21 DIY Terrarium Ideas to Bring Greenery Indoors

DIY terrarium ideas offer a fantastic way to bring greenery indoors, adding a touch of nature to any space. These 21 DIY terrarium ideas range from simple jar gardens to elaborate glass ecosystems, perfect for anyone wanting to cultivate a bit of green without a yard.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or a beginner, these DIY terrarium ideas make it easy to create your own indoor oasis.

I remember starting my first terrarium with just a few succulents and some pebbles, and it immediately brightened up my desk. These 21 DIY terrarium ideas can inspire you to build something unique and personal, transforming your living area into a refreshing green haven.

Classic Succulent Terrarium: Easy and Stylish Greenery

A classic succulent terrarium is a simple and elegant way to bring greenery indoors. Using drought-tolerant succulents, you can create a low-maintenance indoor garden that thrives with minimal care.

This terrarium looks great in glass containers like jars or bowls, adding a modern vibe to your home or office. The variety of shapes and colors succulent plants offer allows endless creative possibilities for your terrarium design.

Steps:

• Choose a clear glass container with a wide opening.
• Add a layer of small pebbles for drainage.
• Place activated charcoal to keep soil fresh.
• Add cactus or succulent soil mix.
• Arrange succulents in the soil.
• Decorate with sand or small stones.
• Mist lightly and place in indirect sunlight.

Mini Desert Oasis: Sand and Cactus Terrarium

Create a mini desert oasis with a cactus terrarium that brings a touch of arid beauty indoors. This terrarium uses sandy soil and a few varieties of tiny cacti, accented with decorative stones.

It’s perfect for those who want a low-water plant display that still provides a striking focal point. The sand layers add texture and color contrast, enhancing the overall look of this desert-themed terrarium.

Steps:

• Select a shallow glass container or bowl.
• Layer colorful sand at the bottom.
• Add a thin layer of gravel for drainage.
• Mix cactus soil and add gently on top.
• Plant small cacti with room to grow.
• Add decorative stones and dried moss.
• Keep in bright, indirect sunlight and water sparingly.

Tropical Fern Terrarium: Lush Indoor Jungle

Bring lush greenery indoors with a tropical fern terrarium. Ferns love humidity and indirect light, making them ideal for a closed glass container.

This type of terrarium creates a mini jungle effect, perfect for brightening up shady corners. Adding moss and small tropical plants gives depth and vibrant texture to your indoor garden, producing a calming natural atmosphere.

Steps:

• Choose a tall glass container with a lid.
• Place a layer of stones or pebbles for drainage.
• Add activated charcoal to prevent odors.
• Fill with a rich, moist potting mix.
• Plant a variety of small ferns and moss.
• Mist the plants regularly to maintain humidity.
• Keep terrarium in indirect light, away from direct sun.

Air Plant Terrarium: No Soil, No Fuss

Air plants require no soil, making this terrarium concept unique and easy to maintain. Simply place Tillandsia plants inside an open or hanging glass container with decorative elements like driftwood or pebbles.

These quirky plants absorb moisture from the air, so occasional misting keeps them happy. Air plant terrariums add a modern, minimalist touch to any room with their sculptural shapes.

Steps:

• Pick an open glass container or hanging orb.
• Arrange decorative stones or driftwood inside.
• Place air plants on top, spacing them out.
• Mist plants with water 2-3 times per week.
• Avoid direct sunlight; place in bright, indirect light.
• Ensure good air circulation around the terrarium.

Moss Garden Terrarium: Soft, Green Carpet Effect

Moss garden terrariums create a soft, lush green carpet that’s calming and visually appealing. Moss thrives in moist, shaded environments, making it perfect for enclosed terrariums.

These small-scale gardens can be designed with miniature stones or tiny figurines for a whimsical touch. They require minimal care and add a peaceful, natural vibe to your indoor space.

Steps:

• Select a glass container with a lid for moisture retention.
• Add a drainage layer of pebbles or small stones.
• Sprinkle activated charcoal to prevent mold.
• Place a base of moist potting soil.
• Arrange different moss types evenly over the soil.
• Mist regularly to maintain humidity levels.
• Keep terrarium in low to medium indirect light.

Woodland Theme Terrarium with Miniature Decor

A woodland theme terrarium brings the magic of a forest indoors by combining ferns, moss, and small decorative elements like miniature mushrooms, pine cones, or tiny animal figurines. This design creates a storybook scene that captivates the imagination.

Using different textures and layers, your woodland terrarium becomes a lively, natural centerpiece.

Steps:

• Choose a medium-sized clear glass container.
• Add a drainage layer with pebbles or gravel.
• Sprinkle activated charcoal for freshness.
• Fill with a moist potting mix suitable for ferns and moss.
• Plant small ferns and arrange patches of moss.
• Add miniature woodland decorations like mushrooms or pine cones.
• Mist regularly and keep in indirect light.

Aquatic Terrarium: Water Plants and Pebbles Setup

An aquatic terrarium features water-loving plants submerged or semi-submerged, paired with colorful pebbles or sand. This mini water garden adds a serene, reflective quality to your space.

Ideal plants include small aquatic species like Anubias or Java moss. It requires occasional water changes and indirect light to remain healthy and vibrant.

Steps:

• Select a clear glass container suitable for water.
• Add a base layer of smooth pebbles or sand.
• Fill container partially with clean water.
• Plant aquatic or semi-aquatic plants carefully.
• Add decorative stones or driftwood if desired.
• Place container in indirect light.
• Change water every week or as needed.

Desert Glass Globe: Compact and Chic Terrarium

A desert glass globe terrarium offers a compact way to display desert plants in a chic style. Using a small hanging glass orb, you can arrange tiny cacti or succulents with sand and gravel layers.

This design is perfect for desks or shelves, adding a modern accent with a desert vibe. Its small size makes it easy to maintain and move around.

Steps:

• Choose a small glass orb with an opening.
• Layer sand and small gravel inside for drainage.
• Add cactus soil mix carefully.
• Plant mini cacti or succulents.
• Decorate with tiny stones or shells.
• Hang or place near bright, indirect light.
• Water sparingly once every few weeks.

Airy Hanging Terrarium with Trailing Plants

Create an airy hanging terrarium filled with trailing plants like string of pearls or ivy. This design brings movement and life to your indoor garden, as plants cascade gently from their glass home.

Hanging terrariums save space and add a dynamic element to your decor. Regular misting and indirect light keep the plants thriving in this setup.

Steps:

• Select a hanging glass container with an opening.
• Add a layer of pebbles and activated charcoal.
• Add potting soil suitable for trailing plants.
• Plant trailing species carefully.
• Hang terrarium near indirect sunlight.
• Mist plants regularly to maintain humidity.
• Trim plants as needed to control growth.

Zen Garden Terrarium with Sand and Rocks

A Zen garden terrarium combines sand, rocks, and minimal greenery to create a peaceful indoor space inspired by Japanese gardens. This simple design focuses on balance and calm, using sand patterns and carefully placed stones.

Small succulents or moss add a touch of life without overpowering the minimalistic aesthetic.

Steps:

• Pick a shallow glass container or tray.
• Fill with fine sand and smooth river rocks.
• Use a small rake or stick to create sand patterns.
• Plant tiny succulents or patches of moss.
• Arrange stones strategically for balance.
• Place terrarium in a quiet, well-lit spot.
• Rake sand patterns regularly for relaxation.

Jungle Vibes: Mixed Tropical Plants Terrarium

A jungle vibes terrarium uses a mix of tropical plants such as fittonia, small palms, and moss to create a dense, lively indoor jungle. This style thrives in humid, closed terrariums that mimic rainforest conditions.

The variety of leaf shapes and colors makes this an eye-catching and vibrant piece to bring indoors.

Steps:

• Choose a large glass container with a lid.
• Start with a drainage layer of stones and charcoal.
• Add rich, moist potting soil.
• Plant an assortment of tropical plants close together.
• Add moss to cover exposed soil.
• Mist frequently to maintain humidity.
• Keep in bright, indirect light.

Whimsical Fairy Garden Terrarium

A whimsical fairy garden terrarium invites magic indoors by combining small plants with fairy-themed decorations like tiny houses, bridges, and figurines. This playful design encourages creativity and storytelling, making it a delightful project for kids and adults alike.

Use moss, succulents, and miniature ferns to create a cozy fairy habitat.

Steps:

• Select a clear glass container with a wide opening.
• Add gravel and activated charcoal for drainage.
• Fill with potting soil suitable for small plants.
• Plant moss, small ferns, or succulents.
• Place miniature fairy garden accessories.
• Mist lightly and keep in indirect light.
• Water plants carefully to avoid overwatering.

Citrus-Themed Terrarium with Bright Accents

A citrus-themed terrarium uses bright orange and yellow decorative elements paired with green plants to create a cheerful indoor display. Adding slices of dried citrus or tiny faux fruits alongside succulents or moss enhances the vibrant look.

This fresh and lively style brightens any room with a pop of color and natural texture.

Steps:

• Choose a clear glass container.
• Add a layer of pebbles and charcoal.
• Fill with succulent soil.
• Plant small succulents or moss patches.
• Place dried citrus slices or faux fruits atop soil.
• Add small decorative stones in yellow and orange.
• Keep in bright, indirect light and water moderately.

Vintage Jar Terrarium: Rustic Indoor Garden

Repurpose vintage jars to create rustic indoor garden terrariums. These jars add charm and character to your greenery display.

Fill them with small plants like succulents, moss, or tiny ferns along with pebbles and soil. The vintage aesthetic combines well with natural elements for a cozy, old-fashioned look.

Steps:

• Find vintage glass jars with lids or open tops.
• Add a layer of small stones for drainage.
• Place activated charcoal to reduce odors.
• Add potting soil suitable for chosen plants.
• Plant succulents or moss inside.
• Decorate with small natural items like pine cones.
• Place in indirect light and water sparingly.

Zen Succulent Cluster in Geometric Container

A geometric glass container filled with a cluster of succulents creates a clean, modern zen terrarium. The sharp lines of the container contrast beautifully with the organic shapes of the plants.

This design works well on desks or shelves, providing a neat and stylish green accent with minimal effort.

Steps:

• Choose a geometric glass container with open sides.
• Layer pebbles and activated charcoal for drainage.
• Add cactus soil mix.
• Plant a variety of small succulents closely.
• Decorate with small stones or sand.
• Keep in bright, indirect light.
• Water sparingly every few weeks.

Tropical Bromeliad Terrarium for Colorful Flair

Bromeliads add a splash of color and an exotic feel to any terrarium. These tropical plants thrive in humid, enclosed containers and bring vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks indoors.

Pair bromeliads with moss and small ferns to create a lively, colorful terrarium that stands out in any room.

Steps:

• Select a tall glass container with a lid.
• Add drainage layer of pebbles and charcoal.
• Fill with moist tropical potting mix.
• Plant bromeliads and small ferns or moss.
• Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
• Place in bright, indirect light.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Zen Sand and Bamboo Terrarium for Tranquility

A zen sand and bamboo terrarium emphasizes calm and balance with simple elements like sand, stones, and small bamboo shoots. This minimalist design conveys peaceful energy and is easy to maintain.

Bamboo symbolizes luck and growth, making it a meaningful addition to your indoor greenery collection.

Steps:

• Choose a shallow glass container or tray.
• Fill with clean white sand.
• Arrange smooth stones artistically.
• Plant small bamboo shoots in soil pockets.
• Mist lightly to keep bamboo hydrated.
• Place in bright, indirect light.
• Avoid overwatering to keep sand dry.

Mini Cactus Garden in Recycled Glass Bottle

Upcycle an old glass bottle to create a mini cactus garden terrarium. The narrow neck adds a challenge but also charm to the design.

Use small cacti and sand layers to build a desert-inspired scene that fits in tight spaces. This eco-friendly project combines creativity with sustainability.

Steps:

• Clean a recycled glass bottle thoroughly.
• Add a drainage layer with tiny pebbles.
• Add activated charcoal to keep soil fresh.
• Add cactus soil mix carefully.
• Insert small cacti using tweezers if needed.
• Decorate with sand and small stones.
• Place in bright light and water sparingly.

Orchid and Moss Terrarium: Elegant and Airy

Orchids combined with moss inside a tall, open terrarium create an elegant and airy display. Orchids bring delicate flowers and a tropical feel, while moss adds lush greenery.

This design requires bright but indirect light and careful watering to keep orchids thriving indoors.

Steps:

• Choose a tall glass container with an open top.
• Add a base layer of moss and orchid bark.
• Plant a small orchid with roots exposed to air.
• Add fresh moss around the base.
• Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
• Place near bright indirect light.
• Water orchid carefully to avoid root rot.

Herb Garden Terrarium for Fresh Indoor Flavors

Grow fresh herbs indoors with a herb garden terrarium. Using an open glass container, plant herbs like basil, thyme, and mint to have fresh flavors at your fingertips.

This practical terrarium adds greenery and aroma to your kitchen or dining area, blending style with function.

Steps:

• Select a wide-mouthed glass container for air circulation.
• Add a drainage layer of pebbles.
• Fill with herb potting soil.
• Plant small herb seedlings or seeds.
• Place in a sunny spot with good light.
• Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
• Harvest herbs as needed for cooking.

Mixed Succulent and Air Plant Terrarium Combo

Combine succulents and air plants in one terrarium for a varied and interesting display. The mix of soil-planted succulents and soil-free air plants allows for creative layering and textures.

This combo terrarium can fit compact spaces while offering diverse greenery and shapes to admire.

Steps:

• Choose a medium-sized open glass container.
• Add drainage pebbles and charcoal.
• Add succulent soil and plant succulents.
• Place air plants on top or nestled among succulents.
• Decorate with stones or sand as desired.
• Water succulents lightly and mist air plants weekly.
• Keep terrarium in bright, indirect light.