A moss terrarium is fun, easy to create, and easy to care for. These terrariums are growing in popularity in the gardening industry, and they’re are an easy way to get started with your very own.
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What is a Moss Terrarium
A terrarium is essentially a jar with a self contained ecosystem inside. A moss terrarium is exactly what it sounds like, a terrarium with moss inside.
Moss terrariums are a fun way to add additional plant life to your home. They’re low maintenance and easy to care for, so they’re great for beginners. We love the idea of adding one of these terrariums to your home, or even in your office. They’re great desk accessories that add greenery to an office space.
Terrariums do not have drainage holes, so you can use any jar that you already have. They’re easy to maintain, in terms of watering just moss terrariums require a light misting every other week. For the most part you can place these terrariums in a variety of light levels, but indirect light is best to avoid burning your moss.
What You’ll Need
A Terrarium Jar
The most obvious item you’ll need (maybe besides moss) is a terrarium for your moss to live in. You can use any jar (preferably with a lid), so feel free to use something you already have! Mason jars, old candle jars, etc. all work great here.
We love this option from Amazon as a clean, simple terrarium jar. However, feel free to choose one that fits your own personal style!
Pebbles for Drainage
If you already have a container garden at home chances are you have pebbles that you’ve used to add drainage to one of your pots.
In a terrarium, there are no drainage holes. You’ll want a base layer of pebbles to ensure your moss doesn’t get waterlogged.
Potting Soil
You wont need much potting soil, but just enough to put a 1-2 inch layer down between the gravel and the moss. Any potting soil will do, but if you’re looking for our favorite we recommend the Happy Frog organic potting mix from Fox Farm.
Moss
Probably the most important and exciting part of the terrarium – the moss! You can get moss from a variety of places. Maybe if you’re interested in scavenging, you can get the moss on your next nature hike by harvesting some off of a log.
If that’s not your style, you can always check out your local gardening store. If you’re looking for an online option, we like this one from Etsy.
Accent Décor
This last one is optional, but some good accents can make a moss terrarium more interesting. Whether its a piece of driftwood, seashells, or even another plant there are plenty of to dress up your terrarium.
How to Create a Moss Terrarium
Creating your moss terrarium is fairly straightforward. We’re outlining 3 easy steps to help you create your moss terrarium below!
Step 1: Layer of Pebbles for Drainage
Once you’ve assembled your materials, you’re ready to get started!
Step one is to add a layer of pebbles for drainage. This will help provide a little drainage and ensure that your moss doesn’t stay too moist. There are no holes in a terrarium, so this is the only way to drain water off of the moss after each watering.
You don’t need a huge layer of pebbles, half an inch should be sufficient here.
Step 2: Add 1-2 inches of potting soil
Next, you’ll want to add 1-2 inches of potting soil to act as a barrier between your moss and the pebbles/water at the bottom of your terrarium.
Step 3: Assemble your Moss Terrarium
Finally – place your moss on top of the soil, along with any accent décor you want!
Care for Your Moss Terrarium
Moss terrariums are totally low maintenance and easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners.
To care for your terrarium, place it in a spot that gets indirect light. Lightly mist the moss every other week. If you see condensation on the sides of the jar, there’s enough moisture in there already.
Do you have a moss terrarium? What tips have you learned? Let us know in the comments below!
