Make a Native Terrarium

With mostly everyone stuck at home, I figured now was the perfect time to show a project anyone could replicate. What better than a native terrarium? No need to go out or order things when you likely have everything needed in your house and backyard.

If you're unfamiliar with these, we refer to them as native terrariums because they are composed of items local or native to your area. Think of it as capturing a slice of nature specific to your yard. Getting outside to collect materials and build is also a great way to destress and bring the beauty of nature indoors for year long enjoyment.

Although I presented this video in an ASMR no voice over format, I have videos that detail this process. I followed the same procedures used for the $0 Free Terrarium video:    • Make an AWESOME Terrarium for FREE!  . I recommend watching that video if this is something you'd like to make. Two years later and that terrarium is still going strong! That video of course is a modification of my native terrarium from How to Terrarium episode 3:    • Make a Terrarium w/ Local Materials (Nativ...  .

If you're familiar with my other builds you may wonder why I didn't add charcoal or springtails to this one. Charcoal helps create the optimal environment within a terrarium and increases the likelihood of success. Although extremely beneficial, it's not a requirement. If you have it, add it. If not, don't stress and move to the next step. As for springtails, they help create a natural decomposition cycle and mitigate issues with mold. When using components from outside, you're pretty much guaranteed that springtails will take up residence. They hitchhike on the materials.

That leads to one of my top FAQs, “my terrarium is full of white stringy mold, what should I do?” Getting mold in a newly established terrarium is almost a grantee, especially if you include wood or botanicals. DON'T STRESS! This is easy remedied. Like I said previously, springtails and charcoal will help. Without either of those though, the easiest way around it is with manual removal. I like to use my tweezers for that job. After a week or two of consistently removing it, the terrarium will gain equilibrium and the mold will dissipate.

Another common FAQ is, “what plants should I use?” My first recommendation of course is moss. 9/10 it will acclimate to and thrive in a terrarium with only a few exceptions. If you live somewhere tropical, then anything will work. That said, choose plants that stay small or be prepared to consistently trim them so they don't outgrow the space. If you live somewhere temperate (like me) I've found that the best ones to use are evergreen plants (stay green year round). Otherwise they will thrive initially, but won't last long-term. Again, choose plants that stay small or be prepared to trim. Lastly DO NOT use succulent or cactus plants. They will not work in a closed environment.

Hopefully that bit of insight will help you get started. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, leave them down in the comments! For additional content like this, photos of my terrariums, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @SerpaDesign.

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