Greetings Gardeners,
Making a small, lush terrarium might seem tough at first. But exploring creative garden terrarium ideas can be so much fun.
These little gardens fit perfectly in small spaces and are super easy to care for. Check out these 25 unique designs for some inspiration!
25 Garden Terrarium Ideas
I love turning small spaces into mini gardens! Terrariums are perfect for that. A bonsai terrarium holds a tiny tree inside glass, creating a peaceful scene.
Cactus terrariums feel like deserts, with sand and stones adding texture. Carnivorous plants, like pitcher plants, thrive in their own bold colors within clear containers.
A closed terrarium creates its own humid world, great for moss or ferns. Small hanging terrariums look so cute as they dangle with little plants and moss inside.
For something different, I arrange seashells with sand and green moss to create beach-inspired jars. Each setup takes under $5 if you use simple supplies like live moss or small succulents!
Bonsai
A bonsai terrarium is a tiny world inside a glass jar. A miniature tree stands proudly, surrounded by moss and soil.
The glass traps moisture, creating the right humidity for the bonsai to grow well.
This setup needs little work but looks stunning on desks or shelves. Glass jars make it easy to see every detail of the tree’s growth.
It’s indoor gardening with low maintenance yet plenty of charm!
Cactus
I love creating cactus terrariums. Open containers work best for airflow and to keep moisture low. I always add a false bottom using lava rocks for drainage, so roots stay dry and healthy.
Gritty soil is key because it drains fast, unlike mixes with sphagnum moss.
Mini cacti like Mammillaria rhodantha or Echinopsis chamaecereus look great in these setups. Bright light helps them thrive, so west or south-facing windows are ideal spots.
Sandstone, prairie rocks, and gravel add a natural desert vibe to the layers.
Watering stays minimal; soggy soil ruins everything.
Carnivorous Plants
Cactus terrariums bring the desert indoors, but carnivorous plants add drama. Tall glass jars are perfect for pitcher plants or cobra lilies. Their vibrant colors pop behind clear walls.
Venus fly traps fit better in squat containers.
High humidity inside these glass homes keeps them happy. I only use distilled or rainwater to avoid harming their roots.
A peat soil mix works best for health and growth. Bright, indirect light helps them thrive without overheating.
Fertilizers? They do more harm than good!
Closed
I love how closed terrariums create their own tiny ecosystem. Sealing them in glass traps moisture and keeps plants hydrated through evaporation and condensation.
It feels amazing to see nature work like this on a small scale! I’ve seen plants like Adiantum raddianum or Alocasia Black Velvet thrive beautifully inside.
These setups need little care, which is perfect for busy gardeners. Fertilizer isn’t required because nutrients recycle within the biome.
Watching condensation levels helps ensure proper air circulation and moisture management.
Sometimes, I open mine briefly to prevent mold from building up too much.
Cute
Bright succulents with bold colors make a cheerful display. I like pairing them with tiny figurines, like animals or characters, for charm. These playful designs feel alive and whimsical.
Small planters shaped like houses or teacups add even more fun to the scene.
Waterproof clay figures work great for decorations. Gold paint gives pots an aged look that fits vintage styles. Using preserved moss adds texture and color balance around the succulents too.
Cute terrariums bring smiles while staying low-maintenance as home decor….
Dome
Cute succulents bring a pop of color, but moss brings calming greens. A dome terrarium creates a perfect home for moss, ferns, and even tiny mushrooms.
The rounded glass keeps humidity high while letting light in. It’s like making a small rainforest on my shelf.
I love the natural woodland charm mushrooms add inside the dome. Using quality potting soil helps them grow well. Moss spreads thickly over rocks and soil, looking lush and fresh every day.
I keep it clean by wiping condensation from the glass often. These little ecosystems look stunning as table or shelf decorations too!
Driftwood
A driftwood terrarium feels like a piece of the forest in your home. I love using rustic driftwood as the centerpiece, surrounded by lush moss and small green plants.
Fittonia’s bright leaves or oak leaf creeping fig add color to this natural scene.
Blending three types of moss makes it look wild and textured. Sheet moss wraps around the driftwood, creating a soft, earthy base.
Lichen or ivy gives extra layers of greenery too! It looks messy but in such an artistic way…
almost like nature itself arranged it perfectly. Next up is something magical: fairy-themed displays!
Fairy
Driftwood feels rustic, but fairies add magic. A fairy terrarium blends tiny houses with moss and flowers perfectly.
I love adding miniature paths made from twigs or rocks for that enchanted look.
Small ferns and moss thrive well in the humid glass environment. Fairy-themed decorations make it whimsical, like little woodland animal figurines or custom accessories.
Even preserved moss can work alongside live plants to create a fantasy landscape easy to maintain.
Fern
Tall ferns add a fresh, graceful look to any terrarium. I like how their lacy leaves create elegance. They need moist soil and high humidity, making closed terrariums perfect for them.
A mini stream or moss can make the scene feel alive and natural.
Nephrolepis ferns work well because they stay small. Moss helps by keeping moisture in while looking lush. Indirect light keeps these plants happy without drying the setup too much.
This mix of greenery feels rich and layered, just like a tiny forest floor!
Frog
I design my frog terrariums to look like tiny forests. The moss stays moist and soft, making a perfect home for frogs. A smooth stone works as their resting spot.
Sometimes, I add small caves or stone paths to give them shelter and make the habitat realistic.
The balance in this ecosystem is important. Isopods help keep it clean by breaking down waste. Proper air circulation keeps the habitat fresh while keeping moisture levels just right.
These setups are great as educational tools too, showing how nature works together in harmony!
Gnome
Tiny gnomes bring so much joy to a terrarium. I like placing them in soft moss near small mushrooms for a cozy look.
Recycled jars, like pickle jars, work great for these gardens. Using natural finds from my yard makes it even more special.
Marvin H Lilley shared his gnome terrarium on January 22, 2023, with the Creative Gardening Facebook group. It got 56 reactions and 17 comments! Kathy DeMorales Coryea loved it.
These smiles will lead perfectly into the next idea: Green House Terrarium!
Green House
I love how these little glass greenhouses make any space look modern. Each terrarium measures about 5 by 4.3 by 4.3 inches, which is perfect for small plants like succulents or air plants.
The clear glass design allows plenty of light to reach the plants, keeping them healthy and happy.
The mini succulents inside are arranged beautifully to fit the limited space. These pieces work great as tabletop displays or home decor accents.
With a strong customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews, they’re clearly popular with indoor gardening fans!
Low Light
Ferns and moss thrive in closed terrariums with low light. Soft artificial lighting makes them glow gently and look magical.
These plants love humidity, so the sealed glass container keeps moisture just right. Indirect light is key, as too much heat can dry things out fast.
I keep mine near a shaded corner with soft lights running for a few hours daily. Low maintenance is the best part of this setup!
No overwatering or constant trimming needed here. This works perfectly for urban spaces without natural sunlight.
Next up, we’ve got Moss Terrarium Thick lush moss completely covers rocks and soil inside jar.
Moss
I love how moss terrariums create such a green, peaceful look. Thick, lush moss can cover rocks and soil completely inside a glass container, making it feel like a tiny forest.
Using Carpet Moss, Pincushion Moss, or Mood Moss helps build this soft landscape.
To start one, I use a clear jar with proper drainage at the bottom. This means adding small rocks first, followed by activated charcoal to keep it fresh.
Sphagnum moss goes next to stop soil from mixing with the layers below.
Closed containers hold moisture well and need less watering since they recycle water inside themselves. An open jar needs misting more often to maintain humidity for healthy growth!
Plant
Mini trees and small shrubs thrive beautifully in layered glass containers. I always start with pebbles, activated charcoal, moss, and soil to create a strong base
This setup keeps the plants healthy by improving drainage and trapping moisture. Clear glass helps me see every layer clearly while keeping mold away.
Careful plant arrangement makes these terrariums look like tiny landscapes. Pathways or decorations make them even more attractive!
I place mine where indirect sunlight reaches but doesn’t overheat the plants. A bit of watering now and then is all they need to stay green and happy indoors.
Seashell
I love creating seashell terrariums with sand, moss, and shells. They remind me of peaceful beach days.
The soft sand pairs perfectly with the natural texture of moss for a stunning coastal-inspired mini garden. Adding small air plants brings life and balance to the design.
I once used a 6-inch teardrop glass kit from Etsy that included live air plants, vibrant sand, and beautiful shells.
It was so easy to assemble! These terrariums also make great home accessories or gifts.
Placed on shelves or tables, they brighten any space with a touch of nature and seaside charm.
Small Hanging
Glass orbs make a stylish indoor garden. The clear globe measures 6 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall, perfect for moss or mini plants.
It’s super lightweight at just 3 ounces, so it hangs easily anywhere in your home.
Two side holes let me water plants without spilling. A flat bottom lets the orb sit on tables too! With its hook top, I quickly hang this as décor or a gift idea.
Its 4.4-star rating shows others love it too!
Tarantula
A tarantula terrarium needs a clear container, layers of charcoal, soil, moss, and some dead leaves. Charcoal at the bottom helps stop smells and improves drainage.
I like adding live moss with jungle plants for a tropical touch. Logs are perfect for hiding spots while burrows give shelter.
Pest-free native soil works best to keep your spider healthy. Plastic pots can become bridges or small shelters in the setup. Regular cleaning keeps the enclosure safe and fresh.
Good air flow matters too, so I check it often to avoid problems. This design mimics nature perfectly!
Bearded Dragon
Tarantulas thrive in their cozy homes, but reptiles need warmth and light. A glass terrarium with a wooden branch creates the perfect spot for a bearded dragon to bask.
UVB lighting helps them stay healthy while mimicking sunlight. I like adding a fake rock for extra basking space.
The setup must include heating for a proper temperature gradient. This allows the reptile to move between warm and cool spots as it prefers.
I always keep an eye on enclosure maintenance to ensure cleanliness and comfort for my pet.
Fish Tank
A terrarium fish tank is both calming and beautiful. I like using a clear glass container for the best view of aquatic plants and goldfish.
Goldfish swim gently around a wooden centerpiece, adding movement to the design.
Plants like moss or Peperomia make it lush and vibrant. Layering sand, gravel, and soil helps water stay clean.
I keep moisture levels steady by checking daily, ensuring plants thrive without harming fish. This setup blends aquascaping with home decor perfectly.
It’s easy to share photos online too since they look so pretty! Now let’s explore more wonderful terrariums together next!
Jar
Goldfish and aquatic plants always capture the eye, but let’s talk about terrarium jars. They are perfect for adding a lush green touch indoors.
I love layering pebbles, charcoal, and soil to create a healthy base.
Moss and ferns grow beautifully inside these glass containers. A little pathway of tiny stones makes it even more charming.
Indirect sunlight keeps plants happy without drying them out. These jars don’t just look good; they help with indoor gardening too!
Choosing vibrant moss or mini ferns lets me design miniature landscapes easily. Each jar feels like its own tiny ecosystem full of life!
Succulent
The layered jars with moss and ferns are stunning, but succulents bring a whole new vibe. I love planting different types of succulents in a sealed glass jar.
Small stones at the bottom help with drainage, which is so important for these plants. Activated charcoal keeps odors away too! The cactus soil creates great drainage to keep roots healthy.
A layer of fine sand makes it look extra stylish. Succulents thrive since they don’t need much water or humidity inside the jar—just occasional sunlight and light care make them happy.
These terrariums are easy to create in 5 minutes using materials like rocks, moss, and simple containers you already have at home!
They’re perfect as gifts or beautiful decor pieces on any shelf or table.
Tropical
Tropical terrariums create a mini rainforest. Vibrant green plants, like Peperomia, thrive around a flowing water stream inside the glass.
Moisture-loving plants enjoy the high humidity in these enclosures. I love how they bring life to any indoor space with their lush atmosphere.
Creating one is fun and simple! Use rocks and substrate to guide the water’s flow. Aquatic plants add variety too. A good container lets light through and keeps humidity steady.
These small ecosystems are perfect for interior gardening, adding beauty while improving air quality indoors.
Wall
A vertical wall terrarium transforms plain walls into a living garden. I use plants like ferns, peace lilies, and philodendrons for a lush look. They thrive in the humid environment these setups need.
Adding small decorations like stones or driftwood makes it even prettier.
These green walls fit well in small spaces. I enjoy seeing my indoor area turn fresh and vibrant with them. The moisture control is simple but key to keeping everything healthy.
This idea blends gardening with home decor, creating a perfect mix of beauty and function!
Water
I love how a water terrarium blends plants and fish into one peaceful display. Clear glass bowls show off every detail, from green aquatic plants to colorful fish swimming gracefully.
Adding small goldfish or guppies makes it feel alive.
The substrate is key. I use layers of pebbles, sand, and nutrient-rich soil for healthy plant growth. Checking water quality keeps the ecosystem balanced for both plants and fish.
Bright light helps plants thrive while making the bowl look even better indoors.
It’s like having a little aquarium garden!
Conclusion
Terrariums bring nature indoors in a fun way. Each idea can turn a small space into something special. From mossy worlds to cactus gardens, there’s so much to try.
These simple setups are perfect for any plant lover. Start creating and enjoy your mini green world!
FAQs
1. What is a garden terrarium?
A garden terrarium is a small glass container that holds plants, soil, and rocks. It creates a mini-ecosystem for growing plants indoors.
2. How can I make my own garden terrarium?
Start with a clear container, like a jar or fishbowl. Add layers of rocks for drainage, then soil, and finally your chosen plants.
3. What are some ideas for decorating my terrarium?
You can add moss, tiny figurines, colored sand, or even fairy lights to give it personality. Use your imagination!
4. Are there specific plants that work best in terrariums?
Yes! Succulents, ferns, mosses, and air plants thrive in these environments because they need little care and space to grow.
