The miniature worlds encapsulated within the glass walls of a terrarium are utterly enchanting. From lush jungles to arid deserts, a DIY terrarium will allow you to explore diverse landscapes and showcase your gardening prowess in a compact form. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination, and the joy of nurturing these self-sustaining ecosystems is simply unmatched.
While there are countless terrariums to choose from, the biOrb AIR 30 Terrarium in Grey won my heart. Having purchased and experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say that it’s not just a terrarium; it’s a technological marvel that takes this age-old hobby to new heights.
With an abundance of shapes and sizes that cater to different budgets and spaces, the possibilities are limitless. Check out my top picks of DIY terrariums below.
- Best Overall– BiOrb- Air 30
- Most Sophisticated– SARUFO
- Most Beginner Friendly– Cute Farms Diamond
- Most High Tech– Lifeguard Garden Terrarium
- Most Stylish– Deco Glass Terrarium
Product Reviews
Best Overall- BiOrb- Air 30
Highlights
This terrarium is not just your run-of-the-mill glass container with a plant inside. It’s compact enough to sit pretty on your desktop or tabletop without taking over your entire living space.
This terrarium has a sixth sense for humidity, I swear. It knows when things are getting too dry and gives your terrarium plants a gentle mist and some air circulation. Plus, it has a remote control that lets you pick from three settings – low for semi-arid plants, moderate for the easy-going types, and high for those tropical divas.
Forget about relying on unpredictable natural daylight because this baby has an LED array up top. You can even play around with the brightness and choose from various light cycles.
With its globe-like shape and transparent acrylic material, you get a 360-degree view of your terrarium plants. The acrylic is strong (10 times more than glass), light (50% lighter, duh), and ultra-transparent (93% transparency rating – yes, I checked).
Suppose you’re the type who revels in integrating technology into your hobbies. In that case, everything you need to kickstart your first terrarium adventure comes in the package. Just add your favorite terrarium plants, and you’re good to go. It’s got the terrarium and base, lighting, misting system, filter cartridge, compost mixes, and even a 16.9 oz—bottle of HumidiMist.
Key Features
- Compact size ideal for desktop or tabletop display.
- Automatic humidity control with three settings (low, moderate, and high).
- LED lighting array for perfect light output, simulating natural daylight.
- Adjustable brightness levels and customizable light cycles.
- 360-degree view through durable, ultra-transparent acrylic material.
- Complete kit with terrarium, lighting, misting system, compost mixes, and more.
- Includes a 16.9 oz. bottle of HumidiMist for plant hydration.
- Remote control for convenient operation.
- 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
Who’s It for?
The biOrb AIR 30 is tailor-made for the modern plant enthusiast who craves the joy of indoor gardening without the traditional hassles. It’s the go-to choice for urban dwellers who navigate limited living spaces yet yearn for greenery in their homes.
Busy professionals will find it particularly appealing; the AIR 30’s automated features ensure that your plants thrive with minimal maintenance.
Regardless of your experience level, whether you’re a seasoned plant expert or a newbie, the biOrb AIR 30 caters to a wide range of plant types and needs.
Most Sophisticated- SARUFO
Highlights
This thing is a showstopper when it comes to design. It’s a high-end, gray, transparent glass terrarium container. It’s like the James Bond of plant terrariums, oozing style and sophistication. The LED lamp it comes with is genius. It’s got a wooden base and a lamp head that can do the limbo; it’s so flexible.
Let’s talk about what you can grow in this little wonder. Moss? Check. Tiny plants? Absolutely. And guess what? They even throw in a pair of tweezers, a straw hut, and a log ornament to help you create your micro-landscape.
The LED lamp isn’t just there to look pretty (although it does). It’s easy on the eyes, making it a fantastic night light for your bedroom or office. That warm, soft light creates a calming ambiance perfect for winding down, especially in those low-light moments.
The glass container is made of high-quality borosilicate glass. It’s sleek, high-end, and built to impress. The gray transparent glass takes even the simplest micro-landscapes, making them look like a million bucks.
At 6.3 inches in height and 8.6 inches in diameter, you can pop it on your desk, bookshelf, or any other tabletop without it taking over your life.
It has everything you need to make a terrarium, from the LED desk lamp to the mini thatched hut ornament. It’s like a DIY terrarium adventure just waiting for you.
Key Features
- Combining a glass container and an adjustable LED desk lamp with a wooden base adds style and functionality.
- Made from gray transparent borosilicate glass.
- Includes tweezers, a straw hut, and a log ornament, perfect for crafting your miniature garden.
- The LED lamp illuminates your micro-landscape and aids in the healthy growth of plants.
- Dimensions of 6.3 inches in height and 8.6 inches in diameter
- Includes an LED desk lamp, long tweezers, glass container, mini thatched hut ornament, mini tree stump ornament, a 500ml spray bottle, and more.
- It doubles as an aquarium for small fish, adding a touch of aquatic charm to your space.
- With a 5W power output, it’s bright enough to illuminate your micro-landscape or fish without causing eye strain, making it a perfect night light.
Who’s It for?
The SARUFO Glass Plant Terrarium with LED Light is for those who appreciate a touch of greenery in their home or office. It’s the go-to choice for the style-conscious because this terrarium is made of gray transparent borosilicate glass that exudes elegance and high-end sophistication.
Compact and space-saving, it’s for the multitaskers who want to bring nature into their workspace without overwhelming it.
The LED lamp is adjustable, providing the perfect lighting for your micro-landscape or fish, and it can even serve as a soothing night light, ideal for bedrooms or low-light environments.
Most Beginner Friendly- Cute Farms Diamond
Highlights
The Cute Farms Glass Terrarium Kit is like a DIY plant party in a box concept that is just genius. You can create your unique terrarium with the plants you already have at home. Add your plants, and you’re on your way to becoming a terrarium maestro.
Everything you need to make a terrarium is included. Diamond-shaped glass, colorful assortment of preserved moss, including reindeer, forest, and lichen. Potting soil blended with activated charcoal and gardening vermiculite for that perfect water drainage.
They even throw in plant food, a natural hairbrush (yes, you read that right), miniature dinos (because every terrarium needs some prehistoric charm), a succulent care guide, a build and care guide, and a Cute Farms sticker.
Those mosses add bright colors that take your terrarium from “meh” to “wow.” The blended potting soil mix is like a VIP lounge for your plant’s roots, with activated charcoal thrown in for good measure. The vermiculite is the secret sauce for proper water drainage – your plants will thank you.
Key Features
- Create your unique terrarium with plants you already have.
- Includes Diamond Shape Glass, preserved moss (reindeer, forest moss, and lichen), potting soil blended with activated charcoal, gardening vermiculite, and plant food.
- Vibrant preserved moss adds a decorative layer.
- The premium potting soil with activated charcoal.
- Horticultural vermiculite ensures proper water drainage.
- They are crafted and packed in the USA to guarantee top-notch quality.
- A 30-day refund policy ensures your satisfaction with the kit.
Who’s It for?
The Cute Farms Glass Terrarium Kit is a treasure chest for those who want to dip their toes into DIY greenery. It’s a gem for plant enthusiasts who enjoy creating their botanical masterpieces and crave a hands-on experience.
This DIY Terrarium kit is perfect for imaginative souls who love experimenting with plant arrangements and adding a touch of nature to their surroundings. It’s an ideal choice for parents looking for a creative and educational activity for their kids or anyone seeking a unique and thoughtful gift for a fellow plant lover.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, this kit is your passport to a mini-Eden, and once you dive in, you’ll find it hard to stop.
Most High Tech- Lifeguard Garden Terrarium
Highlights
The Lifegard R440871 LED Rock Garden Kit with Terrarium Waterfall & Fogger, White, is an indoor garden with a water feature. Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The LED grow lights are like the sun on steroids for your tropical plants. Rain or shine, summer or winter, they make sure your green buddies thrive. They’re preprogrammed to turn on and off based on what’s best for your plants. Set it up at your desired time, and it does the rest.
The kit includes a water pump and a mist maker, which works like magic. You can design your landscape – create a waterfall, direct the pump’s flow, and turn on the mist maker.
Add a good-quality soil layer, small pebbles, rocks, and your choice of terrarium plants, and watch your masterpiece come to life. They even throw in a watering spray bottle because hydration is critical, even in the DIY terrarium world.
I’ve had countless hours of fun with this kit, arranging and rearranging the miniature plants, experimenting with different plant varieties, and gazing at the serene waterfall and misty atmosphere.
Key Features
- Full Spectrum energy-efficient LED grow lights imitate direct sunlight, ensuring optimal plant growth, regardless of external weather conditions.
- Preprogrammed light schedule for hassle-free plant care; set it and forget it.
- Includes a water pump and mist maker for creating customizable landscapes with waterfalls and misty ambiance.
- Easy setup; just add quality potting soil, rocks, and your choice of plants to start your miniature gardens.
- Includes a watering spray bottle for convenient plant hydration.
- A unique and visually stunning addition to any indoor space, bringing the beauty of nature indoors.
Who’s It for?
The Lifegard R440871 LED Rock Garden Kit with Terrarium Waterfall & Fogger, White, is an absolute delight for the home enthusiast who craves a touch of nature’s tranquility within their living space but doesn’t have the time or space for an outdoor garden.
It’s for the plant lover who wants to level up their indoor gardening game and create a living masterpiece. It’s also for the creative soul who enjoys designing and rearranging landscapes and watching their growing environment thrive.
Most Stylish- Deco Glass Terrarium
Highlights
The Deco Glass Geometric DIY Terrarium is like a little art deco house for your plant babies, complete with beautiful rose gold accents. I’ve grown microgreens, succulents, air plants, moss, and cacti in this glassy paradise.
It’s got ventilation covered with a hinged door. You can prop it open to ensure your plants get the perfect direct sunlight and fresh air.
This terrarium is the ultimate present for Mother’s Day or housewarming gifts. Pop it on your coffee table, and boom – the instant lush focal point and conversation starter.
Regarding dimensions, it’s just the right size to make a statement without taking over your space. It measures 9.8″ x 6″ x 8″.Just remember, plants are sold separately – but that just gives you an excuse for another plant shopping spree, right?
Key Features
- Large Glass House DIY Terrarium (10”x6”x8”) with beautiful rose gold accents.
- Suitable for growing microgreens, succulents, air plants, moss, cacti, and more.
- Hinged door for ventilation and sunlight control to ensure your plants thrive.
- A perfect gift for plant lovers, ideal for occasions like Mother’s Day and housewarming.
- Adds a modern, sleek design element to your home decor.
- Compact dimensions (9.8″ x 6″ x 8″) make it a versatile decorative piece.
- Plants are sold separately, allowing you to choose your green companions.
Who’s It for?
The Deco Glass Geometric DIY Terrarium is tailor-made for creative souls and plant enthusiasts who love design and horticulture.
It’s the perfect fit for the homeowner who seeks to elevate their indoor decor with a touch of botanical elegance. The green thumbs yearning to nurture a microcosm of succulents, air plants, or moss, and the gift-givers who want to delight their loved ones with a unique and stylish present.
Its modern design and versatility will capture the hearts of those who appreciate the beauty of art and nature, and trust me, it’s a plant-powered conversation starter that’s impossible to resist.
Step by Step Buying Guide
Decide on a Container
Glass jars, fish tanks, vases, and other transparent containers with lids or open tops can all be used.
Choosing Your Plants
Due to their ease of upkeep, ferns, moss, air plants, and succulents are preferred options. Visit your neighborhood nursery or garden center to get these plants. Make sure they are appropriate for the lighting in your home.
Purchase the Proper Materials and Soil
For most terrariums, cactus or succulent soil works nicely. Activated charcoal, which aids drainage and keeps the terrarium fresh, can be necessary.
For aesthetic appeal, consider including decorative components like tiny rocks, small pebbles, or colored sand.
Consider whether you want to include ornamental items like miniature figurines, tiny fairy lights, or little decorative stones when choosing your container accessories.
To improve your terrarium’s aesthetic appeal, buy these accessories.
Put Your Terrarium Together
Firstly, to create a drainage layer, add a thin layer of small stones or pebbles to the bottom of the container.
Additionally, to stop mold and stink, sprinkle a thin coating of activated charcoal over the small stones.
Then add the potting soil, creating a thick layer to support the plant’s roots.
Maintain Your DIY Terrarium
Ensure to water your terrarium plants sparingly, as overwatering can lead to mold and root rot. Use a spray bottle for succulents and air plants.
Place your terrarium in an appropriate location with the right amount of light, depending on your chosen plant types.
Keep an eye on your DIY terrarium for any signs of overcrowding, pests, or plant health issues, and make adjustments as needed.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to make a terrarium?
Making a DIY terrarium can be cost-effective compared to buying a pre-made one. However, the cost can vary depending on your chosen plants and decorative elements. This will reduce the price if you already have the necessary materials, like a suitable container and basic gardening supplies.
Is charcoal necessary for terrarium?
Charcoal is not always necessary for all terrariums but can be beneficial. Activated charcoal helps with drainage, prevents mold and odors, and maintains a healthier environment for the plants inside.
How do you keep a self-sustaining terrarium?
To keep it self-sustaining, ensure it receives indirect sunlight, maintain the proper moisture level (minimal watering), and occasionally open the lid to allow air circulation. Trim overgrown plants and remove any dead foliage as needed.
What can I use as a terrarium jar?
You can use jars like glass vases, mason jars, fish tanks, or even repurposed glass containers like old cookie jars as a terrarium. The key is to choose a clear container that allows for easy viewing of your plants.
Do terrariums last long?
The longevity of a DIY terrarium depends on the type of plants, maintenance, and the terrarium’s environment. Well-maintained terrariums can last for several months to several years. Some plants may outgrow the terrarium and require replanting.
Do terrariums run out of water?
Closed or self-sustaining terrariums should not run out of water quickly because the moisture inside is recycled. However, they may require occasional watering if condensation levels drop significantly or if you notice the soil is overly dry.
DIY Terrariums: Where Miniature Gardens and Big Dreams Collide
Where creativity meets nature in a glass container, we’ve explored many options for a DIY terrarium. As we reviewed these green oases, one DIY terrarium stood out as the true champion of innovation and convenience: the biOrb AIR 30 Terrarium in Grey. With its fully automated, high-tech design, this terrarium is a plant enthusiast’s dream. From humidity control to perfect lighting simulation, it’s a masterclass in botanical cultivation.
However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly yet equally enchanting option, the SARUFO Glass Plant Terrarium with LED Light is a close second. With its high-end borosilicate glass construction, adjustable LED lamp, and versatility as both a plant container and a miniature aquarium, it’s a splendid choice for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their home decor.
Ultimately, whether you opt for the biOrb AIR 30 or the SARUFO Glass Terrarium, creating your own closed terrariums is a delightful adventure that brings nature’s beauty into your daily life. Happy terrarium gardening!
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