Fresh examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums for 2025

3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums you can actually copy

Let’s start with real-life setups instead of theory. These are examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums that work beautifully in modern homes, whether you’re in a studio apartment or a suburban house with more windows than you know what to do with.

You don’t need fancy gear, a greenhouse, or a designer budget. You just need a clear container, the right plants, and a tiny bit of patience.

Example 1: The Lush Jungle Jar (closed terrarium)

If you want a tiny rainforest on your desk, this is your best example to start with. Think dense greenery, layered textures, and a slightly wild look inside a sealed glass container.

What this terrarium looks like

Picture a big glass cookie jar with a lid, about 10–12 inches tall. Inside, you’ve got a little hill of soil, moss hugging the base, and small tropical plants reaching up toward the glass. Condensation lightly fogs the walls in the morning, then clears as the day goes on.

This is one of the classic examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums because it shows how much drama you can get from a few small plants in a closed environment.

Great plant choices for the jungle jar

For a closed terrarium, you want moisture-loving plants that stay small:

• Nerve plant (Fittonia) for colorful leaves (pink, red, or white veins)
• Baby tears (Soleirolia) or Irish moss for a soft groundcover
• Miniature ferns (like button fern)
• Small peperomia varieties

These are all humidity fans and do well in the warm, moist microclimate of a closed jar. The University of Missouri Extension notes that terrariums thrive when you choose slow-growing, moisture-loving plants that won’t outgrow the container in a month.

How to build it

You’ll:

• Add a thin drainage layer of small pebbles or aquarium gravel.
• Sprinkle a bit of activated charcoal to help keep odors and mold down.
• Add a good-quality, peat-free potting mix.
• Arrange your plants with the tallest at the back and groundcovers at the front.
• Tuck moss around the base to cover bare soil.

Mist lightly, close the lid, and place in bright, indirect light. If the glass is constantly dripping, open the lid for a few hours to vent.

This jungle jar is an example of how a closed terrarium can almost run on autopilot once it’s balanced.

Example 2: The Minimalist Moss Bowl (low-maintenance favorite)

If you want something nearly effortless, this is one of the best examples of a terrarium for beginners. No fussy plants, no elaborate layers—just a calm, green, almost meditative bowl of moss.

What this terrarium looks like

Imagine a wide, shallow glass bowl or cylinder, 4–6 inches high. Inside: rich green cushions of sheet moss and pillow moss, maybe a small decorative stone or two. It looks like a tiny forest floor.

This is one of the best examples of a terrarium that fits modern, minimalist decor. It works on coffee tables, nightstands, or even bathroom shelves where other plants might struggle.

Why moss works so well

Moss is perfect if you:

• Forget to water sometimes
• Have low to medium light
• Want something that looks calm and intentional

Moss doesn’t have true roots; it absorbs water over its surface, which is why it loves humidity. The New York Botanical Garden has highlighted moss gardens as a growing trend, especially for small-space gardeners who want texture without high maintenance.

How to build it

• Add a thin layer of small stones or sand at the bottom.
• Top with a layer of moist, well-squeezed-out sphagnum moss or a thin layer of potting mix.
• Press your decorative moss firmly onto the surface so it makes good contact.

Mist the moss whenever it starts to look a bit dull or dry. Keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch it through the glass.

This moss bowl is a standout among examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums because it proves you don’t need flowering plants or complex designs to make something beautiful.

Example 3: The Desert Dome (open succulent and cactus terrarium)

Maybe you’re more “desert at sunset” than “tropical rainforest.” In that case, an open terrarium with succulents and small cacti is your go-to example.

What this terrarium looks like

Think of a glass globe or low-sided dish with an open top. Inside you see layers of sand and gravel, a few chunky stones, and clusters of tiny succulents in different colors—blue-green, purple-tinged, or lime.

Because it’s open, this is technically not a traditional terrarium, but in 2024–2025, open succulent bowls are still trending hard on social media as modern examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums that double as decor.

Smart plant picks for a desert dome

Choose small, slow-growing varieties like:

• Haworthia (striped, spiky, and compact)
• Echeveria (rosette shapes)
• String of pearls (trailing, if your container allows)
• Mini barrel cacti or mammillaria (handle with care!)

Use a gritty cactus/succulent mix so the roots never sit in soggy soil. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill this kind of terrarium, and sites like Clemson Cooperative Extension emphasize good drainage and minimal watering for succulent containers.

How to build it

• Add a layer of gravel or small rocks.
• Add a sandy, well-draining cactus soil mix.
• Nestle your succulents in, leaving a bit of space between them.
• Top with decorative sand, gravel, or small rocks.

Water sparingly—think tablespoons, not cups. Let the soil dry completely before watering again.

Among the examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums, this desert dome is the best example for sunny windowsills and people who tend to over-love their plants with light but not with constant watering.

More real examples to inspire your own DIY terrariums

Those three core setups give you a strong starting point, but let’s stretch a bit. Here are a few more real examples you can mix and match to suit your style.

The Hanging Air Plant Globe

Air plants (Tillandsia) don’t need soil at all, which makes them perfect for glass orbs that hang in front of windows.

You can:

• Tuck one or two air plants into a small glass globe.
• Add a bit of preserved moss or a tiny piece of driftwood.
• Hang several at different heights for a floating garden effect.

This is a fun example of a DIY indoor plant terrarium that works well in rentals, because you can hang them from existing curtain rods or hooks without major hardware.

The Herb Kitchen Terrarium

If you like the idea of something pretty and practical, a small open herb terrarium on a kitchen counter is a great example.

Use a wide, shallow glass container and plant:

• Mini basil
• Thyme
• Parsley

Keep it near a bright window and snip as needed. The University of Maryland Extension has helpful guidance on growing herbs indoors, especially around light needs and watering.

The Fern & Pebble Zen Cylinder

For bathrooms or low-light corners, a tall glass cylinder with a single small fern, a layer of polished pebbles, and a bit of moss creates a spa-like vibe. This is one of the best examples of how a single plant, styled thoughtfully, can feel more intentional than a crowded container.

How to choose the right example of terrarium for your space

With all these examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums swirling around, how do you pick the right one for your home?

Match the terrarium to your light

• Bright, indirect light (near a window, but not harsh sun): Jungle jar, moss bowl, fern cylinder.
• Direct sun (south or west-facing windows): Desert dome, succulent bowls, some herb terrariums.
• Low light (few windows, interior rooms): Moss bowl, some ferns, air plant globes (as long as they get some indirect light).

If you’re unsure about light levels, a simple rule of thumb: if you can comfortably read a book in that spot during the day without turning on a lamp, most terrarium plants will be happy there.

Match the terrarium to your personality

• Forgetful about watering? Moss bowl or jungle jar.
• Love a structured, modern look? Desert dome or minimalist moss bowl.
• Like to tinker and rearrange? Open terrariums with succulents or herbs.

These real examples include something for almost every lifestyle, which is why they’re such strong examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums for beginners and plant lovers alike.

Common mistakes (and how these examples help you avoid them)

Even the best examples of terrariums can go wrong if you ignore a few basics. Fortunately, the setups we’ve walked through naturally avoid a lot of the classic problems.

Overwatering

Closed terrariums like the jungle jar need very little water once established. If you see heavy condensation all day, you’ve gone too far. Open terrariums with succulents should be watered sparingly. As many horticulture resources point out, more houseplants die from overwatering than underwatering.

Wrong plant for the wrong container

Moisture-loving ferns in an open, dry bowl? They’ll sulk. Desert plants in a closed, steamy jar? Recipe for rot. The reason these examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums work so well is that each pairs the right plant type with the right environment.

Direct sun on glass

Glass can act like a magnifying glass, especially in summer. A closed terrarium in a south-facing window can heat up quickly. Place closed setups in bright but indirect light to avoid cooking your plants.

If you have kids or pets, remember that some plants can be irritating or toxic if chewed. For general indoor plant safety information, you can check resources like the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list or consult your veterinarian.

Quick care tips that apply to all these examples

No matter which example of terrarium you build, a few simple habits will keep it looking good:

• Check moisture with your finger, not just your eyes. If the soil feels damp an inch down, wait.
• Rotate the container every week or two so plants grow evenly.
• Trim back overachievers before they press hard against the glass.
• Wipe the inside of the glass gently if algae or mineral deposits build up.

These small steps help your terrarium stay more like the inspiring real examples you see online and less like the sad, overgrown science project everyone quietly ignores.

FAQ: Real-world questions about DIY indoor plant terrariums

What are some easy examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums for beginners?

Some of the easiest examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums are the minimalist moss bowl, a small jungle jar with nerve plants and moss, and an open succulent dish. They all use common plants, basic materials, and don’t require advanced plant skills.

Can I mix succulents and ferns in the same terrarium?

You can, but it’s not a good idea. Succulents want dry, fast-draining soil and plenty of light. Ferns want moisture and higher humidity. The best examples of long-lasting terrariums usually group plants with similar needs.

How often should I water a closed terrarium like the jungle jar example?

Usually every few weeks or even less. If you see light condensation in the morning that fades during the day, it’s in a good spot. If the glass is dripping constantly, open the lid for a few hours and skip watering until the soil is just barely moist.

What is an example of a very low-maintenance terrarium for a dark apartment?

A moss bowl or a small fern-and-moss cylinder is a great example of a low-maintenance terrarium for lower light. They tolerate softer light better than most succulents and need only occasional misting.

Do terrariums help improve indoor air quality?

Any healthy plant can contribute a little to fresher-feeling air and humidity, especially in dry, heated homes. While some older studies suggested dramatic air-cleaning effects, more recent research and summaries from sources like NASA and other academic discussions note that you’d need a lot of plants to significantly change indoor air quality in a whole room. Still, terrariums can make your space feel more alive and comfortable, which matters for overall well-being.

When you look at these examples of 3 inspiring examples of DIY indoor plant terrariums, the real takeaway is this: you don’t need to copy them perfectly. Use the jungle jar, moss bowl, desert dome, air plant globe, herb kitchen terrarium, and fern cylinder as starting points. Then tweak them to fit your light, your schedule, and your style.

That’s when your terrarium stops being just another project and starts feeling like a tiny, living piece of home.