Crafting a Sealed Ecosystem: The Art of DIY Closed Terrariums in Jars
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always found terrariums fascinating. There’s something magical about having a tiny, self-contained little world right on your desk or windowsill. Closed terrariums take this to the next level by being completely sealed and self-sustaining. Once set up properly, they require virtually no maintenance other than the occasional peek inside to admire their beauty.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your own magnificent closed terrarium, from choosing the right container to selecting plants to troubleshooting common issues. Get ready to unleash your inner botanist!
What Is a Closed Terrarium?
A closed terrarium is a sealed, transparent glass or plastic container holding a self-sustaining arrangement of plants and soil. Closed terrariums form a miniature ecosystem that recirculates water and nutrients in a cycle of evaporation and condensation.
Once sealed, a closed terrarium needs little care since it experiences its own water cycle and gets its nutrients from decaying plant matter. It’s like having a tiny slice of nature in your home!
Why Make a Closed Terrarium?
Beyond looking straight-up awesome on your desk at home or work, closed terrariums offer many benefits:
- Low maintenance – Since it’s a self-contained system, a closed terrarium is very low maintenance compared to regular houseplants. Once set up, it mostly takes care of itself.
- Conversation piece – Closed terrariums never fail to draw people’s curiosity and wonder. They make great conversation starters!
- Bring nature indoors – With its balance of plants, soil, moisture and air, a closed terrarium mimics a natural ecosystem and brings a breath of the outdoors into your interior space.
- Decorative element – With the endless possibilities for planted arrangements and decorative embellishments inside, closed terrariums allow you to create a unique living work of art.
How Does a Closed Terrarium Work?
The closed terrarium is able to sustain itself due to the water cycle and the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen by the plants. Here are the basic scientific principles at work:
- Water cycle – In a glass terrarium, the soil’s moisture evaporates, condenses on the glass walls and lid, and then trickles back down into the soil, ready to restart the cycle. This self-irrigation system means you’ll almost never need to water the terrarium.
- Carbon dioxide/oxygen cycle – Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This oxygen is then breathed in by the plants as they respire, releasing carbon dioxide, allowing the cycle to continue.
As long as the system gets adequate indirect light for photosynthesis, it thrives!
Choosing a Closed Terrarium Container
The choice of container is imperative to the establishment of your plant terrarium. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a vessel:
- Glass or plastic? – Glass looks classier but plastic is safer if you have kids. Make sure the plastic is clear and rigid, not flimsy.
- Size – The container’s size depends on available space but make sure it’s big enough to easily access inside with your hands during planting.
- Shape – While round globes and cylinders have classic appeal, you can use vessels of any shape – square, rectangular, asymmetrical, etc.
- Lid – Pick something with a tight-fitting, secure lid. Some containers come with lids, but you can always rig something up with cork, plastic wrap and rubber bands.
- Used or new? – Check your local thrift store for quirky glass containers. Or play it safe buying something brand new.
I like to use clear glass cookie jars or large glass apothecary jars for that old-fashioned appeal. But ultimately anything transparent that seals securely can work!
Best Plants for Closed Terrariums- succulent, cactus. moss, or fern?
Choosing the right plants is key to creating a thriving self-sustaining system inside your closed terrarium. Examine these top terrarium plants selections:
- Tropical ferns – ruffles ferns, maidenhair ferns, button ferns
- Mosses – mood moss, fern moss, sheet moss
- Low-growing foliage plants – creeping fig, baby’s tears, artillery fern
- Succulents – burro’s tail, snake plant, aloe vera
- Air plants – tillandsia species
Focus on slow-growing, miniature varieties of plants. Be sure only to use 100% non-toxic plants if kids or pets will be around your terrarium. If you’re curious about the types of plants that thrive in these environments, check out this comprehensive guide on types of terrariums. It’s a fantastic resource that can help you decide whether you want to go with succulents, cacti, moss, or ferns.
Terrarium Supplies or Terrarium Kit You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of essential terrarium tools to construct your closed terrarium:
Hard Goods
- Glass container with lid
- Activated charcoal
- Pebbles or gravel
- Horticultural charcoal
- Sand
- Sheet moss or sphagnum moss
Sundries
- Distilled water or rainwater
- Spray bottle
- Tweezers or chopsticks
- Small shovel or spoon
Terrarium Plants
- Assortment of small tropical plants, mosses, ferns, foliage, succulents, etc.
Step-By-Step Guide to Building a Sustain Closed Terrarium Ecosystem
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here is a complete step-by-step guide to constructing your own magical closed terrarium:
1. Wash the Glass Terrarium Container and Lid
Before initiating, ensure to sterilize the glass container and the lid that will shape your moss terrarium. Use mild soap and water first, then rinse with distilled water.
2. Create a False Bottom
Next, you want to create a false bottom. This will help with drainage. Add a 1-2″ layer of pebbles, gravel, or horticultural charcoal to the bottom of the container.
3. Add Activated Charcoal Layer
Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles. This will help absorb odors and toxins.
4. Add Sand Base Layer
Pour a thin layer of sand over the activated charcoal, about 1/2″ deep. This will aid drainage while also providing a home for beneficial microbes.
5. Include Sheet Moss Layer (Optional)
You can include a thin sheet moss layer next if you want. This enhances aesthetics and helps stabilize the soil layer.
6. Add Potting Mix
Next, add a 2-3″ layer of sterile soilless potting mix. Don’t pack it down too firmly. This will provide a growing medium for your plants.
7. Decorate and Add Plants!
Now for the fun part – adding plants and decorations! Using your tweezers, place plants, stones, twigs, moss, and other decorative elements in the container. Get creative with textures and colors!
8. Mist and Seal the Lid
Once your miniature landscape is complete, use your spray bottle to mist everything lightly with distilled water. Then seal the lid tightly.
And…done! Place your completed closed terrarium in bright, indirect light and enjoy this self-sustaining slice of nature!
Build and Care for Your Closed Terrarium
Caring for a closed terrarium is blissfully easy. Just follow these basic care and maintenance guidelines:
- Light – Place in bright indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can cook plants.
- Temperature – Ambient room temperature between 60-80°F is ideal.
- Water – No watering needed! In a moss terrarium, the water cycle happens automatically.
- Cleanliness – Wipe condensation buildup off walls with paper towel to maximize light.
- Longevity – Closed terrariums can last 1-5 years or longer before needing to be redone!
And that’s it! Sit back and enjoy the view.
Troubleshooting Common Closed Terrarium Issues
Even closed systems can occasionally run into problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common closed terrarium issues:
Mold or fungi – Increase ventilation by opening the lid for a few days. Remove affected plants.
Algae or moss overgrowth – Cut back light exposure, remove excess moisture buildup.
Pests – Remove and replace all affected plants/soil or start fresh if infestation is advanced.
Condensation droplet formation – Wipe walls with paper towel every few weeks and ensure the lid has a tight seal.
Inspiring Closed Terrarium Design Ideas
Looking for some closed terrarium design inspo? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
- Miniature forest with ferns, mosses, pinecones and twigs
- Desert landscape with cacti, succulents, rocks and sand
- Tropical paradise with palms, pineapple tops and seashells
- Old ruins with broken pottery, Roman columns and crumbling walls
- Fairy garden with mini furniture, mushroom houses and fairy figurines
- Steampunk fantasy with gears, mini tools, and mechanical elements
Go bold with your design vision! The wonderful thing about closed terrariums is anything goes.
Elevate Your Terrarium Skills with These Advanced Tips
- Choose a geometric glass terrarium with engaging shapes and sizes for distinctive planting angles.
- Incorporate water features like mini ponds or waterfalls using marbles and submersible LED lights.
- Use long bamboo skewers to make tunnels, arches and walkways through your planted landscape.
- Glue small magnets to mini decorative elements so you can move them around for an ever-changing scene.
- Affix tiny battery-powered LED lights to illuminate your terrarium wonders at night.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Even experienced terrarium creators are always finding ways to take their design skills to the next level.
Ready to Make Your Own? Learn How to Make DIY Closed Terrarium in a Glass Jar
If you’re ready to create your own sealed ecosystem with a terrarium kit, follow my simple DIY tutorial below:
Supplies Needed for Terrarium Starter Kit
- Large glass apothecary jar or cookie jar
- Activated charcoal
- Pea gravel
- Potting mix
- Assorted mosses
- Minor tropical plants suitable for jar terrarium
- Distilled water
- Chopstick
Step-by-Step Instructions for this Jar Terrarium
- Clean and dry the glass container thoroughly.
- Cover the bottom with 1-2 inches of pea gravel.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel base.
- Scoop potting mix on top about one third of the way up.
- Use a chopstick to make small holes and insert plants.
- Top with assorted mosses and decorative touches.
- Lightly mist everything with distilled water.
- Seal the lid tightly and display in indirect sunlight.
And that’s all there is to it! Customize your plants and decor to create a one-of-a-kind enclosed world.
Where to Buy Gorgeous Pre-Made Plant Terrarium
Want someone else to assemble your glass terrarium for you? Treat yourself by purchasing a professionally-crafted terrarium from one of these exceptional makers:
- The Sill – Offers modern geometric terrariums in stunning glass vessels.
- Bloomscape – Features unique bottle gardens perfect for desktops.
- Air Plant Supply Co. – Specializes in one-of-a-kind terrariums with vibrant air plants.
- Etsy – Search for makers selling handmade custom-planted terrariums in every style imaginable.
When purchasing a pre-made plant terrarium as a special treat or gift, keep an eye out for signs of quality like:
- Healthy, thriving plants
- Clean interior glass
- No condensation droplets
- Appropriate moss/plants for a closed system
- Securely sealed lid
Dig Deeper into the Self Sustaining Magical World of Terrariums
Studying about open terrariums has deepened my appreciation for these self-sustained mini habitats! If you want to dive deeper, get growing with these additional terrarium resources:
Books
- The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin
- Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello, expert in jar terrarium
- The Complete Guide to Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello
Online Classes
- Skillshare’s Terrarium Making Techniques course
- Modern Sprout’s Guide to Terrarium Making course
Video Tutorials
- HGTV’s Steps for Making a Terrarium Under Glass Jar
- Apartment Therapy’s Closed Terrarium Care Video
Podcasts
- On the Ledge’s Episodes About Terrariums
- Succulents Simplified Closed Terrarium Podcast
DIY Instructions
- The Spruce’s DIY Vintage Closed Terrarium Guide
- Gardening Chores DIY Glass Closed Terrarium
