What do you do when the ground is still frozen outside, but you can’t wait to get your hands dirty in the garden? Why not bring the garden indoors and make a DIY terrarium for spring. Here is everything I used to put together a mini indoor spring oasis from the cold outside!
supplies for a diy terrarium
You will need a large glass container with an opening to prevent condensation. Once you have your container, make sure you choose plants that are size appropriate for the container. Since fairy gardens are so popular, I found it quite easy to find miniature plants for my terrarium. The mini orchid was the first thing I chose and then my secondary plants were chosen to compliment the orchid.
First, begin with a layer of gravel for good drainage. I used the dark brown gravel at the base. Then, I added about 1 inch of soil. The soil should be 1 part sand and 2 parts potting soil. Next, I added a layer of the lighter colored stones around the edge of the glass.
Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start placing the plants inside the glass container. I wanted the orchid to be in the center, so I used my fingers to make a small hole in the soil and put the orchid in place. Don’t worry at this point that you don’t have enough soil. After you place all the plants, more soil can be added as needed. I kept the taller fern to the back and then just placed the other plants around the orchid with the moss and baby tears up front. Then, I used one of the mini plant containers from the nursery to add soil around the plants where needed.
Creative Display
A tin cake stand elevates the terrarium and I placed a I placed a Dollar Tree grapevine wreath at the base. Then, I added some faux vines to wrap up and around the terrarium. I had a baby angel’s tears plant leftover and planted it in a vintage ironstone teacup and placed it under a small cloche.
This DIY terrarium was easy to make and relatively inexpensive! It would be a fun project to make with kids too. I placed it on my library table in the living room, which sits between two windows, so it should get plenty of sun! For watering, I’ll use a spray bottle to mist it every couple days.
Oh this is beautiful!-and Thanks for sharing the step by step how to’s for those of us without a green thumb (Me)lol Such a lovely way to bring Spring indoors! Linking up at the DIY My Spring hop
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing, Christina!
I love all things terrarium and this project looks so pretty. Love how you used mini orchids in your terrarium. Nicely done!
Thanks so much, Tee. I love all orchids and the mini ones are so sweet!
Spring perfection! So pretty!
Thanks so much, Lindsay!!!
I am always inspired by your creativity.
Thanks for sharing.
Meegan – as I am inspired by you!!! Have a great week!
Love your project! It came out beautifully! Visiting from the #DIYMySpring blog hop.
I didn’t know that miniature orchids even existed. Your terrarium and Spring vignette are so pretty!
I first saw them this year and was what inspired me to make this terrarium! Aren’t they sweet!
What a beautiful display! The delicate pink flowers and spindly nest are my favorite parts.
Melissa
Oh wow… why didn’t I think of trying a terrarium for live plants? There is NOTHING like the real thing… and that teacup is calling my name!
HI Doreen – Love the terrarium! Visiting as a fellow contributor to #DIYMySpring. Hope your week is full of sunshine! Hugs, Holly
You terrariums are so pretty! The should keep a long time. The only problem may be that you have a lot of plants but that can easily be remedy by removing some as needed and then you can make another. Happy Spring!
I know, Patti! The large one, don’t know the name – I’ll probably remove in time. The rest are smaller. I’ll replant it in a pretty pot and move it to another spot that needs some green!!!
SO gorgeous- it just turned out beautifully! Happy #DIYMySpring!
Oh this is such a pretty idea! Love the little Orchids. Maybe my cat would leave the plants alone if I put them in a cute vase like this. #DIYMySpring
Kim
I think that’s an answer for cats – I have one and she hasn’t discovered this yet. I think it’s because it’s pretty much enclosed!
Doreen, that terrarium is just lovely. Where did you find that stunning glass container? And I know just where to find some ‘fairy’ plants for it! Thanks for the brilliant ideas and inspiration!
Hugs, Lynn
Hi, Lynn. I picked it up at HomeGoods. It was only $14.99 and is very heavy and the glass is thick! They have awesome prices!
I love cloches and terrariums, what a beautiful display!
This is so simple, but oh so gorgeous! I am a sucker for terrariums and yours is beyond lovely 🙂
Oh my goodness! This is so pretty. I often see those little mini plants in the store and always overlook them. I love that you have it on a cake stand too. Very nice!
I love terrarriums! I have made them from plants in my yard. Doesnt cost a cent! When Isay plants from my yard, I mean in their natural enviroment. They did good too. After I make my terrarium. I mist them You cant water them because if you do, it will cause mildew. I also put a top on it. This keeps the plants naturally watered and I never have to water them! I have also made a terrarium from plants I buy from the nursery. They also did good. Just make sure you buy plants that are suitable for a terrarium.