10 Easy DIY Jar Terrariums to Brighten Any Space

While empty jars sit idle on your shelf, a world of vibrant greenery awaits inside them. You can transform these glass containers into stunning DIY jar terrariums to brighten any space. Start with a simple setup using a 1-quart mason jar, layering 2 inches of pebbles for drainage, 1 inch of activated charcoal to prevent mold, and 3 inches of potting soil. Curious about specific designs? Stick around for inspiring ideas.

Classic Moss and Pebble Jar Terrarium

A Classic Moss and Pebble Jar Terrarium is a simple yet elegant way to bring a piece of nature indoors. This type of terrarium typically features a glass jar filled with layers of pebbles for drainage, a barrier layer like moss or activated charcoal to prevent soil from mixing with the pebbles, and a top layer of potting soil where moss and small plants can thrive. The moss serves as the main greenery, creating a lush, forest-like appearance, while the pebbles add texture and a natural aesthetic.

To create this terrarium, start by selecting a clean, clear glass jar with a lid to maintain humidity, which moss loves. Add a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles at the bottom, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal or sphagnum moss to filter water and prevent mold. Then, add a layer of potting soil, and gently place pieces of live moss on top, pressing them lightly into the soil. Mist the moss with water to keep it hydrated, and place the jar in indirect sunlight to avoid overheating. This low-maintenance setup is perfect for beginners and adds a calming, green touch to any space.

Succulent Haven in a Glass Jar

Creating a Succulent Haven in a Glass Jar is a delightful way to bring a touch of greenery into your home with minimal maintenance. Succulents, known for their water-storing capabilities, thrive in the enclosed environment of a glass jar, making them perfect for terrariums. Start by selecting a clear glass jar with a lid or an open top, depending on the humidity level you want to maintain—closed jars retain more moisture, while open jars allow for better air circulation.

To build your succulent terrarium, layer the bottom of the jar with small pebbles or gravel for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add a layer of potting mix suitable for succulents and cacti, then carefully plant your chosen succulents, arranging them for visual appeal. Finish with decorative elements like small rocks or moss, and place your jar in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight to guarantee your mini garden flourishes.

Tropical Fern Miniature Landscape

Creating a Tropical Fern Miniature Landscape in a jar terrarium brings the lush, vibrant essence of a tropical rainforest into a small, contained space. This type of terrarium focuses on ferns as the centerpiece, which thrive in the humid, shaded environment a glass jar provides. Select a variety of small ferns, such as maidenhair or button ferns, to create depth and texture, mimicking the layered look of a tropical forest floor.

To build this miniature landscape, start with a layer of pebbles for drainage, followed by activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add a substrate of potting mix suitable for ferns, and plant your chosen ferns, leaving space for growth. Enhance the tropical vibe by adding small moss-covered rocks or tiny figurines of forest creatures. Maintain high humidity by sealing the jar or misting regularly, and place it in indirect light to replicate the dappled sunlight of a rainforest canopy.

Desert Cactus Jar Display

Creating a Desert Cactus Jar Display is a fantastic way to bring a touch of the arid wilderness into your home with minimal maintenance. Start by selecting a glass jar with a lid or an open top, depending on the level of humidity you want to maintain—cacti thrive in drier conditions, so an open jar often works best. Layer the bottom with small pebbles or gravel for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh, and then add a mix of cactus potting soil.

Choose small cacti or succulents that fit the scale of your jar, arranging them to create a miniature desert landscape. Enhance the scene with decorative elements like sand, tiny rocks, or even small figurines to mimic a desert setting. Place the jar in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight, and water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry—to avoid overwatering, as cacti are adapted to survive with little moisture.

Fairy Garden Jar With Tiny Figurines

Creating a Fairy Garden Jar with tiny figurines is a whimsical way to bring a touch of magic into your home. Start by selecting a clean, dry glass jar with a lid or an open top, depending on the look you prefer. Layer the bottom with small pebbles or gravel for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add potting soil and plant small, low-maintenance plants like moss, air plants, or miniature ferns that thrive in a humid, enclosed space.

Next, design your fairy garden by adding tiny figurines such as fairies, gnomes, or miniature animals, along with small decorative elements like twigs, pebbles, or faux mushrooms to create a storybook scene. Arrange these items thoughtfully to craft a miniature world, leaving enough space for the plants to grow. Place the jar in indirect sunlight and mist the plants lightly every few days to maintain humidity, ensuring your enchanting fairy garden stays vibrant and alive.

Air Plant Floating Jar Design

The Air Plant Floating Jar Design is a minimalist and modern approach to creating a DIY jar terrarium that showcases the unique beauty of air plants. These plants, also known as Tillandsia, don’t require soil to grow, making them perfect for a floating or suspended look inside a glass jar. To create this design, select a clear glass jar with a wide opening or a lid that can be removed, and use fishing line or thin wire to suspend the air plant inside, giving the illusion that it’s floating mid-air.

This design not only highlights the air plant’s delicate structure but also allows for easy maintenance, as air plants thrive on air circulation and occasional misting. You can enhance the aesthetic by adding small decorative elements like pebbles or moss at the bottom of the jar for a subtle base, ensuring the focus remains on the floating plant. This style is ideal for small spaces or as a striking centerpiece, bringing a touch of nature indoors with minimal effort.

Woodland Mushroom Jar Scene

The Woodland Mushroom Jar Scene is a charming and whimsical terrarium design that brings the magic of a forest floor into a small glass jar. This setup typically features miniature mushroom figurines, moss, small rocks, and tiny plants to mimic a natural woodland environment. The key is to layer the jar with a base of pebbles for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh, and then a substrate like potting soil or sphagnum moss to support plant growth.

To create this scene, arrange the moss and small plants to form a lush, green carpet, and strategically place the mushroom figurines to resemble a fairy-tale forest. Add small twigs or bark pieces for a realistic touch, and consider including a tiny figurine of an animal or fairy to enhance the enchanting vibe. This terrarium is perfect for adding a touch of nature to indoor spaces and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginners.

Beach-Inspired Jar With Sand and Shells

Creating a beach-inspired jar terrarium is a delightful way to bring a piece of the seaside into your home. Start with a clean, dry glass jar and layer the bottom with fine sand to mimic a beach. Add small seashells, pebbles, and bits of driftwood to enhance the coastal vibe, arranging them thoughtfully to create a miniature shoreline scene.

For an added touch of life, consider including small air plants or succulents that thrive in sandy conditions, ensuring they are placed securely in the sand. Seal the jar if you prefer a low-maintenance option, or leave it open to allow for occasional watering and air circulation. This charming terrarium will evoke memories of sunny beach days every time you glance at it.

Herb Garden Jar for Kitchen Decor

Creating an herb garden jar for kitchen decor is a delightful and practical way to bring fresh greenery into your home while adding a touch of rustic charm. Start with a clean, wide-mouthed glass jar, such as a mason jar, and layer the bottom with small pebbles or gravel for drainage. Add a layer of potting soil, then plant small herb starters like basil, mint, or thyme, which thrive in indoor conditions and are perfect for culinary use. Position the jar on a sunny kitchen windowsill to make sure the herbs receive adequate light.

Not only does this herb garden jar serve as a functional source of fresh herbs for cooking, but it also enhances your kitchen’s aesthetic with its natural, earthy vibe. You can personalize the jar by tying a piece of twine or ribbon around the neck or labeling it with a cute tag for a farmhouse-inspired look. This simple DIY project is low-maintenance and allows you to enjoy the convenience of homegrown herbs right at your fingertips.

Zen Stone and Bamboo Jar Arrangement

The Zen Stone and Bamboo Jar Arrangement is a minimalist and calming design for a DIY jar terrarium, inspired by the principles of Zen gardens. This arrangement typically features smooth river stones, a small piece of lucky bamboo, and minimal greenery or moss to evoke a sense of tranquility and balance. The focus is on simplicity, with the stones arranged to create a serene landscape and the bamboo adding a touch of life and vertical interest.

To create this terrarium, start with a clean glass jar and layer the bottom with small pebbles for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add a shallow layer of potting soil or sand, then carefully place the stones in a harmonious pattern. Plant a small lucky bamboo stalk in the center or off to one side, and optionally add a bit of moss for a natural touch. This low-maintenance setup thrives in indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for bringing a peaceful vibe to any space.