A terrarium is one of those projects that sounds complicated until you actually do it — and then you realize it’s basically just layering a few things in a glass container and tucking in some plants. Kids love it because they end up with something real and living that they made themselves, and it looks great on a windowsill or bookshelf. So how do you make a terrarium? Let’s dive into it!
Open vs. Closed: Which Type of Terrarium?
Before you gather supplies, decide which style you’re making. There are two main types:
Open terrariums: containers without a lid, or with the top fully exposed. These work best for plants that like airflow and drier conditions, like succulents and cacti. They’re low-maintenance and hard to overwater, which makes them a great choice for kids.
Closed terrariums: containers with a lid that create a self-contained, humid environment. Moisture cycles through the mini-ecosystem, which means you rarely need to water them. They work well for moss, ferns, and other plants that love humidity. They’re like a tiny greenhouse, and kids find the science of it genuinely interesting once you explain it.
For a first terrarium with young kids, open is usually easier — fewer things can go wrong, and succulents are nearly impossible to kill.
What You’ll Need
The Container
Almost any clear glass or plastic container works: a large mason jar, a fish bowl, a wide-mouthed vase, a repurposed pickle jar. The main requirement is that you can see through it. Thrift stores are a great source for inexpensive options in interesting shapes.
The Layers
This is the fun part. A terrarium is built in layers, and each one has a purpose:
- Pebbles or small rocks (1–2 inches): the drainage layer at the bottom. Keeps roots from sitting in water.
- Potting mix (2–3 inches): use a mix appropriate for your plants. Cactus and succulent mix for dry terrariums, regular potting soil for tropical or moss-based ones.
The Plants
Choose plants that will stay small and work well together. Some reliable options:
For open/succulent terrariums:
- Small succulents (echeveria, haworthia, sedum)
- Cacti
- Air plants (tillandsia) (no soil needed at all!)
For closed/tropical terrariums:
- Moss (sheet moss, pillow moss, or sphagnum)
- Miniature ferns
- Baby tears
- Nerve plant (fittonia)
We carry a great selection of small plants and succulents at all our Meadows Farms locations — our staff can help you pick plants that will work well together in the size container you have.
Decorative Extras (optional but fun)
- Small rocks, crystals, or colored gravel for the top
- Miniature figures, tiny mushrooms, or small decorative pieces
- Driftwood or small twigs
- A layer of sand on top for a desert look
How to Build a Kids’ Terrarium
Step 1: Clean your container
Give it a rinse and make sure it’s completely dry before you start. Any moisture already in there can cause mold issues later.
Step 2: Add the drainage layer
Pour in 1-2 inches of pebbles or small rocks. This is the first layer kids can do completely on their own — it’s satisfying and there’s no wrong way to do it.
Step 3: Add soil
Spoon or pour in 2-3 inches of potting mix. Pat it down gently; you want it firm enough to hold plants upright, but not packed too tight.
Step 4: Plant
This is the most exciting step. Use a spoon or your fingers to make a small hole in the soil, tuck the plant in, and press the soil gently around the roots. Start with the largest plant first, then fill in around it with smaller ones. Leave a little space between plants so that they have room to grow.
For a closed terrarium, pack in moss around the base of plants and along any bare soil areas.
Step 5: Decorate
Add rocks, small figures, or any finishing touches on top of the soil. Let kids arrange these however they like — this is their design!
Step 6: Water lightly
For open/succulent terrariums, a small amount of water to settle the soil is enough. Don’t overdo it; succulents hate soggy roots.
For closed terrariums, mist lightly with a spray bottle, then put the lid on. You should see condensation forming on the inside within a day or two, which is the sign that the water cycle is working. If it stays foggy for more than a day, crack the lid briefly to let some air in.
Taking Care of Your Terrarium
Open/succulent terrariums: Water sparingly, about once every two weeks or when the soil is completely dry. Place in bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sun through glass can scorch plants.
Closed terrariums: Once established, they need very little attention. Water only if the soil looks completely dry or if condensation has disappeared entirely. Keep in bright, indirect light, never in direct sun.
If you see mold, remove any affected material, leave the lid off for a day to air it out, and cut back on watering.
Want to Build One With Us?
Join us for our Kids Succulent Garden Workshop on Saturday, August 22 at Meadows Farms, a hands-on paid workshop where kids learn how to build a terrarium and make one to take home. All materials are provided, and our staff will walk through each step together.
If you’ve already figured out how to build a terrarium with your kids, check our events calendar for other upcoming workshops and free kids craft events all summer and fall. And if your family caught the indoor gardening bug, our Easy Indoor Gardening Activities for Kids post has more projects to try at home year-round.