DIY Terrarium Guide

We hope you enjoy building your new terrarium! It is an incredible fun and relaxing activity for all ages, no two terrariums are the same so please show off your terrarium to us when you have finished! However in the meantime we have supplied step by step instructions as well as an explanation of the roles each component plays in the process! We will go layer by layer, starting from the bottom.

First Layer:

Firstly, the vessel! Grab your chosen vase, tank, container or whatever it may be and give it a good clean and a thorough rinse out!

Second Layer:

Grab the charcoal and give it a good rinse in rain or spring water, this washes off all the dust purely for aesthetics. Charcoal creates a false bottom, keeping your substrate from being sodden but also acts as a biological filter, pulling toxins and pathogens from the environment as well as house beneficial good bacteria.

Third Layer:

Pull out the Sphagnum moss and break it up, spreading it evenly over the charcoal. This acts as a filter screen stopping the substrate falling into the charcoal and also helps pull excess water from the charcoal layer up back into the substrate as necessary. Sphagnum moss is a dried out type of bog moss that holds up to 10 times its weight in water and takes many years to break down or decompose!

Fourth Layer:

Grab the coconut fibre, potting mix, perlite and peat moss and mix together to creat your terrarium substrate. Spray the terrarium with rain or spring water and add your substrate mix. If your terrarium has a ‘front’ viewing zone, try to slightly slope the substrate to higher at the back for a more pleasing visual depth. Spray again with rain or spring water. Coconut fibre is the shredded husk of coconuts, it gives the substrate fibre and structure while also being slightly acidic it repels fungus. Potting mix is composted organic matter that isn’t rich in minerals such as grass and plant clippings and wood not fruits and vegetables or manure. It gives your substrate substance and the beginnings of beneficial good bacteria. Perlite is a form of volcanic glass, it keeps the substrate breathable and light. Peat moss is a type of broken down moss, it gives the substrate water holding capability.

Fifth Layer

Now would be the time to add your desire plants or larger decorations you have brought to the project if relevant to you, after that, add the moss and decorations, spray down again and pick a spot for your terrarium. Indirect medium light, room temperature so in a bright room or work space often works. The bottom charcoal layer should never be empty or also barely full of water, on top of regular misting for the moss. Likely watered once a week depending on location. However we are always happy to talk plants so reach out if you can’t figure out a spot or have any other issues!