Creative Terrariums. Enid G. Svymbersky

      On average, mosses prefer some shade, so be sure to relocate any moss terrariums from window ledges after you’re finished admiring them. Succulents, on the other hand, love lots of sun.

      The coffeepot terrarium that started it all for me!

       REPURPOSED VESSELS

      I’m constantly on the hunt for a drainage-free, watertight, transparent beauty. Take a good look around your home: I’m sure you will find some glass containers to repurpose into charming terrarium displays. Some of my favorite household items to use include mason jars, wine glasses, an old coffeepot, vases, and glass bottles. Terrarium purists will shake their heads and tell you that acrylic vessels are taboo. However, if you find an open vessel with good airflow and a watertight bottom, you can certainly turn it into a place for plants.

       WHERE TO SHOP

      If you’re looking for something distinctive you will find an excellent collection of glass containers at stores like IKEA, West Elm, World Market, HomeGoods, and Michael’s craft stores. For the more adventurous, acrylic containers are another medium to consider. Antique shops and thrift stores are gold mines when it comes to finding unique glassware. But steer clear of colored glass. While I love to collect it, I wouldn’t put my plants in colored glass because they would have a hard time registering the right spectrum of sunlight they need to grow.

       PRACTICAL VESSELS FOR YOUR PLANT SPECIES

      Cacti, succulents, and air plants need good airflow. On occasion, you may see these plants in closed containers for décor purposes. However, this is not a practical solution for an extended period. Vessels with an opening or no walls at all are your best options.

      Tropical plants, mosses, and ferns enjoy the high-humidity environment of a closed vessel. But some species can thrive in open containers as well.

       HEADROOM

      When considering a small vessel for a mini terrarium, keep in mind that all plants need room to grow. The last thing you want to do is cram plants into a space they will outgrow in a week.

      Airflow is important to succulents.

       RECOMMENDED TERRARIUM VESSELS

      Geometric. These vessels are very popular and give off a modern vibe. Slow-growing cacti and succulents work best in these vessels. Haworthias are my favorites to plant in this type of vessel.

      Cube. You can have fun adding colorful layers of sand or rocks to a vessel like this. Great for succulents, cacti, and tropical plants that do not require high humidity.

      Fishbowl. A classic terrarium vessel, easy to source from any pet store.

      Coffeepot. Raid the kitchen for unused glassware! A coffeepot can make a nice home for ferns and mosses.

      Apothecary jar. An old favorite, it’s easy to imagine ferns in this type of vessel. Tropical plants and mosses will also love this closed environment.

      Bottle. Not very wide but does provide some headroom. Appropriate for mini marimo balls, small ferns, and mosses.

      Cloche. An elegant vessel ready to show off your next orchid display.

      Low bowl. A wide dish with lots of room for succulents and cacti to grow.

      Hanging globe. This sleek modern vessel can fit pretty much anywhere. The perfect perch for an air plant or small succulent display.

       BEFORE YOU BEGIN ANY TERRARIUM PROJECT

      Wash your empty vessel(s) of choice in warm soapy water, inside and out, rinse, and let dry completely. The same goes for rocks and other decorative projects you intend to place inside your terrariums.

      geometric

      cube

      fishbowl

      coffeepot

      apothecary jar

      bottle

      cloche

      low bowl

      hanging globe