What you’ll need: A glass cloche and a saucer, or a large-mouthed apothecary or cookie jar; pebbles for drainage; sterilized soilless potting mix; a mister filled with distilled water; small scissors; a flowerpot; and a humidity-loving tropical houseplant, such as a button fern or a flame violet, that is compact or slow growing. If you’re having difficulty finding one, read the plant labels or ask a salesperson for help.
How to set it up: Arrange a one-inch layer of pebbles in the base of the terrarium. Transfer the plant from its original plastic pot to a ceramic or earthenware one, and add potting mix to fill if necessary. Use scissors to trim any yellow or brown leaves. Mist the soil with water and cover.
Position the pot. Place the plant in the center of the terrarium. Prune its leaves to ensure that none are touching the sides or the top of the glass.
What you’ll need for an array of plants: A contemporary-looking terrarium; activated aquarium charcoal (to prevent odors); sterile potting mix formulated for succulents (check the package labels); a mister filled with distilled water; and three or more plants.
How to set it up: Spread a half-inch to one-inch layer of pebbles or gravel on the bottom of the terrarium. Top that with a quarter inch of charcoal and two inches of potting mix, forming a slight mound in the center. Mist the soil so that it’s barely damp. Add the plants, making sure they are spaced a couple of inches apart. Put large plants in the center. To add contrast to a modern container, include a few ornate succulents, such as echeverias. Dot spiky-looking plants around the perimeter. Tillandsias, also known as air plants, rest on top of the soil rather than being placed in it. They get nutrients and moisture from the air. Cover an voila!