| Finding exactly what you need for your terrarium Making your own terrarium can be as rewarding as having one pre-built in your household. Here, you'll find the appropriate terrarium supplies to create a perfect, nourishing home for your plants. Container
You'll want to pick out a great container, as this is the most important of your terrarium supplies. Really, your choices are endless. It can be made of glass or plastic, and can be a bottle, jug, fish bowl, fish tank, or whatever strikes your fancy. There are even special glass containers made specifically for use as terrariums. Just make sure that the glass or plastic is clear, because cloudy, tinted, or colored glass will restrict the amount of light that reaches your plants. |  |
Soil
The soil that you use should be clean, relatively dry, and very high in organic matter. Most potting soils at garden centers and nurseries have been sterilized already. If not, simply bake your soil in a pan at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. It's not necessary to fertilize your soil, but if you choose to, use only 1 teaspoon per one gallon of soil.
Plants
Many plants are suitable for growing in ta terrarium atmosphere. It's important that you use humidity and moisture loving plants, however, as this is the type of climate that they'll be living in. The best plants for plant terrariums are dense and low growing; try miniature African violets or a Wandering Jew. You can use large plants, however they'll probably need to be pruned on a semi-regular basis. To avoid having to prune your plants too often, skip the fertilizer, as terrarium plants don't need it.
Pea Gravel or Aquarium Rocks
Among the very simplest of terrarium supplies are aquarium rocks or pea gravel. These are placed on the very bottom of your terrarium, and are used for drainage purposes. A thin layer will be all that you need.
Horticultural Charcoal
Above the aquarium rocks, you should place about a 1/2-inch layer of horticultural charcoal. The purpose of the charcoal is to keep the soil from developing a foul smell.
Sphagnum Moss
Directly on top of the horticultural charcoal, put a layer of Sphagnum Moss to keep the soil from seeping into the drainage area. You don't want soil in the rocks or gravel, because if the roots of your plants stay too moist due to improper drainage, you'll end up with rotten plants!
Decorative Items
These accessories are the most fun of the terrarium supplies. Your decorative items can include wood, heat rocks, seashells, and marbles; basically any small object that you'd like to decorate your terrarium with! Just make sure that the items you choose aren't harmful to your plants.
