A well-designed terrarium can transform an indoor space. It becomes an instant focal point that invites us to draw close, examine small details, and enjoy the artistry of nature.

Early terrariums were built in closed containers. They showcased rare plant specimens, protecting them from Victorian England’s chilly, polluted air. But today’s designs need not be stuffy echoes of a bygone era.

For a chic, contemporary look, try grouping gorgeous plants in an open glass container. Imagine the possibilities: tall, dramatic plants bursting above the rim; flowers or fronds spilling out the front; or an orchid’s arching stem rising within a slender cylinder. Almost any vase, jar, bowl, or basin could be called into service to hold an enchanting indoor display. Open-topped terrariums are simple to assemble.

My designs start with a base layer of stone and moss. Plants are tucked in next, with at least one show-stopper and companions that complement it and provide contrast. I add a mix of soil and horticultural charcoal to cradle the plants’ roots, then top it with a layer of mixed mosses. Natural treasures or found objects add a playful finishing touch.

Maintenance is also straightforward. Compared to a closed container, which needs precise watering and ventilation to keep humidity levels balanced, an open terrarium is quite forgiving. Your plants will likely require only about one shot glass of water per week, with a bit of misting to keep mosses lush. Take care to avoid overwatering as standing water invites decay.

To keep the design fresh throughout the year, swap in new plants that are inspired by the changing seasons. Knowing that a combination will spend only a few months in its glass home, you can experiment with some unexpected plant choices, displaying them when they look their absolute best. The plants you retire can be recycled into new containers, moved to the garden, or given away. Switching out your plants is almost as easy as arranging cut flowers, and the designs you create can be displayed in much the same way. Serving as a centerpiece, enhancing an entryway, or beautifying a bedside table, a terrarium can be moved or changed whenever you want, providing seasonally inspired garden glamour to your home all year long.

Modern or vintage, open or closed, the vessel is as much a part of the design as the plants it contains. Prowl antique shops, flea markets, and home stores to build your collection, remembering that highly transparent containers will showcase your designs best. When you catch yourself coveting your neighbor’s glass candy jar, you’ll know that you’re hooked.

Winter

With both bright and mellow orchid colors and an airy fern, this simple textural terrarium is a welcome change from the bleak landscape outside.

1. Pansy orchid (Miltoniopsis cv., USDA Hardiness Zones 12–13)
2. ‘Microchip’ dendrobium (Dendrobium ‘Microchip’, Zones 12–13)
3. ‘Wit’ polka-dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Wit’, Zones 10–11)
4. Tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum, Zones 6–8)

Spring

A shy hellebore takes center stage in this sweet spring combination. The rex begonia echoes the soft pink of the hellebore; the begonia’s fuzzy leaves and the fern’s finely cut fronds add tantalizing texture.

1. Gold Collection^® Pink Frost hellebore (Helleborus ‘HGC Pink Frost’, Zones 5–9)
2. Rex begonia (Begonia cv., Zones 12–13)
3. Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora, Zones 5–9)

Summer

A sizzling red dahlia is tempered by the deeper scarlets of the coleus and windflower. Lush greens and a silver fern provide cooling contrast.

1. ‘Garden Wonder’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Garden Wonder’, Zones 9–11)
2. Lady fern (Athryrium filix-femina, Zones 4–9)
3. ‘Wedding Trails’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellariodes ‘Wedding Trails’, Zones 12–13)
4. Karalee^® Petit Pink windflower (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Star Pink’, Zones 6–9)
5. Sedum (Sedum cv., Zones 3–11)

 

Fall

An ornamental, edible pepper adds spice to this harvest-season arrangement. The heather and heuchera pick up on the pepper’s purple tones, while a variegated sweet flag contributes a golden note.

1. ‘Bolivian Rainbow’ pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Bolivian Rainbow’, annual)
2. ‘Blackout’ heuchera (Heuchera ‘Blackout’, Zones 4–9)
3. Variegated sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’, Zones 6–9)
4. Heather (Calluna vulgarus cv., Zones 4–7)

Anatomy of a terrarium

Even with an open top, a terrarium isn’t just a plant in a glass pot. Here’s what it’s made of:

1. Stone foundation. Use stones of different colors, sizes, and textures for a decorative base layer. You never want standing water at the bottom of your container, so keep an eye on the stone layer to make sure that you’re not overwatering.

2. Bed of moss. A layer of sphagnum moss is an attractive way to absorb excess moisture and keep soil from sifting down into the stones.

3. Special soil mix. Use equal parts light, organic potting soil and horticultural charcoal. This will help keep your container healthy and sweet smelling. Horticultural charcoal is sold in garden-supply stores, but in a pinch, aquarium-filter charcoal will work just fine.

4. The main attraction. Positioning a large focal-point plant toward the back or off to one side establishes its prominence. Companion plants should complement your “thriller” in size, color, and texture.

5. Moss mulch. Dress up exposed soil with a layer of mixed mosses.

6. Found objects. For a finishing touch, add small natural treasures, such as fallen branches, driftwood, acorns, birch-bark curls, or river rocks.

Kimberly Charles is the owner of and designer at Cider Mill Designs in Newtown, Connecticut.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical.

Buy at Amazon

Monarch Butterfly Rescue Wildflower Seeds 4 oz.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

HIGH QUALITY SEEDS and EXPERT GUIDANCE: Experience the quality seed difference. We are committed to providing the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds to our customers, guaranteed. A trusted source of high quality seeds since 1985. ATTRACT MORE MONARCHS: We know seeds and we know pollinators! Our expertly crafted botanical garden seed mixes contain a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to attract pollinators. Attract more Monarchs and Butterflies in general. Gardener tested, pollinator approved! All Of Our Wildflower Varieties Are 100% Pure Seed, They come with complete planting instructions. Compare and see the quality value. This Wildflower Seed Mix will make the perfect gift for those gardeners in your life.

Buy at Amazon