Terrariums are miniature gardens enclosed in glass containers, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that mirrors a tropical rainforest in a jar. During the pandemic lockdowns, my husband, who has a natural green thumb, made three terrariums to help ease the anxiety. Missing the outdoors, we’d occasionally open a terrarium and take a deep breath. The earthy scent of damp soil transported us back to the trails we trekked and mountains we hiked as geologists in various parts of the Philippines.
Terrariums are not only a delightful way to explore nature but also an excellent educational project for kids. Recently, Ian and I revisited this activity for his science performance task. Before diving into the project, I had him watch videos on the basics of terrarium-making, including the selection of substrates, plants, decorative elements, and even bugs. He also learned how to properly care for terrariums to ensure they thrive.
This hands-on activity combines science and art, making it perfect for homeschooling. Ian carefully layered smooth pebbles, soil, and sand before adding plants like moss, episcia, and fittonia anne. Together, we created vibrant, self-contained ecosystems that now sit in our living room, soaking up gentle morning sunlight.
We did this terrarium project alongside our aquaponics experiment using betta fish tanks, which I discussed at length in the article below. Both activities reminded us of the beauty of nature and the joy of nurturing life, even in small, enclosed spaces. These projects aren’t just lessons in biology and sustainability—they’re also a way to reconnect with nature and inspire creativity.
For our terrarium project, we upcycled empty glass jars, giving them a new purpose while teaching the value of sustainability. The process of layering smooth pebbles, terrarium soil mix, sand, and carefully selecting plants makes it a creative endeavor. The plants we’ve used include two kinds of moss (sphagnum and pyrhobryum), episcia, and fittonia anne (nerve plant), each adding texture and color to the tiny landscapes. The video below is an IG Reel I made while I taught Ian how to layer the substrate and add the plants and drops of clean water into his terrarium:
Once assembled, we placed the terrariums in our living room, where they receive gentle morning sunlight, ensuring the plants thrive. To mimic natural moisture cycles, we added two drops of distilled water to each jar before sealing them with lids. Here’s a photo update of one of the terrariums we made. Do you see the dew drop? An adorable proof of life inside this small ecosystem.
This project teaches kids like Ian about ecosystems, plant care, and the water cycle. The artistic aspect of designing a terrarium also nurtures creativity. Plus, it’s a great way to instill eco-consciousness by reusing jars and appreciating the beauty of nature.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly, educational activity, creating terrariums might be the perfect experiment to try! Here are some videos that you can watch to learn more about terrariums and for design inspirations:
Here’s my favorite Instagram accounts that feature aesthetic terrarium for inspiration:
Here’s one inspired by a hobbit’s house:
Thank you for reading this far. – Grass
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