Build a world behind glass.
Substrate, hardscape, moss, and living plants for aquascapes, terrariums, and paludariums — plus the equipment and reptile care essentials to keep them thriving.
Recently added
Shop by category
How to build one
A closed terrarium is a small, self-watering ecosystem. Get the layers right and it will look after itself for months at a time. Here's the order we build in.
- Pick your container01
Pick your container
Any clear glass vessel works, but a wide opening makes planting far easier since you want to fit your hand inside.
- Build a drainage layer02
Build a drainage layer
About an inch of LECA, lava rock, or gravel at the base gives excess water somewhere to go, since these containers have no drainage holes.
- Add mesh and charcoal03
Add mesh and charcoal
Optional but useful: mesh stops substrate falling into the drainage below, and charcoal helps keep things fresh.
- Layer in substrate04
Layer in substrate
Two to three inches of a moisture-retentive, well-draining terrarium mix; regular potting soil stays too wet once sealed behind glass.
- Place the hardscape05
Place the hardscape
Set rock or wood before planting so the layout builds around it, burying the base slightly for stability.
- Plant, largest first06
Plant, largest first
Start with the tallest piece to set scale, then fill in smaller humidity-loving plants working front to back.
- Finish with moss07
Finish with moss
Covers exposed substrate and softens hard edges for an established look almost immediately.
- Mist and seal08
Mist and seal
A light spray to dampen (not soak) the substrate, then close the lid; a little condensation on the glass is normal as it settles.
Build steps adapted from Terrarium Tribe's How to Build a Terrarium guide