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How To Make a Terrarium: An In-Depth Tutorial
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How To Make a Terrarium: An In-Depth Tutorial

Introduction to Making a Terrarium

In this video, the presenter explains how to make a terrarium, covering various aspects such as creating the drainage layer, selecting the substrate mix, choosing suitable moss and plants, and more.

Selecting an Appropriate Container

  • Choose a container that is easy to work with and allows materials to be easily placed inside.
  • Avoid containers with tight narrow openings as they can make the process more challenging.
  • Glass bottles with long tweezers or micro terrariums can be used but require more effort and maintenance.
  • Consider using budget-friendly options like glass spice jars or drinking glasses with clear acrylic discs as lids.
  • Larger containers with lids are recommended for beginners.

Creating the Drainage Layer

  • The drainage layer consists of stones or rocks placed at the bottom of the terrarium to allow excess water to collect.
  • Options for drainage materials include pea gravel, leca (light expanded clay aggregate), or small stones found outside.
  • Use porous materials like leca for better water retention and lighter weight in larger terrariums.
  • Ensure that the drainage layer is about 2 to 3 centimeters thick.

Adding a Substrate Barrier

  • Place a window screen mesh on top of the drainage layer to prevent substrate from falling through.
  • Cut the mesh to fit the container using scissors or consider using weed blocker fabric as an alternative.

Creating the Substrate Mix

  • The presenter uses their usual mix for successful terrariums.
  • The mix includes cocoa fiber brick, sphagnum moss, activated charcoal, and orchid bark chips in specific ratios.
  • Measure one part cocoa fiber using any size cup as reference. For example, one cup of cocoa fiber equals one part.
  • Adjust other ingredients accordingly based on ratios provided by the presenter.

Timestamps are provided for each section to easily navigate the video and study the corresponding content.

New Section

This section discusses the components of a perfect terrarium substrate and their ratios. It emphasizes the importance of moisture retention, resistance to compression, nutrient content, and good drainage.

Terrarium Substrate Components

  • The ideal terrarium substrate consists of peat moss, orchid bark, charcoal, and worm castings in specific ratios.
  • Peat moss: 50%
  • Orchid bark: 25%
  • Charcoal: 25%
  • Worm castings: a quarter part
  • These components come together to create a substrate that meets all the necessary characteristics for a quality terrarium substrate.

New Section

This section focuses on adding the substrate to the terrarium and creating an optimal layout. It also encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and drop comments if they find the video helpful.

Adding Substrate to the Terrarium

  • Pour a generous amount of substrate into the terrarium using a cup.
  • Gently pat down the substrate with the back of your hand to create a slope towards the back of the terrarium.
  • Ensure that the substrate barrier effectively prevents it from getting into the drainage layer.

New Section

This section explores different options for hardscaping in terrariums. Various materials such as Dragonstone, lava rock, cereal stone, granite pebbles, spyderwood, driftwood, and cork bark are discussed.

Hardscape Options

  • Dragonstone is popular for its aesthetic appeal.
  • Lava rock comes in black and red varieties and is widely used.
  • Cereal stone creates contrast with green moss and plants.
  • Granite pebbles add texture and detail inexpensively.
  • Spyderwood can transform hardscapes dramatically.
  • Driftwood complements rocks and stones.
  • Cork bark is budget-friendly and looks great in terrariums.

New Section

This section showcases the chosen hardscape materials for the terrarium and highlights the importance of experimenting with different layouts before finalizing one.

Selected Hardscape Materials

  • Spiderwood and slate stone are chosen for this build.
  • The gray color of slate stone will contrast nicely with the brown wood.
  • Take time to experiment with different layouts and structures to find a pleasing arrangement.

New Section

This section introduces three types of moss suitable for terrariums: Fern Moss, Cushion Moss, and Mood Moss. Each moss type's characteristics are discussed, including growth rate and appearance.

Moss Options

  • Fern Moss provides a deep foresty look but can grow leggy in low light conditions.
  • Cushion Moss is vibrant green, slow-growing, requiring less maintenance.
  • Mood Moss is similar to Cushion Moss but grows faster.

New Section

This section focuses on preparing the chosen moss (Cushion Moss) for planting in the terrarium. Techniques such as combing through the moss, tearing it into smaller chunks, cutting off its base, and using long tweezers for planting are demonstrated.

Preparing Cushion Moss

  • Comb through the moss to remove sticks and twigs.
  • Gently tear the moss into smaller chunks using hands.
  • Cut off the base of the moss without harming it.
  • The base section can be used as a substitute for sphagnum moss in a substrate mix.
  • Use long tweezers to plant the prepared moss inside the terrarium.
  • Press down gently onto the substrate to aid moisture absorption.

New Section

This section briefly mentions the availability of a terrarium-making ebook and then proceeds to reintroduce the spiderwood into the terrarium.

Terrarium-Making Ebook

  • An ebook is available for those interested in learning more about making terrariums.
  • The ebook provides useful information, avoiding common mistakes made by beginners.
  • Limited-time offer with a link provided in the description or pin comment.

New Section

This section focuses on adding plants to the terrarium. One specific plant, Fittonia, is mentioned as a popular choice for terrariums due to its variety and availability.

Adding Plants

  • Fittonia (also known as nerve plant) is one of the most popular plants for terrariums.
  • It comes in various colors and patterns.
  • Suitable for creating a lush and vibrant look inside the terrarium.

The transcript does not provide further details on adding other plant species.

New Section

This section focuses on the process of planting different plants in a terrarium and provides tips for choosing suitable plants.

Planting Process

  • The white photonia plant can be easily propagated from a cutting.
  • Plant the stem up to the first set of leaves, and it will send out new roots quickly.
  • Start by planting the largest peperomia towards the back using tweezers to make a small hole through the moss and substrate.
  • Plant the photonia cutting just behind the spiderwood, as these cuttings root and grow well in terrariums.
  • Plant the tiny peperomia on the right side of the terrarium following the same process as before.
  • Add a pop of color by planting the red photonia in the center of the terrarium.
  • Choose plants that are suitable for tropical humid environments as they tend to do well in terrariums.
  • Place a few cuttings of hydrocotyl around the terrarium for texture and detail.

New Section

This section introduces springtails, which help create a miniature ecosystem within a terrarium.

Springtails

  • Springtails are small organisms that eat mold or decaying matter found in terrariums.
  • They process it and provide fertilizer for plants by excreting it.
  • The plants and moss in return provide sufficient oxygen for springtails to survive.
  • Springtails can be found in reptile and amphibian shops or online.

New Section

This section discusses watering techniques for maintaining a healthy terrarium.

Watering

  • Use a small misting bottle to give a light spray down to the entire terrarium.
  • Avoid overwatering; stop watering before you think it has enough water.
  • It's better to underwater than overwater a terrarium.
  • The substrate should be damp, not wet or soggy, due to the sealed lid of the terrarium.
  • As the jar has a seal on the lid, very little moisture will be able to leave, so watering is infrequent.
  • In most cases, this terrarium won't need watering for at least a year.

New Section

This section provides options for lighting and care practices for maintaining a healthy terrarium.

Lighting and Care

  • Use a display LED light that can be turned on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. This provides a reliable light source year-round.
  • Alternatively, place the terrarium in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure.
  • Open the terrarium every one to two weeks to let fresh air in and check its overall condition.
Video description

If you’re new to terrarium making & don’t know where to start, this video is for you. In this step by step guide I’ll be showing you how to make a terrarium whilst covering everything you need to know, from the drainage, substrate, plants & much more! Making your own DIY mini ecosystem is a great way to re-connect with nature, if you haven’t made one yet you should definitely give it a go! Check out my Ebook, It’s perfect for beginners! https://terrariumdesigns.co.uk/products/ebook Materials: Amazon Links United States(affiliate) Substrate: Coco fibre: https://amzn.to/3Kprihf Sphagnum moss: https://amzn.to/3Et2kcN Orchid bark: https://amzn.to/3EtoLyM Charcoal: https://amzn.to/3Z2RUZs Worm castings: https://amzn.to/3IGziJj Glass jar- https://amzn.to/3KPgpnq Clear Acrylic lid- https://amzn.to/3G301hx LECA- https://amzn.to/3Zr9GVV Window screen mesh- https://amzn.to/3JYlmtA Spiderwood- https://amzn.to/40seUBl Slate stone- https://amzn.to/3LndT9C Display light- https://amzn.to/3HKoLNi Terrarium tweezers- https://amzn.to/3HJDBmY Misting bottle- https://amzn.to/3nnlSKh Amazon Links United Kingdom (affiliate) Substrate: https://terrariumdesigns.co.uk/products/premium-terrarium-substrate lava rock: https://terrariumdesigns.co.uk/collections/rocks-stones LECA: https://terrariumdesigns.co.uk/products/leca-terrarium-drainage-uk-delivery-only Glass jar: https://amzn.to/40yOjTc Clear acrylic lid: https://amzn.to/3L0PDZc Pea gravel: https://amzn.to/3F3MdTy Window screen mesh: https://amzn.to/3ZHdgvE Spider wood- https://amzn.to/3Ah93UX Slate stone- https://amzn.to/43N2EOR Display light- https://amzn.to/3k5Nu4T Terrarium tools- https://amzn.to/3k9lCgk Misting bottle- https://amzn.to/3GuZXXd Plants: Cushion moss (Leucobryum Glaucum) Fittonia Peperomia Caperata Peperomia sp Hydrocotyle tripartita Time stamps: 00:00 Choosing a container 1:52 making the drainage layer 3:02 Substrate barrier 3:47 Creating the substrate mix 5:37 Terrarium hardscape 7:00 Choosing the moss 8:57 Planting the plants 10:34 Adding springtails 11:02 Watering the terrarium 11:36 Lighting & general care Music: your love, yung logos - lullaby, JVNA