• Materials
  • Container
  • Activated charcoal pieces
  • rocks
  • Potting soil
  • Gloves
  • Terrarium plants
  • Sheet moss
  • Watering can
  • Trowel
• Build the Base
  • Install approximately 1-2 inches of charcoal at base of container.
• Mix It Up
  • Combine remaining charcoal with soil either by hand or with trowel.
• Add the Second Layer
  • Fill your container one-fourth to one-third full with the charcoal-and-soil mixture. Gently pack the soil every 2 inches to avoid large air pockets.
• Add Greens
  • Carefully remove your plants from their containers and position them on top of the soil to ensure proper spacing. Allow enough room between the plants for additional soil.

Learn about top plants for terrariums.

• Squash Air Pockets
  • Use your hands to pack soil in and around plants. Tuck plants deep enough into the soil to cover all plant roots and to keep the plants from reaching too far above the top of the container.
• Top Dress
  • With gloves, position moss on top of the soil and between the plants.
• Give Them a Drink
  • Water plants and place container in a well-lit area with indirect light. Future watering is dependent on the types of plants you have selected and the environment they're growing in. Test the soil for moisture before pulling out the watering can.
• Further Care
  • Maintenance is minimal once the plants are established. As they grow you may want to trim any branches that grow out and over the top of your container.