A terrarium is a small indoor garden grown inside a transparent container, most commonly made of glass. It creates a controlled environment where plants can grow in a limited space, either in an open container with airflow or a closed container that recycles moisture through a natural water cycle.
Terrariums are becoming increasingly popular among indoor gardening enthusiasts and home decorators alike as this creative indoor gardening trend continues to grow. These miniature gardens act as tiny ecosystems enclosed in glass, often doubling as striking ornamental features within the home.
Beyond their visual appeal, terrariums are valued for their practicality. They are low maintenance, space efficient, and well suited to modern living, making them an ideal choice for urban homes, offices, or anyone looking to enjoy greenery indoors without the demands of traditional gardening.
For most beginners, a terrarium kit is the simplest starting point. Move to a purpose-built glass terrarium once you understand the type of plants and environment you want to create.
Open terrariums are plant containers designed to replicate natural growing environments but without a fully enclosed space. Unlike closed terrariums, which trap humidity and create a greenhouse effect, open terrariums allow free airflow, making them ideal for plants that prefer lower humidity and good ventilation, typically cacti and succulents. For more information, check out our open terrariums step-by-step guide.
Closed terrariums are self-contained, sealed ecosystems created in a glass or transparent container with a lid or narrow opening. They are designed to maintain high humidity and recycle moisture through a natural water cycle, making them ideal for growing plants that thrive in humid and tropical conditions. For more information, check out our closed terrariums step-by-step guide.
Known for their aesthetic appeal, these are classic choices that highlight the beauty of the contained plants. The role of glass is crucial in both types, as it ensures the optimal conditions for plant survival and growth, reflecting light and controlling the internal climate.
These starter kits offer a convenient option for beginners, often including everything needed to create our personal indoor garden. They typically include a suitable container, soil layers, plants, and clear instructions, making setup straightforward and low risk. Kits are ideal for first-time terrarium makers, gifts, or anyone looking for a guided introduction to indoor gardening.
Terrariums in jars offer a simple and budget-friendly way to create a miniature indoor garden using containers you may already have at home. They are popular with DIY enthusiasts and those who enjoy experimenting with creative layouts and recycled materials. Jar terrariums are especially well suited to small spaces and make thoughtful, personalised decorative pieces.
Terrariums work by creating a controlled growing environment that mimics natural ecosystems on a miniature scale. The way they function depends largely on whether the terrarium is open or closed, but both rely on light, moisture balance, and airflow to support plant life.
In closed terrariums, a natural water cycle develops inside the sealed container. Moisture from the soil and plants evaporates, condenses on the glass, and then drips back down into the soil. This continuous cycle maintains consistent humidity and reduces the need for frequent watering.
Humidity and condensation play a crucial role in this process. The enclosed space traps warmth and moisture, creating ideal conditions for tropical plants such as mosses and ferns to thrive. As long as light levels are appropriate, the ecosystem can remain stable for long periods with minimal intervention.
Open terrariums function differently. Because they are not sealed, moisture escapes more easily and humidity levels remain lower. This makes them better suited to plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents and cacti, and they require more regular watering and monitoring.
The glass container is essential in both types of terrariums. Glass allows light to enter while helping regulate temperature and moisture levels inside the container. It also provides insulation and visibility, enabling plants to photosynthesise effectively while allowing us to observe the ecosystem as it develops.
Research suggests that caring for plants can reduce stress and improve mood. Terrariums provide a focused, hands-on activity that encourages mindfulness, arranging plants, monitoring growth and tending to a small ecosystem creates a calming routine that offers a break from daily pressures. Workplaces that incorporate plants and terrariums have been associated with improved employee wellbeing and satisfaction.
Terrariums provide a visible, hands-on way to observe natural processes, including plant respiration, water cycles and ecosystem dynamics. Because the environment is contained and transparent, the interactions between plants, soil, moisture and light are easy to observe directly. They are commonly used in schools and educational settings to make biology and ecology concepts accessible and engaging for all ages.
Creating a terrarium requires a small number of components, each serving a specific purpose in the ecosystem. The exact materials depend on whether you are building an open or closed terrarium and which plants you intend to grow.
The first thing you’ll need is a transparent container. This could be a glass bowl, jar, or a specific terrarium kit. The shape and size depend on your design vision.
Choose from a variety of terrarium plants. Tropical plants like ferns, nerve plants (Fittonia), or moss work well in closed terrariums, while succulents and cacti thrive in open ones. Small houseplants such as polka dot plant or African violets are also a great choice.
When creating our terrariums, blending worm castings with the terrarium soil mix is a bio-friendly option. Add a personal touch with sheet moss, tiny decorative items for a fairy garden, or even a bonsai terrarium kit. Think about texture and colour to make it visually pleasing.
Pest control for terrariums is somewhat unique because the enclosed environment creates specific challenges and opportunities. The closed system traps humidity, warmth, and nutrients, which can be ideal conditions for pests like fungus gnats, springtails, and mites. Using beneficial insects like predatory mites or springtails is more common for terrariums because they work within the enclosed system without harmful residues.
Creating a terrarium is a simple and rewarding way to bring nature indoors while expressing creativity. It allows you to design a miniature ecosystem that suits your space, lifestyle, and plant preferences, even if you’re new to gardening.
Terrariums are accessible, low-maintenance, and endlessly adaptable, making them an enjoyable project for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax, learn, or enhance your living space, building a terrarium offers a satisfying hands-on experience with lasting visual appeal.
For most beginners, a terrarium kit is the right starting point; it removes the guesswork from component selection and gives a clear set of instructions to follow. In our experience, the most common mistake beginners make is overwatering, particularly with closed terrariums that already recycle their own moisture. Start with less water than you think you need and monitor the condensation on the glass to judge whether the moisture level is balanced.
Miyagi Bonsai stocks a carefully chosen range of terrariums and terrarium accessories, with next working day UK delivery available on most orders. The products and recommendations in this guide reflect what we stock, use and see working for our customers every day. We are rated 5 stars across over 100 Google reviews, and our team is on hand by email and phone if you have any questions about choosing or setting up your terrarium.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about terrariums, including how they work, how to care for them, and what plants grow best in these miniature indoor gardens.
A terrarium is a self-contained garden in a glass container, designed to create a controlled environment that promotes plant health. It adds natural beauty, improves indoor air quality by releasing oxygen, and provides mental well-being through stress relief from caring for plants.
Terrariums can last for years, often 3 to 5 years or more, especially if closed and well-maintained. They create a balanced micro-ecosystem that recycles moisture and nutrients, requiring minimal intervention.
A terrarium is a small garden inside a clear container, usually glass, where plants grow in a mini environment. It’s easy to care for and brings nature indoors, often needing less watering than regular houseplants.
Terrarium plants vary by type: tropical ferns, moss, and small vines suit closed terrariums; succulents, cacti, and air plants thrive in open terrariums. Choose slow-growing, moisture-loving plants for sealed containers and drought-tolerant ones for open setups.
Watering frequency depends on terrarium type. Closed terrariums require watering once every few months since they recycle moisture, while open terrariums may need water every 1-2 weeks due to evaporation.
Yes, plants inside terrariums produce oxygen via photosynthesis, while consuming carbon dioxide. Closed terrariums balance oxygen and carbon dioxide through plant respiration and condensation cycles, maintaining a sustainable atmosphere.
Terrariums are generally low maintenance, especially closed ones that form a self-sustaining ecosystem. They need minimal watering and occasional pruning, making them ideal for busy or novice gardeners.
Yes, terrariums help purify indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and reducing airborne toxins. This improves air freshness and supports healthier living or working environments.
Interacting with terrariums promotes relaxation and mental well-being. The act of caring for plants and observing their growth can reduce anxiety and boost mood, offering calming benefits in any space.
Terrariums are compact and fit easily on desks or shelves, providing lush greenery without the need for large pots or garden beds. This makes them perfect for small homes or offices where space is limited.
