A terrarium is a great way to display plants in your home or office. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide fresh air and humidity. If you’re looking to create a stunning terrarium display, follow these 10 design principles:
1. Choose the Right Plants
The plants you choose will largely depend on the size and type of terrarium you’re creating. If you’re making a closed terrarium, choose plants that thrive in high humidity and low light. For an open terrarium, opt for drought-tolerant plants that can handle more direct sunlight. Not sure where to start? Check out our Terrarium Plant Library.
2. Size Matters
Carefully selecting terrarium plants of varying sizes can help to fill your terrarium, but consider what look you are going for. For luscious and thriving, choose an overabundance of plants and play around with layering. For simplicity, consider choosing one larger central plant.
3. Use the Right Terrarium Container
Using the right terrarium container can really influence your final design. If you want a more industrial look, consider using an upcycled glass jar or container. For something rustic, go for a wooden box. If you’re going for something sleek and modern, try a geometric glass terrarium.
4. Layer Your Plants for Optimum Effectiveness
Layering your terrarium plants can really create an impact. Try to vary the heights of your plants, and use different shades of green to create depth.
Ferns are a great way to add some greenery to your terrarium, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Try layering them with other plants like mosses or ivy for a stunning effect.
5. Don’t Overcrowd Your Terrarium
A terrarium looks great when it’s thriving, but can quickly become overcrowded and unhealthy if you’re not careful. When in doubt, less is more when it comes to planting your terrarium.
Start with a few plants, and see how they do before adding more. You can always add more plants later on if you need to.
6. Use Different Types of Soil and Growing Mediums
One of the great things about terrariums is that you can get creative with the planting mediums you use. In addition to traditional potting soil, try using things like gravel, sand, or even moss.
This can add visual interest to your terrarium, as well as provide different growing conditions for your plants.
7. Drainage is Important
Drainage is important in terrariums, and can also help you create some interesting visual effects. If you’re using a closed terrarium, make sure to use a layer of gravel or charcoal to help with drainage.
For open terrariums, consider planting your plants in raised beds so that the water can drain away easily.
8. Keep It Natural
When it comes to terrarium design, less is usually more. Try to stick with natural materials and plants, and avoid anything too fussy or artificial-looking.
By keeping things simple, you’ll create a terrarium that looks beautiful and tranquil.
9. Add Decorative Elements if You Wish
Make your terrarium interesting and unique by adding your own spin.
Add some decorative elements like shells, stones, or even a small figurine.
Just be sure that whatever you add is safe for your plants and won’t change the terrarium’s environment too much.
10. Choose a Theme
One final way to make your terrarium stand out is to choose a theme.
You could go for a desert-themed terrarium with cacti and succulents, or a rainforest-inspired terrarium with ferns and mosses.
Whatever you choose, be sure to stick to plants that will thrive in the style of terrarium you have chosen.
And there you have it! By following these simple design principles, you’ll be able to create a stunning terrarium that will be the envy of all your friends. So get creative and have fun! For more terrarium designs, ideas and inspiration, check out our home page.
