Ever wondered how to make a closed terrarium? The visual masterpieces you can showcase in any room. A tiny garden with a dynamic landscape that just adds the wow factor to any space. Closed terrariums are little gardens that are self-sustaining ecosystems perfect for those of us who forget to water plants and don’t have much space. Marvel at these low maintenance decorative indoor gardens which can bring a garden into any home no matter the size of your living space.
We’re taking a deep dive into closed terrariums, these décor meets garden masterpieces, that every home needs to have. We’re going to look at what they are and how they work, the benefits they offer, the best plants to use, and tips for creating and maintaining one in your home.
What is a Closed Terrarium?
A closed terrarium is a sealed glass container, with a lid, that houses a variety of plants. Unlike open terrariums, which allow airflow and moisture to escape, closed terrariums create a contained self-sufficient ecosystem by trapping moisture inside. It’s not quite magic, but it can feel a bit like it when you watch it thrive.
Inside the ecosystem of the terrarium there is high humidity. This environment is a bit like the inside of a greenhouse. And as you know, a greenhouse is the perfect place for plants to thrive, as the conditions are warm and moist. There are a few key components to creating this environment and if any of you have a greenhouse, you’ll notice that a terrarium works similarly on a smaller scale.
A closed terrarium needs to have transparent walls, as these let the light in which is essential for the plants to grow. The lid and seal keep the humidity in making it an ideal space for tropical plants like moss and ferns to grow. The light and humidity work together in the same way they do in the water cycle.
Closed terrariums work on the principles of the water cycle happening inside your container. A totally mind-blowing concept, that you can have the water cycle in action in your indoor garden without needing to intervene. It works by water evaporating from the soil and plants and then rising. When this rising water in the air meets the cooler transparent container condensation happens, and the water goes from being a gas to a liquid again. The water then drips back down onto the plants to water them. This keeps your plants hydrated providing them with essential nutrients.
This water cycle process continues to happen over and over with little interaction from people, making it a perfect way for those of us who are not green fingered to have a beautiful self-contained decorative garden in our homes.
Best Plants for a Closed Terrarium
Choosing the right plants is essential for ensuring your closed terrarium thrives. Since closed terrariums trap moisture and retain humidity, they’re best suited for plants that like warm, moist environments. Here is a list of our 5 best plants for a closed terrarium.
1. Microsorum Musifolium (Crocodile Fern)
Ferns are one of the most popular plants for closed terrariums because they love the humidity. These epiphytic plants are visually striking as the leaves look like crocodile skin, hence the name. Thriving in warm and humid conditions, these plants add a tropical vibe to your closed terrarium.
2. Leucobryum glaucum (Pillow Moss)
Moss thrives in high-humidity conditions, making it a perfect ground cover for closed terrariums. Tis is also known as pincushion moss, and you can see why! The narrow tendrils stick up adding a spikey look to your moss ground covering. It grows in clumps and loves humidity which is why it is perfect for a closed terrarium.
3. Fittonia Albivenis (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia, often referred to as the “nerve plant,” is a colorful and vibrant option for closed terrariums. Its striking veined leaves come in shades of white, pink, or red, and need constant moisture to maintain their unique eye-catching look. Perfect for adding color and a textured look to your closed terrarium.
4. Peperomia Rosso (Radiator Plant)
Peperomia plants are compact, slow-growing, and thrive in low to moderate light conditions, making them ideal for closed terrariums. The Peperomia Rosso plant looks beautiful in a closed terrarium because of the striking colour difference between the green top and purple-ish underside of the leaves. You can see the texture of the leaves, which incline towards bright indirect light. A perfect plant for a visually striking closed terrarium.
5. Hypoestes Pyhllostachya (Polka Dot Plant)
The Hypoestes Pyhllostachya can be found in indoor and outdoor settings, but it needs indirect light and a humid environment to thrive which is why it is perfect for a closed terrarium. This has pink spots adding an interesting color pop to the dark green leaves and making it a perfect plant to brighten up your closed terrarium. The polka dot look of the leaves is where the name comes from, and it gives a cutesy look to your terrarium style.
How to Build a Closed Terrarium
Creating your own closed terrarium is a simple and rewarding process. There is nothing better than watching the finished result thrive in your home. Before you can build your closed terrarium, you’ll need some essential items.
Supplies to make your closed terrarium:
- A glass container with a lid
- Small pebbles or gravel for drainage
- Activated charcoal to prevent mould and odour build-up
- Potting soil suitable for your plants
- Plants that thrive in high humidity
- Decorative items like stones or small figurines
Now you have the essentials, here are the steps you need to follow to build your closed terrarium.
Step1: Get your container ready
Once you have chosen your container you need to make sure that it washed out and clean, ready for your indoor garden. Make sure to wash it out thoroughly and dry it before you begin.
Step 2: Create the Drainage Layer
Start by adding a layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the container. This will help with drainage and prevent root rot. If the roots of your plants end up sitting in standing water they will begin to die. The layer should be around 1–2 inches thick.
Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal
Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel. This step is important because the charcoal helps keep the terrarium environment clean by filtering toxins from the soil and water. This helps to prevent mould and algae from building-up in large amounts and damaging the gentle ecosystem of your terrarium.
Step 4: Add Potting Soil
Next, add a layer of potting soil, about 2–3 inches deep. Make sure to use a soil mix that is suitable for the plants you’ve selected. Tropical plants like ferns and Fittonia prefer a rich, well-draining soil.
Step 5: Plant Your Terrarium
Carefully remove your plants from their containers, gently loosening the roots if they are compacted. Dig small holes in the soil, place the plants inside, and press the soil around them to secure them in place. Be mindful not to overcrowd the terrarium, as the plants will need space to grow. Your terrarium works the same way as a garden outside and your plants will fill out the space.
Step 6: Add Moss and Decorative Elements
If you’re using moss as ground cover, place it around the base of the plants. You can also add decorative items like small stones, figurines, or driftwood to personalize your terrarium.
Step 7: Water and Seal
Give your terrarium a light misting of water, making sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Once watered, seal the container with its lid. The sealed environment will help retain the moisture and humidity your plants need to thrive, and the ecosystem will start to work.
How to Care for a Closed Terrarium
Now you have lovingly created your closed terrarium, you need to know how best to care for it. It is an easy to look after miniature indoor garden, that is pet friendly, and fairly self-sustaining, so if you follow these tips you will have a beautiful closed terrarium to enjoy.
Find a place with indirect light
Closed terrariums do not like direct sunlight as this can make the interior too hot and cause the water to evaporate without the next step of condensation that will harm your plants starving them of moisture. If you have opted for tropical plants, they also generally prefer low to medium light. If you have a bright room with filtered sunlight, this is an ideal place for your closed terrarium. Avoid placing your terrarium near windows or on window ledges that receive harsh, direct sunlight.
Water infrequently
Closed terrariums need very little water due to the self-sustaining water cycle. A closed terrarium does not need watering regularly, but you may need to add a small amount of water if you notice changes in your garden ecosystem, like dry soil. As a rule of thumb, if you see condensation on the inside of the glass, the moisture level is adequate.
Ventilation
Occasionally, you may need to ventilate the terrarium by removing the lid for a few hours to allow fresh air in. This helps prevent mould build-up and ensures the plants receive adequate oxygen.
Pruning
As your plants grow, it is possible you’ll need to trim them to prevent overcrowding. Only do this if needed to give each plant enough space to thrive.
Benefits of Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are an excellent choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of indoor gardening. They bring so many benefits into your home and beyond, that we think everyone should have one!
Low Maintenance
Once established, a closed terrarium requires minimal upkeep because the water cycle inside the terrarium is self-sustaining. Closed terrariums are the perfect option for people who either forget to water their plants, or don’t have the time due to a busy lifestyle. This is a very low maintenance option for people looking to bring the outdoors indoors in a confined space to enjoy watching your very own miniature garden grow.
Ideal for tropical plant lovers
The sealed environment traps moisture inside, creating a high-humidity atmosphere ideal for tropical plants that prefer moist conditions. Unlike open terrariums or potted plants, closed terrariums maintain a consistent level of humidity, reducing the likelihood of the tropical plants drying out. This makes closed terrariums perfect for people looking to enjoy the beauty of tropical plants in the home, without having to worry about the atmosphere not being right for them to thrive.
Perfect for small spaces
Closed terrariums are small and can fit into almost any space. This means that you can always bring the outdoors indoors to brighten up your room or space wherever you are. Perfect for bringing life to your desk at work, or adding color to your small bedroom, closed terrariums can go nearly anywhere.
Unique Living Home Décor
With their intricate design and lush greenery, closed terrariums make beautiful decorative pieces. The glass container provides a window into a thriving ecosystem, adding natural beauty to your home while serving as an artistic focal point. Geometric terrariums, vintage-style jars, or hanging glass globes are all examples of the kind of containers where terrariums you can create a terrarium. An eye catching and soothing piece of décor, that is unique and gorgeous, a closed terrarium will add beauty to any room.
Educational and Therapeutic
This living mini ecosystem offers a great opportunity to learn about indoor gardening and the lifecycle of plants that you can use in other areas of your gardening journey. There’s a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in watching a closed terrarium thrive when you have a reputation for not being the best with plants.
Closed terrariums are also perfect for helping children learn about the water cycle, plant life cycles and gardening, especially if you decide to make your own using a DIY Terrarium kit. They are also great additions to kids’ bedrooms.
Caring for your terrarium can also be a relaxing and therapeutic activity. Studies from the University of Exeter in the UK have shown that having plants in your office, with a minimalist design, can ‘increase productivity by up to 15%’.[1] That means having a closed terrarium on your desk may help you get more out of your workday, making them perfect additions to home offices.
Conclusion
Closed terrariums are a serene, low-maintenance indoor garden that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting your indoor gardening journey, a closed terrarium is an excellent way to bring nature into your home without the fuss of constant care. By selecting the right plants, building a proper foundation, and following basic care tips, your closed terrarium can flourish for years, becoming a miniature world of its own.
