How to Stock a Terrarium

Terrariums are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. Children often love to watch these indoor gardens grow and change as the cycle of the terrarium changes. The number of plants and water features within the terrarium is only limited to the actual size of the terrarium itself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Terrarium
• Gravel or sand
• Moss
• Potting soil
• Water
• Plants

1. Determine the actual size of the terrarium. A 10 or 25-gallon aquarium is an ideal choice for an indoor terrarium. Place it on a stand or on a counter that offers a sturdy base.

2. Go to the local pet store and consult with the staff about the types of plants to go into the terrarium. This is a matter of personal choice and preference.

3. Place a layer of gravel or sand on the bottom of the terrarium for better drainage and filtration. This material is at any pet store or home improvement store.

4. Look for moss to add to the terrarium to act as a filter layer between the soil and pebbles or sand.

5. Add a layer of regular potting soil to the top of the moss. This serves as the growth and nourishment layer of the terrarium. Moisten the potting soil to evenly distribute it across the bottom of the terrarium.

6. Plant seeds or established plants into the potting soil. This material is user specific and can be almost any planting material.

Tips & Warnings

• Add decorations to the terrarium to liven up the space before the plants grow. Small marbles, toys or ceramic pieces are great ideas.
• Have children design a terrarium of their own. Let each child make their own space and plant what they like.
• Sketch out a plan for the terrarium in advance to make the planting easier and better understand the aesthetic of the terrarium.