You’ll want to know how to make an easy-to-care-for terrarium after seeing how adorable this DIY project is.

BHG / Phoebe Cheong

Terrariums make beautiful additions to desks,dining room tables, and other well-lit spots.

Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a terrarium that can liven up any tabletop.

terrarium inside a home

Credit:BHG / Phoebe Cheong

Before getting started, gather everything you should probably make a terrarium.

You should be able to find most of the supplies you’ll need at your local garden center.

However, you’ll probably find better options at a craft store if you want a unique container.

Completed Terrarium on table

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Charcoal helps to remove toxins and odors.

It alsohelps with drainage, so plant roots aren’t sitting in soil that’s too damp.

Mixing the two helps with drainage and will clean toxins and odors from the terrarium throughout the container.

Plants terrarium glass gloves soil watering can

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Add the Second Layer

Fill your container one-fourth to one-third full with the charcoal and soil mixture.

Gently pack the soil every 2 inches to avoid large air pockets.

Allow enough room between the plants for additional soil.

charcoal inside glass container

Credit:BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG

Stick to plants withsimilar watering and light needsfor the healthiest terrarium.

Top Dress

Position moss on top of the soiland between the plants.

Moss helps absorb odors and excess water that can lead to root rot.

Person with soil gloved hand pot

Credit: Marty Baldwin

It also gives the surface of the DIY closed terrarium a lush, finished look.

Future watering depends on the types of plants in your terrarium and their growing environment.

Toavoid overwatering, test the soil for moisture with your finger before pulling out the watering can.

Person placing soil with tool in terrarium

Credit:BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG

If dry, water lightly, making sure that the soil doesn’t become completely saturated.

Roots still need some air.

Caring for Your Terrarium

Keep your terrarium in awell-lit areawithindirect light.

person adding plants to terrarium

Credit:BHG / PHOEBE CHEONG

Maintenance is minimal once the plants are established.

Also, it might be helpful to cut the moss occasionally to keep the thickness under control.

Make aforest terrariumusing an oldfish tanka kid-friendly project that will get them interested in gardening.

Person pressing hand into soil plants

Credit: Marty Baldwin

We have other ideas for otherfairy gardensto keep you busy!

Person placing moss terrarium

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Person watering plants terrarium

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Person trimming plants terrarium

Credit: Marty Baldwin