Make a Mason Jar Terrarium

Glass Mason jar terrariums make excellent gifts and can brighten the house during a long winter. Use a Mason jar to create an open or closed terrarium. Terrariums are easy DIY projects you can complete in a few hours. Even young children can enjoy creating them. Determine which type of terrarium is best for you, select plants to fill it with, and follow simple steps to design a terrarium that will bring color and nature into your home all year.

Determine Whether You Want an Open or Closed Terrarium

• Closed mason jar terrariums are self-sustaining and low-maintenance.

• Closed terrariums are like a rainforest in your living room.

• Sometimes, plants in closed terrariums must be re-planted because they grow too large.

• Closed terrariums do best in low-light areas that are warm and moist.

• Open glass Mason jar terrariums require regular watering and care.

• Plants in open terrariums may need to be pruned more often and may require re-planting.

• Open terrariums are best if you have lots of sunny, well-lit areas and prefer plants that require low watering.

Select Plants That Will Thrive in Your Chosen Terrarium

• Woodland and tropical plants thrive in closed terrariums in warm, moist, low-light environments.

• Moss, lichens, vining plants, and ferns are ideal for closed terrariums.

• Mini orchids can add color and elegance to closed terrariums.

• Succulents and cacti do well in open terrariums.

• Succulents and cacti need lots of light and only a little moisture.

• Herbs do well in open terrariums and can be regularly trimmed.

• Fake plants can be added to any terrarium for color and personality.

• You can plant seeds in a terrarium and watch them grow, but this is best for open terrariums.

Choose Decorative Elements That Speak to Your Personality

• Decorative elements make it possible to create scenes and incorporate quotes or other things unique to your personality.

• Rocks, seashells, pine cones, driftwood, colored stones, glass balls, gems, and crystals can be used for decorative purposes.

• Some people use plastic figurines, like fairies, horses, signs, or mini beach chairs.

• Choose things you like and think will make for a bright and cheery scene that fits your personality.

• Items need to be small enough to fit into the mouth of the glass Mason jar.

Arrange the Elements in the Glass Terrarium

• Lay down gravel, pebbles, and charcoal to create a drainage layer.

• The drainage layer helps reduce odors and filters the water.

• This layer also creates a reservoir so plants' roots can absorb the water as necessary.

• This bottom drainage layer should be about an inch thick.

• Add a layer of soil on top of the drainage layer.

• The soil layer should be double the width of the drainage layer, so the roots have plenty of space.

• If you're using seeds, cover them in soil.

• Insert your plants using tweezers or chopsticks.

• Cover roots with a layer of soil and pat down the moss.

• Add your decorative elements, again, using tweezers or chopsticks.

• Move the decorations carefully, so they don't crush any plants until they're set up the way you want them.

• The soil should be damp.

• If your plants' roots are exposed, add more soil.

• If you're creating a closed mason jar, add the lid and tighten it.

Troubleshoot Your Terrarium Problems

• Closed terrariums should have indirect light.

• Move the terrarium away from any heat sources.

• Too much light will cause heat, and plants in a closed terrarium will cook and die.

• Open terrariums should have lots of direct light.

• If you notice your plants growing toward a light source, rotate it or move the mason jar.

• Soil should be neither soaking wet nor bone dry.

• If you have succulents, including cacti, you want drier soil.

• Fill a spray bottle with water and spray them to regulate watering.

• If you think your closed terrarium is overwatered, leave off the lid until the water dries up.

• Mold and algae are signs of continued over-watering and might look like white fuzz on the glass.

• Over-watering could also cause black and gunky roots.

• Condensation should form on the glass if plants are getting enough water.

• If your plants are getting too big for the jar, prune them, so they're not touching the lids or sides.

• You may need to re-pot thriving plants.

• If you notice dying leaves, remove them from the terrarium to avoid rot and fungus.

• To eliminate fungus and bacteria, introduce springtails into the terrarium.

• Remove or kill insects (other than springtails).

• If soil shifts and roots become exposed, you may need to re-plant since the plants are getting too big for their environment.

Additional Tips

• Place your terrarium somewhere you can enjoy, like on a desk, table, or bookshelf.

• Gift a terrarium to someone who loves nature.

• Kid-friendly terrarium themes are as diverse as your kid's interests and could include dinosaurs, fairies, mermaids, unicorns, farms, or trains.

• Wash the glass Mason jar before using it to avoid further bacteria and contamination.

• You don't need to put plants in your terrarium.