DIY Desk Terrarium

A desktop terrarium makes a pleasant addition to any office. Terrariums are small landscapes within a glass container. They take little care because they are sealed and produce their own water that gathers on the side of the container and trickles down to the soil. Care includes making sure the terrarium stays moist and pruning plants once in awhile to keep them small and contained. Fluorescent lights often produce enough light for a low-light terrarium, which will grow well in an office.

Clear glass container with lid
Gravel
Activated charcoal
Sphagnum moss
Water
Potting soil
Plastic spoon
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the bottom of a clean glass container with 1 to 3 inches gravel. Gravel allows excess water to drain.
- 2
  Add 1/2 inch activated charcoal. This keeps water and air clean inside the terrarium, preventing harmful bacteria.
- 3
  Add a thin layer of sphagnum moss to stop soil from sinking down into the drainage area.
- 4
  Dampen soil mix lightly with water to make it moist but not soggy.
- 5
  Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of potting soil consisting of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. A small container, like a candy jar will take less soil than a large brandy snifter or fish bowl with large bottoms that hold more volume.
- 6
  Dig a hole in the soil with a plastic spoon that is large enough to bury most of the plant roots. Set the plants in and fill in with more soil, packing it into the soil. Do not crowd plants as they will grow larger with time, and do not let them touch the glass of the container.
- 7
  Use a spray bottle filled with water to mist the surface of the soil. Cover the container with a lid or piece of glass or hard plastic to seal it.

The Best Sphagnum Moss for Topiaries

How to Grow Water Lilies in a Tub Filter

Specialty Gardens