit into the bowl. Make your own little world come alive with these finishing touch.

Anyone, even kids, can build their own terrariums. It is not very difficult to complete the task. It may get a little messy so we suggest to build it outdoors.

Completed 100% by TWD

Our Master Pieces

Check out our final masterpieces!

Little L

Little L

Big C

Big C

Mommy J

Mommy J

Daddy M

Daddy M

Terrarium building can be a great idea for your next children party. Instead of the normal playground birthday party, why not have one where kids would build their own terrariums?

It will make a great thank you gift compared to a goodie bag.

Make your own terrariums

We guaranteed it will be a hit for the kids!

Check out our Terrariums!

If you want to get a starter kit, head down to Masons Home Decor to get one. Masons provides other home decor options, we think the wacky vintage car pot rocks. If you are looking for items to spruce up the room, we have a discount code for you. Quote TWDXMD15 at the checkout and get a 15% discount for all normal price items.

Start to get those green thumbs working!

Vintage car pot from Masons

Sponsored Disclosure

All items featured are courtesy of Masons Home Decor. The boys received a kit for review purpose only. No other incentives were given and all options are of our own.