21 Terrarium Ideas to Bring Greenery into Your Home
Terrariums are a perfect way to bring a bit of nature inside, no matter the size of your space. These glassenclosed gardens can house everything from lush greenery to tiny desert landscapes, offering a unique way to decorate your home or office. If you’re looking for creative ideas that fit your style, we’ve curated 21 terrarium ideas to help you create beautiful, functional mini ecosystems. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of succulents or the vibrancy of a tropical jungle, these ideas are designed to spark your creativity and help you find the perfect fit for your space.
1. Classic Glass Globe Terrarium
The classic glass globe terrarium is a timeless favorite, offering a sleek and modern design for any room. These glass orbs come in various sizes and are often filled with air plants, moss, or small succulents. The spherical shape gives it a natural, elegant look, perfect for showcasing the beauty of your plants in a minimalist way. The globe’s transparency also allows light to penetrate, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
When creating a classic glass globe terrarium, start with a layer of pebbles for drainage to ensure your plants don’t rot from overwatering. Follow with activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh, then add a layer of potting soil for your plants. Finally, select small plants that thrive in humid conditions, like ferns, or those that prefer dry soil, like succulents. This terrarium is perfect for those who want a lowmaintenance, yet stunning, addition to their space.
2. Succulent and Cactus Terrarium
If you’re a fan of minimal upkeep, a succulent and cactus terrarium is a perfect choice. Succulents and cacti are droughttolerant plants that require very little water, making them ideal for busy individuals or those who may not have the greenest thumb. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, offering endless possibilities for design.
To create a succulent and cactus terrarium, choose a wide container with good drainage, as succulents and cacti prefer a dry environment. Start with a layer of rocks or gravel for drainage, then add a special cactus soil mix that ensures good aeration. Finally, arrange your plants, ensuring each has enough space to grow. You can also add decorative elements like small stones or sand to enhance the desert aesthetic. This type of terrarium is perfect for a modern, lowmaintenance display.
3. Tropical Jungle Terrarium
For a more vibrant and lush look, a tropical jungle terrarium is an exciting option. Filled with ferns, moss, and tropical plants, this terrarium brings the beauty of a rainforest right into your living room. The key to a successful tropical terrarium is maintaining the proper humidity levels, so a glass container with a lid or a terrarium jar with minimal airflow is ideal.
When building your tropical jungle terrarium, begin with a layer of small rocks for drainage, followed by a layer of activated charcoal to keep the air fresh. Use a rich, moist potting mix designed for tropical plants, and then add ferns, ivy, or even a small bromeliad. Keep the terrarium in a spot with indirect sunlight, and be sure to mist the plants regularly to maintain the humidity. This style adds vibrancy and a sense of tranquility to any space.
4. Fairy Garden Terrarium
Fairy garden terrariums are whimsical, creative designs that blend nature with fantasy. These miniature landscapes include tiny fairies, mushrooms, and garden furniture, creating a magical world inside a glass container. They are ideal for anyone looking to add a little charm and fun to their decor, and they make a great project for kids or adults.
To make a fairy garden terrarium, select a glass container with a wide opening to allow for easy decoration and access. Start with a drainage layer of small pebbles, followed by activated charcoal and potting soil. Then, plant small ferns, moss, or succulents to create a lush backdrop. Add tiny fairy figurines, miniature furniture, and colorful stones to enhance the magical vibe. This type of terrarium brings out your creativity and offers a playful, delightful display.
5. Moss and Stone Terrarium
For a simple and serene look, consider a moss and stone terrarium. Moss provides a soft, vibrant green covering that can transform a plain container into a calming natural display. When paired with smooth stones or pebbles, it evokes the feeling of a peaceful woodland setting, perfect for adding tranquility to your space.
To create a moss and stone terrarium, start with a glass container that has a wide opening. Layer the bottom with pebbles or small stones for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent odors. Add a layer of moist potting soil before planting your moss. Top it off with smooth river stones or larger rocks to create visual interest and texture. This simple yet beautiful terrarium style is lowmaintenance and perfect for those who prefer minimalistic decor.
6. Vertical Wall Terrarium
Maximizing vertical space is a great way to add greenery without taking up floor space, and a vertical wall terrarium offers a stylish solution. This design allows you to create a living wall of plants that can be placed on any wall or even hung from the ceiling. It’s ideal for apartments or smaller homes where floor space is limited but you still want to enjoy the beauty of a terrarium.
To make a vertical wall terrarium, start with a frame or vertical glass container that can hold a variety of plants. Choose plants that will thrive in this setup, such as small ferns, ivy, or creeping vines. Ensure your container has drainage holes to prevent water buildup. If you’re using a frame, add a piece of mesh at the back to support the plants as they grow. This terrarium style not only saves space but also adds a unique, green focal point to your wall.
7. Hanging Terrarium
If you want to add an eyecatching element to your space without taking up surface area, hanging terrariums are the perfect solution. These glass orbs or geometric containers can be suspended from the ceiling, creating a floating garden in your home. Hanging terrariums are perfect for small spaces, entryways, or even above a kitchen counter to add an element of greenery.
To create a hanging terrarium, choose a glass container that can hold the plants you like. It could be a glass globe, a teardropshaped container, or even a geometric hanging terrarium. Add drainage stones at the bottom, then fill the container with a mix of cactus or succulent soil. Once you’ve arranged your plants, suspend the terrarium from a sturdy hook or chain. This design offers a contemporary, modern feel to any room while allowing you to display plants in an innovative way.
8. Desert Sand Terrarium
A desert sand terrarium is the perfect way to bring a little bit of the desert into your home. With its dry, arid landscape, this type of terrarium often features succulents and cacti, which thrive in dry conditions. The key to a successful desert terrarium is using the right soil and ensuring proper drainage.
To create a desert sand terrarium, start by choosing a shallow container. Add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then use a specialized cactus soil mix. After arranging your plants, top them with decorative sand or fine gravel to complete the look. This terrarium style is perfect for those who want a simple, striking design that reflects the beauty of the desert landscape.
9. Recycled Glass Bottle Terrarium
Recycling old glass bottles is a creative and ecofriendly way to make unique terrariums. Wine bottles, mason jars, or vintage glass containers can easily be transformed into beautiful homes for small plants. This upcycled approach adds a rustic touch and reduces waste, making it a sustainable decor option.
To make a recycled glass bottle terrarium, start by cleaning and preparing your bottle. For taller bottles, use a longhandled tool to add soil and plants. Begin with a layer of gravel for drainage, followed by charcoal, potting soil, and your chosen plants. Small ferns, air plants, or moss work well in this style. Adding pebbles or small stones to the top can enhance the rustic look. This terrarium idea is perfect for anyone looking for an ecoconscious and creative way to showcase plants.
10. Aquatic Terrarium
If you love the idea of water features in your decor, an aquatic terrarium is a stunning choice. This type of terrarium combines waterloving plants with a few small fish or aquatic animals, creating a miniature aquatic ecosystem. It’s perfect for those who want something dynamic and lively.
To make an aquatic terrarium, choose a glass container that can hold both plants and water. Add waterloving plants like water lilies, floating moss, or aquatic ferns. Fill the container with water and add a few small fish or aquatic creatures. Be sure to add a filtration system to keep the water clean and maintain the health of the plants and animals. This terrarium is ideal for those looking to combine nature with aquatic life in a visually appealing way.
11. Air Plant Terrarium
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are unique plants that don’t require soil to grow. These lowmaintenance plants can be displayed in a variety of creative ways, making them perfect for terrariums. Air plant terrariums often focus on the minimalist aesthetic, with simple geometric containers or driftwood creating a modern look.
To create an air plant terrarium, choose a glass container or open display. These plants don’t need soil, so they can be placed directly inside the container or attached to driftwood or rocks. Air plants thrive in bright, indirect light, and they only need to be misted occasionally to stay hydrated. This style is perfect for modern spaces and those looking for a unique and lowmaintenance way to display plants.
12. Fairy Tale Mushroom Terrarium
Add a touch of whimsy and charm with a fairy tale mushroom terrarium. This style incorporates miniature mushrooms, tiny fairies, and other mythical creatures to create a magical and enchanting scene. Perfect for adding a playful element to your decor, these terrariums are as fun to make as they are to display.
To create a fairy tale mushroom terrarium, begin with a glass container that allows for easy decoration. Layer the bottom with stones or gravel for drainage, followed by activated charcoal and potting soil. Add moss as a base and then arrange miniature mushrooms, fairy figurines, and tiny houses. This terrarium is a wonderful way to express creativity and bring a fantastical element into your home.
13. Mini Zen Garden Terrarium
A mini Zen garden terrarium combines the calming effects of nature with the peaceful ambiance of a traditional Japanese garden. This type of terrarium focuses on simplicity and tranquility, using elements like sand, rocks, and minimalist plants to create a serene and meditative display.
To create a mini Zen garden terrarium, select a small glass container or shallow dish. Start with a layer of white sand or fine gravel, arranging it in a design that suits your aesthetic. Add a few smooth stones or pebbles to symbolize balance and harmony. You can also incorporate small, lowmaintenance plants like moss or small succulents to represent the natural beauty of a Zen garden. This terrarium is ideal for adding a peaceful, grounding element to your home or office.
14. Butterfly Terrarium
Bring nature’s beauty into your space with a butterfly terrarium. This type of terrarium mimics the habitat of butterflies, including plants that attract these colorful creatures, such as milkweed, lilacs, and lavender. The goal is to create an environment where butterflies can thrive and, in turn, add beauty to your home.
To create a butterfly terrarium, choose a large glass container or aquariumstyle enclosure with a lid. Plant butterflyfriendly plants like lavender, daisies, and milkweed, which provide nectar for the butterflies. You may also want to include branches or twigs where butterflies can rest and perch. For added visual interest, consider incorporating live caterpillars, chrysalises, or even butterfly eggs. This terrarium not only creates a beautiful visual display but also supports wildlife in a meaningful way.
15. Botanical Fairy Castle Terrarium
If you’re looking for an enchanting touch to add to your home, a botanical fairy castle terrarium is a whimsical choice. This style incorporates a miniature fairy castle surrounded by lush plants, creating a storybook landscape. Perfect for adding a magical vibe to your decor, this terrarium invites creativity and imagination.
To create a botanical fairy castle terrarium, begin with a glass container and add layers of gravel for drainage, activated charcoal, and soil. Plant small, hardy plants like ferns, ivy, or moss to create a lush backdrop. Place a miniature fairy castle or cottage in the center, adding tiny figurines or accents like mushrooms, tiny animals, or fairy lights. This terrarium is perfect for creating a fun and fantastical scene that transports you to another world.
16. Geometric Terrarium
Geometric terrariums have become increasingly popular due to their modern, angular designs. These terrariums come in various geometric shapes, including pyramids, cubes, and tetrahedrons, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional glass container. The sharp lines and clear angles of these containers add a dynamic, architectural feel to your space.
To create a geometric terrarium, select a geometric glass container that suits your style. Fill it with a mix of rocks, activated charcoal, and potting soil, then add plants that suit the enclosed environment, such as succulents, moss, or air plants. Geometric terrariums work well with a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the angular shapes of the glass to shine. This modern style is perfect for creating a clean, sculptural focal point in your home.
17. Mossy Tree Terrarium
A mossy tree terrarium combines the beauty of small trees and lush moss to create a miniature woodland landscape. Ideal for nature lovers, this terrarium adds depth and texture to any room with the presence of a tiny tree surrounded by soft, green moss.
To create a mossy tree terrarium, start with a large glass container to accommodate your tree. Choose a small tree like a bonsai, or use a branch or driftwood to represent the trunk of the tree. Surround it with a thick layer of moss to create a forest floor effect, and add small plants like ferns or ground cover to enhance the look. This terrarium can also be adorned with small decorative items like fairy lights, miniature creatures, or stones to complete the woodland vibe.
18. Botanical Jar Terrarium
Botanical jar terrariums are a simple and elegant way to showcase small plants in a contained environment. Using a clear glass jar—such as a mason jar, apothecary jar, or vintage bottle—this style of terrarium can house a wide variety of plants, from air plants to succulents and small ferns.
To create a botanical jar terrarium, start by selecting a clear glass jar with a wide opening. Layer the bottom with pebbles for drainage, followed by activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add a thin layer of potting soil and then arrange small plants, such as succulents or air plants, inside. You can also add decorative elements like small stones, sand, or shells to enhance the look. The sealed jar provides a humid environment, perfect for tropical plants, making this terrarium ideal for indoor spaces.
19. Wooden Box Terrarium
A wooden box terrarium offers a rustic, earthy aesthetic that can be a striking addition to your home decor. The wooden box serves as a frame for your plants, allowing you to create a natural, organic display with a variety of plants, rocks, and moss. This style is perfect for adding a warm, textured element to any room.
To create a wooden box terrarium, choose a shallow wooden box or crate with a glass top or open frame. Start by placing a layer of rocks or pebbles for drainage, followed by activated charcoal and potting soil. Add plants that thrive in the environment, such as succulents, moss, or small ferns. You can enhance the rustic charm by adding pieces of driftwood, bark, or stones. This terrarium brings a natural, woodsy vibe to your space, perfect for creating an earthy atmosphere.
20. Herb Garden Terrarium
An herb garden terrarium is a functional and stylish way to incorporate fresh herbs into your cooking routine. By growing herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme in a terrarium, you can have a mini herb garden right at your fingertips, perfect for culinary enthusiasts who want fresh ingredients on hand.
To create an herb garden terrarium, choose a container that allows for easy access to the plants, such as a wide glass jar or a shallow glass container. Add a layer of pebbles for drainage, followed by potting soil designed for herbs. Arrange your herbs inside, ensuring they have enough space to grow. Place the terrarium in a sunny spot and water the plants as needed. This terrarium provides both a practical and visually appealing way to grow your favorite herbs.
21. Seasonal Terrarium
A seasonal terrarium offers an everchanging display that reflects the different seasons of the year. You can create a terrarium that changes with the seasons, swapping out plants and decorations to match the time of year. This style allows you to celebrate each season and create a fresh, new look for your terrarium every few months.
To create a seasonal terrarium, choose a glass container that is easy to change. Start with seasonal plants—succulents in the spring, hardy evergreens in the winter, and vibrant flowers in the summer. Add seasonal decorations like small pumpkins in fall, snowflakes in winter, or shells in summer. By adjusting the plants and decor, you can create a terrarium that celebrates the beauty of each season, adding variety to your decor all year round.
Conclusion
Terrariums are more than just decorative pieces—they offer an opportunity to bring the natural world inside and create unique, living art. Whether you prefer a whimsical fairy garden or a minimalist succulent display, there are endless possibilities to suit every style and space. These 21 terrarium ideas give you plenty of inspiration to start creating your own mini ecosystems, adding greenery, charm, and tranquility to your home.
With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can transform any glass container into a stunning terrarium that reflects your personal style. From geometric shapes to tropical jungles, the options are limitless. And the best part? These terrariums are easy to maintain, making them perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of nature into their everyday life. So, gather your materials, select your favorite plants, and start crafting a beautiful terrarium that will brighten up your space and bring the outdoors in.
