---
title: "How to create and care for an open terrarium"
description: "Create a beautiful open terrarium for tropical plants. This guide shows you how to build one, select plants, and master care for light, watering, and misting. Your humid plant oasis awaits!"
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/trivia/openterrarium"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:35.865Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T09:50:43.443Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/mJniXwdwQzWwKjM_0uxbqw.webp?size=large"
---

# How to create and care for an open terrarium

## What is an open terrarium?

An open terrarium is a fun and easy way to grow, decorate and be creative with plants.

An open terrarium may not fit the textbook definition for a terrarium, but it has many of the same traits. Essentially it's a partially open vessel that contains more humidity while still allowing air to flow freely. These lack drainage holes and will need a false bottom or well draining soil to prevent overwatering issues. Compared to a closed terrarium, which becomes its own self sustaining ecosystem, the open terrarium will need more upkeep such as regular watering, misting and pruning. However, it will be more versatile and suit a wider range of plants instead.

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/mJniXwdwQzWwKjM_0uxbqw.webp?size=large)

_This terrarium contains_Fittonia_'Forrest Flame' and 'White Angel',_Soleirolia soleirolii, Callisia repens_'Bianca'_, Murdannia_'Bright Star' and_Clematicissus striata

## Care

Lighting is the most crucial part when it comes to caring for your terrarium. It needs plenty of bright but only indirect light to be able to thrive. If your planter is exposed to direct sunlight it can become over heated and even cook the plants inside. But if you place your terrarium in an area that's too dark**,**your plants won't be able to perform photosynthesis properly. It can cause the plants to grow very sparse and weak (called etiolated) which could even be fatal to the plants.

A spot where it'll be able to "see" the sky, but is protected from direct sun light, is the best spot. If you live in a climate with less day hours during any season you might want to either move your planter to a brighter spot or supply it with grow lights during the darker season.

_- Rotating your planter regularly is a good idea to maintain a more thriving ecosystem if the light direction is only exposing one side of the vessel._

**Water**your planter so it's kept evenly moist but not wet. You don't want water to build up, making the soil water logged. This can be fatal to your plants and also cause a rotten smell.

**Misting**your planter regularly will be beneficial to your tropical plants. Depending on how open the planter is you might need to mist it more or less often.

We recommend that you fertilize your planter sparingly to avoid too much nutrients building up in the planter. Follow the tasks in Planta and your terrarium will thrive!

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/l9xzTMoPRnKXm0Qn--CL4w.webp?size=large)

_This terrarium contains_Fittonia_'White Star' and 'Mistral Pink',_Synonym podophyllum_'Neon',_Monstera adansonii, Ficus pumila_'White Sunny',_Pilea involucrata_'Moon Valley' and_Tillandsia capillaris

## Want to create your own open terrarium?

### Then this is all you need

- A vessel or planter
- Drainage layer
- Soil
- Suitable plants

### Air tight vessel

You can choose any shape or type of vessel as long as it's**see through**so the plants are able to perform photosynthesis. We recommend using one made out of**glass**as it's more durable, won't get discolored, doesn't age and doesn't get scratched as easily as a plastic containers. Mason jars, bottles, lanterns, serving bowls or even fish bowls can be used. Be creative and search through your home or a nearby thrift shop. There are also a lot of bottles available in garden centers that are made for just this type of project.

### Drainage layer

The drainage layer needs to be made out of minerals so it doesn't decompose. LECA, pumice, coarse sand and decorative gravels are just some examples that are suitable as a drainage layer.**Adding a drainage layer will help your plants thrive**and prevent watering issues. If you're vessel of choice doesn't have that much space you can skip this part and try to make the soil more draining instead. But we recommend adding one if possible.

### Soil

A light, fertile and fluffy soil type is suitable when planting your terrarium. Regular all purpose potting soil or a more tropical soil mix with coco coir and chunks of bark and perlite works as well.

### Suitable plants

Since you're creating a**tropical environment**it's important that you choose**tropical plants**. Succulents and cacti won't do well in your humid planter. Also choosing plants that won't grow grow too large is advised.

Trees and shrubs with woody stems can be risky to use, both due to their larger growth habits, but also because they're prone to get stem rot if planted in humid environments.

We recommend that you choose a mix of a**ground covering plants**,**a taller plant**and**a color popping plant**. Try to choose plants that contrast with each others to make the planter interesting and eye-catching.

_- We will list suitable plants further down in this article if you need some inspiration._

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/TMjM7u4mQa-RvOFEl92tlg.webp?size=large)

_This terrarium contains_Soleirolia soleirolii_and_Pteris ensiformis

## How to create your terrarium

**1.**Start by adding a drainage layer at the bottom of the vessel. A layer of at least ½ in (1cm) if possible. If the vessel you use is big and has space lots of space, you can increase the drainage layer. Try to keep it to 1/3 third of the total thickness of the bottom substrates.

\- Optional: If you want to make it more advanced you can add a substrate divider to prevent the soil from blending into the drainage layer. A durable thin mesh, screen or even sphagnum moss can be used as such.

**2.**Add the soil of your choice and spread it out evenly on top of the drainage layer. If you have a larger vessel you can try to create a slope or make the center higher for to create a more interesting design. Make sure it'll have space for the roots of your plants.

\- Optional: You can also add rocks, wood, figurines, sea shells or other objects to decorate the terrarium with. Some will also be excellent to use as support for climbing or epiphytic plants.

**3.**Now it's time for**the plants!**We recommend starting with the outer plants first and then working your way to the center of your creation, especially if you're working with a vessel that has a tighter neck such as a bottle.

Remove most of the old soil from the roots of the plants. Lots of plants can be divided or may have several plants in the same pot. Divide them to help spread them out more. You don't need to fill out all the free space as the plants will grow.

**4.**Finish up the planter by cleaning the inside walls of the vessel and brushing off dirt from the plants. Water the plants by misting them with a spray bottle. This can also help clean off the remaining dirt from the plants and the walls of the vessel. When the plants are watered enough and it's clean you're finally done! Now you just need to find the perfect spot for it to live.

_- Note that it's perfectly normal for small microorganisms to thrive in your planter. Spring tails and wood lice is not uncommon to have in your terrarium. They are totally harmless and nothing to worry about._

**5.**You can add your open terrarium to your Planta account to get tasks and to follow its progress

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8Cq7ndtrSTyhU5j8N-kMtQ.webp?size=large)

## Suitable plants

\- "sp." meaning there are multiple suitable plants within that genus.

### Low growing and ground covering plants

- _Ficus pumila,_Creeping fig
- _Pilea libanensis,_Silver sprinkles
- _Callisia repens,_Turtle vine
- _Soleirolia soleirolii,_Baby tears
- _Selaginella kraussiana,_Krauss' spikemoss
- _Pilea depressa_, Giant's baby's tears
- _Peperomia prostrata,_String of turtles
- Different types of tropical mosses

### Ferns to add texture

- _Adiantum_sp.
- _Nephrolepis_sp.
- _Pteris_sp.
- _Asplenium_sp.
- _Phlebodium_sp.
- _Microsorum_sp.
- _Doryopteris_sp.
- _Asparagus_sp.
- _Selaginella_sp. -_Not a fern but a spikemoss and adds similar texture to the mix_
- _Hemionitis cordata_, Heart leaf fern
- _Pellaea rotundifolia,_Button fern
- _Davallia_sp.
- _Actiniopteris australis_, Eyelash fern

### Medium sized plants to add interesting foliage and color

- _Fittonia_sp., Nerve plant
- _Syngonium podophyllum,_Arrowhead plant
- _Epipremnum aureum,_Pothos
- _Philodendron hederaceum,_Heart leaf philodendron
- _Alocasia_sp. - Choose smaller sized species and cultivars such as 'Bambino', 'Black Velvet' and_Alocasia maharani_
- _Peperomia_sp.
- _Begonia_sp.
- _Macodes petola,_Lighting bolt jewel orchid
- _Ludisia discolor,_Jewel orchid
- _Hypoestes polystaycha,_Polka dot plant
- _Tradescantia_sp.
- _Clorophytum comosum,_Spider plant
- _Pilea_sp.
- _Muehlenbeckia_sp.
- _Pellonia repens,_Trailing watermelon begonia
- _Gynura aurantiaca_, Purple passion
- _Aglaonema_sp.
- _Maranta leuconeura,_Prayer plant
- _Philodendron_sp.
- _Monstera_sp.
- _Goeppertia_sp. (Formerly known as_Calathea_)
- _Anthurium_sp.
- _Callisia_sp.
- _Synognium_sp.
- _Murdannia ioriformis,_
- _Rhaphidophora sp._
- _Nidularium sp._
- _Cercestis mirabilis,_African embossed cercestis
- _Cissus amazonica,_Amazon jungle vine
- _Episcia_sp.
- _Ficus punctata_
- _Ficus scandens_

## よくある質問

### What is the main difference between an open and closed terrarium?

An open terrarium is a partially open vessel that allows air to flow freely, maintaining higher humidity while requiring more upkeep like regular watering and misting. In contrast, a closed terrarium forms a largely self-sustaining ecosystem.

### What type of lighting is best for an open terrarium?

An open terrarium thrives with plenty of bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the plants to overheat, while insufficient light can lead to weak, sparse growth due to poor photosynthesis.

### Is a drainage layer always necessary when building an open terrarium?

While highly recommended for preventing watering issues, a drainage layer made of minerals can be skipped if your vessel has limited space or if you use a particularly well-draining soil mix. If included, aim for at least 1/2 inch (1 cm) of thickness.

### Which plants should I avoid using in an open terrarium?

You should avoid succulents and cacti, as they do not thrive in humid environments. Also, trees and shrubs with woody stems are generally unsuitable due to their larger growth habits and susceptibility to stem rot in high humidity.

### How should I water an open terrarium after planting?

After planting, water your open terrarium by misting the plants with a spray bottle. This method helps to clean the inside walls of the vessel and remove any remaining dirt from the foliage.

### How often should I fertilize plants in an open terrarium?

It is best to fertilize plants in an open terrarium sparingly. This helps to prevent an excessive buildup of nutrients within the planter, which can be detrimental to the plants.

## How to create an open terrarium

1. Start by adding a drainage layer, ideally at least 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick, at the bottom of your chosen vessel.
2. Add your selected soil on top of the drainage layer, spreading it out evenly and ensuring there's enough space for your plants' roots.
3. Carefully add the plants, beginning with the outer ones, removing most of the old soil from their roots, and dividing them if necessary.
4. Finish by cleaning the inside walls of the vessel and then misting the plants with a spray bottle to water them and remove any dirt.

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