Hello plant lovers! 🌿 Welcome back to The Home Plants—a community where we dive into all things green, serene, and DIY! Before we get started, I want to take a moment to thank each of you. Thanks to your support, the Youtube channel is now close to 300 subscribers within just two months! To celebrate this milestone, I thought it’d be perfect to make a video on creating a beautiful moss terrarium—a simple project that brings a refreshing green touch to any indoor space.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to make a moss terrarium using easily sourced materials and a bit of creativity. By the end, you’ll have a unique little world right on your shelf! So, let’s dive in!
Gather Your Materials
First, let’s get everything we need to build this lovely terrarium. Gathering the right materials makes all the difference!
Gravel or Small Stones:
Start with a layer of small gravel at the bottom of your jar. This acts as a drainage layer, capturing excess water and keeping the roots of the moss and Fittonia dry. If you plan to make more terrariums, consider buying a small bag of gravel, or if you’re on a nature walk, you might find some stones there.
Window Screen Mesh:
Cut a piece of mesh, slightly wider than the jar opening. This is your barrier between the gravel and soil, ensuring the layers stay separate.
Potting Soil or Substrate:
Choose an indoor plant potting mix with peat and coco coir; these ingredients help retain moisture without waterlogging the roots.
Decorative Stones:
I chose garnet-colored stones I found on a recent walk in the forest. You can personalize yours with granite, slate, or even colorful crystals for a unique touch!
Moss:
Moss gives the terrarium that soft, vibrant green base. I collected mine from a nearby forest (watch for a video on how to safely harvest and care for moss!).
Fittonia Plant Branch:
This vibrant plant, known for its beautiful foliage, will be the eye-catching centerpiece of our terrarium. Fittonia Plant is one of the best plants inside a terrarium.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Your Moss Terrarium
With your materials ready, let’s dive into the steps to bring this terrarium to life!
Step 1: Choose Your Container
Select a transparent jar or container with a lid; I’m using a glass jar with a wooden lid. This gives the plants a mini greenhouse effect, maintaining humidity and keeping moisture in—perfect for moss.
Step 2: Create the Drainage Layer
Start by adding a 2 cm layer of gravel at the base of your container. This will help collect excess water, preventing root rot. Gravel ensures good airflow and stops the soil from becoming overly saturated.
Step 3: Place the Mesh Barrier
Lay the mesh on top of the gravel, covering the layer evenly. This helps prevent the soil from slipping down into the gravel, keeping each layer neat.
Step 4: Add Potting Soil
Spoon in a layer of substrate, creating a base for your plants to grow. Gently press down to secure it, adding a little extra soil toward the back for a beautiful slope effect. This layering adds depth and dimension to the terrarium’s visual appeal.
Step 5: Decorate with Stones
Time to get creative! Arrange your decorative stones. Try different combinations and placements until you’re happy with the look. Smaller stones work well around the edges, while larger ones make a statement in the middle or at the back.
Step 6: Add the Moss
Now, place your moss over the exposed soil, fitting it around the stones like a puzzle piece. Moss brings a lush green carpet effect, enhancing that natural look.
Step 7: Add the Fittonia Branch
Our final touch is adding the Fittonia plant branch. Remove the lower leaves to help it root, then gently plant it into the soil. The bright colors of the Fittonia will stand out beautifully against the moss and stones.
Step 8: Water and Seal
Using a mister, lightly water the terrarium until the soil and moss are just damp. Seal the jar with the lid—your mini ecosystem is ready to thrive!
Caring for Your Moss Terrarium
Taking care of your terrarium is easy with a few tips!
- Light: Place it in a spot with indirect sunlight, as direct light can overheat the jar and harm the plants.
- Watering: Mist your terrarium lightly every few weeks or when it appears dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Pruning: If the Fittonia grows too tall, trim it back to keep a tidy look.
Conclusion
Creating this moss terrarium was a beautiful journey, bringing a small piece of the forest into my home. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did!
Follow along for more plant projects, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Let’s keep creating green spaces that bring life, beauty, and a touch of nature into our homes. 🌿
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you! And don’t forget to subscribe to TheHomePlants YouTube channel for more easy, plant-saving DIY tips and tricks.