A terrarium is a special type of container garden that forms a decorative display piece in a clear vessel. It is either completely or partially closed and creates and maintains its own unique ecosystem.
Setting up a terrarium is a great DIY project. They’re fun to build, easy to maintain, and make excellent decorative items. While you can get creative with Wardian cases or fish tank terrariums, a simple jar terrarium is an ideal beginner’s project if you don’t have a lot of space – or you just like miniatures.
Materials
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Your project starts with a jar. A mason or Kilner-style jar is a great container for a terrarium for a few reasons. The wide mouth makes it easier to put the plants in and the lid allows you to access your plants for maintenance and care over time. Here’s everything else you’ll need:
Drainage materials Because a terrarium doesn’t have holes like a normal plant pot, you’ll need a special drainage layer beneath the soil. You can use pea gravel, but a material that absorbs water and odor is better. Try activated charcoal or LECA balls, a type of clay aggregate.
Soil Choose a soil or potting mix that is very light. The soil in a terrarium is consistently moist, so it shouldn’t be heavy when wet.
Tools A few simple tools will make arranging your terrarium easier. You can use tweezers, a small paint brush, a spoon, and similar tools with handles long enough to reach into the jar.
Plants Most importantly, your terrarium needs plants small enough to fit comfortably inside a mason jar.
Succulent Terrarium Mason Jar Kit
Choosing Plants
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Ideal terrarium plants are tropical. They do best with indirect or low light and plenty of humidity.
+ Planting String of Watermelon Succulents 
with Garden Answer
