Creating a closed terrarium is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that brings a piece of nature into your home. With the right materials and a little bit of care, you can build a beautiful, self-sustaining ecosystem. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best supplies for building your closed terrarium, complete with where to buy links, ratings, and insightful comments on each item. Sourcing the right supplies is crucial for successful terrarium building.
Necessary Elements for Closed Terrarium
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Glass Terrarium Jar with Lid
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Tropical Plants
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Fresh Moss
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Moisture Control Soil
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Peat Moss
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Sphagnum Moss
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Activated Carbon
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Pebbles or Marble Chips
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Terrarium Landscaping Tools
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Burlap or Metal Mesh
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Essential Tools and Decorations
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Terrarium Starter Kit
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Conclusion
1. Glass Terrarium Jar with Lid
Significance: The foundation of your terrarium starts with selecting the right container. The container needs to be made of clear glass, sturdy, and sealable to maintain the moisture cycle. Read this to learn how to select the perfect terrarium container for sealed terrariums.
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Recommendation: Look for a jar that’s large enough to house your plants and provide ample room for growth. The lid is crucial for creating a closed environment.
2. Terrarium Plants
Significance: Choosing the right plants is essential for a thriving terrarium. Tropical plants are ideal due to their humidity preference.
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Where to Buy: Mini Terrarium Plants - 6 Plants + 2 Pots - $31.99
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
- Comment: These plants are perfect for a terrarium setup, coming in a variety of species that thrive in enclosed environments.
- Alternatively, you can purchase tropical plants from Home Depot for a cheaper price, but keep in mind that these may come in larger sizes, requiring cuttings or dividing into smaller plants. The convenience of buying on Etsy is that the plants are already the perfect size for terrariums.
3. Fresh Moss
Significance: Moss adds lush greenery and helps retain moisture within your terrarium.
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Where to Buy: Live Moss Mixture: Mood Moss, Cushion Moss - $10.99
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
- Comment: A beautiful blend of moss types that create a soft, natural carpet for your terrarium floor. Alternatively, you can collect moss from around your home if you have access to it, providing a free option.
4. Moisture Control Soil
Significance: This specialized soil helps maintain the right moisture levels, preventing over and under-watering.
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Where to Buy: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix - $17.97
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
- Comment: Reliable soil mix that ensures your plants receive the perfect amount of water.
5. Peat Moss
Significance: Peat moss helps retain moisture and provides an acidic environment beneficial for tropical plants.
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Where to Buy: Premium Peat Moss - $5.94
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
- Comment: Great for adding to your soil mix to improve moisture retention and plant health.
6. Sphagnum Moss
Significance: This dead moss is excellent for providing an airy layer that prevents soil compaction and enhances moisture retention.
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Where to Buy: Natural Sphagnum Moss - $11.03
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
- Comment: High-quality sphagnum that supports plant roots and maintains humidity.
7. Activated Carbon
Significance: Crucial for filtering water and maintaining a healthy gas exchange within the terrarium. Activated charcoal can also be used as an alternative to activated carbon for increasing the longevity of terrariums, keeping them clean and fresh, and reducing the risk of mold.
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Where to Buy: Imagitarium Activated Carbon Pellet - $7.99
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
- Comment: Effective in keeping your terrarium environment clean and fresh.
8. Pebbles or Marble Chips
Significance: Pebbles or marble chips are essential for creating a drainage layer at the bottom of your terrarium, preventing waterlogging.
- Where to Buy: White River Rock - $4.98
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
- Comment:Affordable and functional, these pebbles ensure proper drainage and add a decorative touch. Alternatively, you can use any existing pebbles, lava rocks, or marble chips, small stones you have at home.
9. Terrarium Landscaping Tools
Significance: Specialized tools make it easier to plant and maintain your terrarium. These tools are perfect for tasks like planting, moving plants, and removing leaves.
- Where to Buy: Aquascape Tools Kit - $6.97
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
- Comment: A handy set that makes arranging and caring for your terrarium plants.
10. Burlap or Metal Mesh
Significance: Used as a layer to separate the soil from the drainage pebbles.
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Where to Buy: BalsaCircle Natural Burlap Fabric Roll - $12.44
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
- Comment: Durable and versatile, this burlap can be used in multiple terrariums.
11. Essential Tools and Decorations
These items add the finishing touches and ensure your terrarium is both functional and beautiful.
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Scissors: Any sturdy pair will do.
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Paper Towel: For cleaning and handling delicate plants.
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Water: Essential for maintaining humidity and plant health.
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Marker: Useful for labeling and designing your terrarium.
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Decorations: Use figurines, gemstones, resin pieces, or seashells (avoid wood) to personalize your terrarium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What size should my terrarium jar be?
A: The size of your jar depends on the type and number of plants you plan to include. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate plant growth.
Q: Can I use garden soil for my terrarium?
A: It’s not recommended to use garden soil as it may contain pests and is not optimized for moisture control.
Q: What is the difference between a closed and an open terrarium?
A: A closed terrarium has a lid that helps maintain high humidity and creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. An open terrarium, on the other hand, does not have a lid and is better suited for plants that prefer lower humidity. If you don't have a suitable glass container with a lid, you can opt for making an open terrarium.
How to make a closed terrarium?
We have a blog post about it. Check it . Or watch all the terrarium tutorials here.
Terrarium Starter Kit
If you prefer a more straightforward approach, consider our Terrarium Starter Kit. This all-in-one kit includes everything you need to build a beautiful, self-sustaining terrarium. It also includes supplies suitable for creating a tropical terrarium. Perfect for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike!
Conclusion
Building a closed terrarium is not only a fun and creative activity but also a way to bring a slice of nature indoors. Each of these items plays a crucial role in ensuring your terrarium thrives. Happy planting!
