How to Grow Container Gardens in Terrariums

Overview

Growing plants in a terrarium is a creative way to garden indoors. Choose an aquarium, fishbowl, large jar or look around for something more offbeat: all you need is a glass container with enough room for your plants to grow. Ferns, palms and mosses are easy to grow in a terrarium. Miniature African violets, Buddhist pine and boxwood also do well in terrariums. Plant Wandering Jew and prayer plants in your larger terrariums, and if you are feeling adventurous, grow a Venus flytrap or a pitcher plant in your terrarium.

Step 1

Put an inch of gravel at the bottom of your clean glass container.

Step 2

Add a 1/2-inch layer of activated charcoal to help control odor.

Step 3

Add dry potting soil, up to 3 inches deep. Create hills and angles by distributing the potting soil unevenly.

Step 4

Use a long handled spoon to dig holes for the roots of your plants.

Step 5

Plant your plants in the dirt, gently spreading out their roots, and replace the dirt over their roots.

Step 6

Mist the inside walls of your terrarium with an ounce or two of distilled water. Do not water your terrarium again until it has begun to dry out.

Step 7

Keep your terrarium in indirect sunlight.