Terrarium at Home: Open vs Closed Jars and Plants That Survive (Video)

Transcript

Can a closed jar keep succulents alive?

Can a closed jar keep succulents alive?

Terrarium Basics

Welcome! In the next few minutes I’ll walk you through the basics of building a terrarium, from choosing the right jar type to layering the soil, and I’ll share a quick tip that keeps the humidity balanced. Stick around for the one habit that guarantees success.

Open or closed terrarium

Here’s the thing: a closed jar creates a tiny water cycle, perfect for ferns, fittonia and moss that love damp, shady air. An open bowl, on the other hand, lets air move and soil dry, so succulents and cacti stay happy. Mixing the two is a recipe for rot, so pick one style and stick with it.

Jar size for beginners

A good rule of thumb is to start with at least a two-litre jar. Anything smaller fills up fast and makes it hard to keep the moisture level steady. A larger container gives you room to layer and a bit more breathing space for the plants.

Build the layers

First, wash the jar clean, any leftover slime feeds mould later. Then add a two-to-three centimetre layer of washed gravel or small pebbles for drainage. A thin sprinkle of horticultural charcoal helps keep the water from smelling, and a dry moss or mesh barrier stops soil from sinking into the gravel. These steps create a tiny reservoir while keeping roots out of standing water.

First week moisture trick

Now, the part most people miss: for the first week, pop the lid off for an hour each day, or alternate a closed day with an open day. You’ll see a light mist in the morning that clears by afternoon, that’s the jar telling you the moisture is balanced. If you get heavy drops all day, give it a few extra hours of air.

Plants that thrive

Think about it: the classic fittonia wilts dramatically when it dries out, but b up within hours in a closed jar. Small ferns like button or maidenhair love that humid, shaded environment. A patch of moss collected from a damp wall adds texture and loves the same conditions. And fast-growing pothos cuttings fill the jar quickly, though keep them away from curious pets.

Mould? How to fix

White fuzz on soil or a grey coat on a leaf means too much water and not enough air. First, pluck any dead or yellow leaves with tweezers. Then gently scrape the fuzzy patch off with a spoon. Leave the lid off for a day or two to let it dry. If it comes back, consider adding a pinch of springtails or starting fresh with new soil.

The one tip to avoid

So what should you do? The single habit that saves you from rot and mould is simple: keep your humidity-loving plants in a closed jar and your dry-loving succulents in an open bowl. Mixing them creates a micro-climate that satisfies neither, and the plants will pay the price.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.