20 Types of Terrariums to Inspire and Decorate Your Home

Creating a warm and lively projects at home goes far beyond choosing furniture or a color palette. Natural elements have the power to transform any space, and among the most practical and charming options is the terrarium.

Small in size, but large in visual impact, the terrarium combines design aesthetics with the lively beauty of plants. Whether in living rooms, bathrooms, offices, or balconies, it adapts to different styles and sizes of projects, serving as a portable mini garden.

The terrariums are containers - usually made of glass, but they can also be made of ceramic, acrylic, or other materials - that house plants in a closed or open decorative system. In addition to being great for those who want to bring greenery inside without taking up much space, they are also ideal for beginners in gardening. This is because they require little care and maintenance, as long as they are assembled correctly.

How to assemble a terrarium?

Assembling a terrarium may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and a little creativity, anyone can create their own mini garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose the container

Start by selecting the type of container. Open terrariums, with a wide mouth, are ideal for succulents and cacti as they provide good ventilation. Closed terrariums, with lids or small openings, create a humid environment, perfect for tropical plants such as mosses and ferns.

Prepare the drainage

The first layer should be drainage. Use small stones, gravel, or expanded clay at the bottom of the container. This prevents water from accumulating at the roots, preventing rot.

Apply activated charcoal

Right above the drainage layer, place a little activated charcoal, which helps keep the project free from odors and reduces the risk of fungi. This step is especially important in closed terrariums.

Add the substrate

Add a layer of soil suitable for the chosen plants. For succulents and cacti, opt for a sandy, well-draining substrate. For tropical plants, prefer a mix with more organic matter and moisture retention.

Place the plants

Start with the larger plants, positioning them in the center or at the back. Then distribute the smaller ones around. Create a balanced composition by varying heights, textures, and colors for a harmonious look.

Finish with decoration

You can add mosses, tree bark, decorative stones, or small thematic objects. They add charm and help personalize the terrarium, but be careful not to overdo it - excess can harm the plants. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBgZn6fsseS/?epik=dj0yJnU9WjFGZWJsdDlwYzhqRGo4WUxlcElQVElDMktPZ2NJaVEmcD0wJm49Q1NQTGlRamdoZ2hQVnZ5MW0wVUlOQSZ0PUFBQUFBR2dibGtR

Necessary care

Although they are low maintenance, terrariums still require some care to keep them beautiful and healthy. The first attention should be with lighting: most terrarium plants need indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and compromise growth. Position the terrarium near well-lit windows, but protected by curtains or light filters.

The watering is another crucial point. In general, open terrariums need to be watered once a week, or even less, depending on the climate and type of plant. Closed terrariums create an internal moisture cycle and require watering only occasionally - sometimes every 15 or 30 days. The tip is to observe: if the soil is dry and the leaves start to wilt, it's time to water. Use spray bottles to prevent soaking the soil.

It is also important to avoid the accumulation of dead leaves inside the container, as they can generate fungi. A small pair of scissors can be useful for pruning and keeping everything in order. Ventilation, even in closed terrariums, is necessary from time to time. Opening the container for a few hours each week helps renew the internal air.

Another point to pay attention to is the cleaning of the glass. Over time, it is normal for it to get foggy due to humidity. Just clean with a soft cloth from the outside and, carefully, also from the inside, to keep the aesthetics of the terrarium always impeccable.

Key plants to place in the terrarium

The choice of plants is essential to ensure the beauty and health of your terrarium. Check out some popular options and their specific care below:

• Succulents (such as echeveria, haworthia, and string-of-pearls)
  Ideal for open terrariums, these plants store water in their leaves and need good indirect lighting and little watering. They are great for those who want a modern look with low maintenance.
• Mini cacti
  They also prefer open terrariums, with plenty of light and well-draining substrate. Avoid humid environments, as this can rot their roots. Water only when the soil is completely dry.

• Plectranthus (mosaic plant)
  Perfect for closed terrariums, they enjoy constant humidity, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Their colorful leaves in green, pink, or white add a vibrant touch to the arrangement.
• Mosses
  They are highly decorative and ideal for closed terrariums, as they thrive in humid and shaded environments. They do not need deep substrate but require regular misting of water.
• Mini ferns
  Delicate and full of movement, they prefer high humidity and diffused light. They require occasional pruning and cleaning of dry leaves to prevent the onset of fungi.

• Mini orchids
  More sophisticated, they work well in closed terrariums with good humidity and occasional ventilation. They bloom with indirect light and need special substrate for epiphytes.
• Dwarf sansevieria and peace lily
  These compact versions bring verticality and elegance. They adapt to different light conditions and are quite resilient, as long as the soil does not become waterlogged.

Inspiration for terrariums in your home

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.