Terrariums are becoming increasingly popular over the past few years. Given the fact that designers are upping their game so quickly, its not difficult to understand why! While there are many other benefits to owning a terrarium, it is obvious that many get them solely because they are beautiful to give as a gift, or to enhance the decor of a space.

That being said, it is also difficult to not notice that terrariums are beginning to become a little expensive due to its growing demand. An average palm sized terrarium could cost up to S$40.00 (luckily for all, Masons have premium ones at far less!). And for those who would like to give it as a gift, buying it from a shop and opting for delivery may not seem like the most sincere option.

Well, worry no more! Our terrarium team at Masons Home Decor have come together to create a simple yet detailed list of steps on how you can make your very own terrarium. Is the next question on your mind, ‘where can i get the supplies, then?’, well, you can get them by clicking here! But do read on till the end, it will be worth it, trust us!

For those who would like a detailed read, please read beyond the picture 🙂

What are the Terrarium Supplies that You Need?

• Clear Empty Jar of any Shape and Size that you desire. We would suggest a smaller jar with a wider opening if its your first time so that it would be simpler to design and your hands may easily enter the jar to perform the arrangements.
• Soil. At Masons Home Decor, what we provide is the ‘Premium Terrarium Mix’. While they may also be readily available at other Terrarium Supplies Supplier, ours is mixed together with a certain type of fertiliser to ensure the sustainabiity of your end product.
• Plants or Cactus or Succulents. What’s a terrarium without these!? However, it is very important to note that leafy plants should not be mixed with Cactus and Succulents, and vice versa. This is due to the very different types of water requirements the both different of plants have.
• Activated Charcoal. Unlike potted plants, terrariums do not have drainage holes at the bottom. The purpose of activated charcoal is to ensure any amounts of excess water will not gather around the roots of your plants, resulting in them to decompose.
• Pebbles, Gravels, or Rocks. Extremely important to ensure your terrarium has organisation and landscape. Feel free to spoil yourself with the choice of pebbles and gravel of different sizes, colours, and textures.
• Water Sprayer. Especially needed if you are using leafy plants!
• Tiny Shovels. For those with huge hands!

Optional:

• Miniature Toys and Figurines
• Moss – For those who want to simulate grass

Step 1 – Washing All Materials

While we ensure that our quality control is always fantastic, most of the supplies, such as the gravel and pebbles, may gather sediments over time. It is a good practice to rinse them to minimise the chances of contaminating the plants. It is also advised to give the glass jar a good rinse.

Step 2 – Place Small Pebbles or Gravel at the Base of the Jar

Decide the plants that you want for your terrarium. For cacti and succulents, these plants generally require less water and much more drainage. Ensure you cover the bottom of your jar with a layer of small rocks such that water can be drained out and the roots of the succulents will not rot! 0.5 cm to 1 cm is sufficient for tall jars. Try not to exceed 2 cm!

Step 3 – Activate the Charcoal!

Put a layer of activated charcoal on top of your bottom layer of small rocks, pebbles, or gravel. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has small pores such that here is more adsorption in the terrarium. It is usually required for big terrariums which need more drainage, or for cacti and succulent terrariums too! However, it may not be needed for small terrariums with leafy plants.

Step 4 – Introduce the Soil and Plants

Fill your jar halfway with soil. Indent the soil with your fingers or a spoon and put your plant in! Do not use plants that are too big! These plants are grow quickly. The tallest plant should not exceed half the height of your terrarium for closed jar terrariums. Ensure that there is ample space for the roots of the plants so that they can grow optimally- a healthy and happy terrarium makes for a great centrepiece in your home! Also, remember to bury the plant too deep as the roots may rot too quickly. 

Step 5 – Decorate the Surface!

Decorate the surface with ordinary sand or gravel, or coloured sand or shops that can also be found in aquarium shops in your neighbourhood (if you really do not want to purchase from us, haha!).

Masons Home Decor DIY Terrarium Kits

For those of you who would like a complete package to enable you to quick start your terrarium making process, here are some amazing kits for you to consider. Remember to use DIY10 for a 10 percent off your purchase!

Thank You!

Making your own terrarium is extremely meaningful, but if you are a busy bee, you can order an elegant one from us, at an extremely affordable price! 🙂

From the team at Masons Home Decor, thank you so much for reading this article. We hope you had fun! Do update us with your finished terrariums by uploading it on social media with the hash tag, ‘#DIYwithMasonsHomeDecorSG’!

If you have enjoyed what you read, do give this article a share!

Cheers, and see you next time!

Love,

Masons Home Decor