A terrarium is a whole living world in a jar — and one of the most rewarding plant projects you can start. This hub walks you through building open and closed terrariums, choosing plants that actually thrive inside glass, and the kits and supplies worth your money.

Great for small spaces, desks, and gifts. Start with our build guide, then grab the right plants and layering materials below.

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Build it in one click

The terrarium build kit

Add all 4 to your Amazon cart →

Opens Amazon’s cart confirmation page — you review the list and prices there, and nothing is added until you approve it. Prefer to pick and choose? Every item above links to its own product page.

Start With These Guides

Closed Terrarium Guide: Best Plants for a Sealed Glass Garden
Which species genuinely thrive sealed, the layer order, and how to rescue a mouldy jar.

Our Top Picks

What to Look For

  • Open vs. closed — closed for tropical/humidity lovers, open for succulents & cacti.
  • Plant scale — choose slow-growing miniatures that won’t outgrow the glass.
  • Drainage layer — charcoal and substrate prevent rot in a container with no holes.
  • Light — bright, indirect; never bake a closed terrarium in direct sun.

Care Basics

  • Closed terrariums: rarely need watering — condensation recycles moisture.
  • Open terrariums: water lightly and treat like the plants inside (often succulents).
  • Airflow: open a closed lid occasionally if you see heavy fog or mold.
  • Trim: prune to keep plants in scale and remove anything yellowing.

Where This Connects

  • Succulents — perfect for open terrarium and dish gardens
  • Air Plants — soil-free plants that suit creative displays
Build it in one click

The terrarium build kit

Add all 4 to your Amazon cart →

Opens Amazon’s cart confirmation page — you review the list and prices there, and nothing is added until you approve it. Prefer to pick and choose? Every item above links to its own product page.