The Best Terrarium

Buying Guide

Science is an important part of early education. Starting at the age of 3, children can begin to create a foundation that they can then build on for many years.

The key with younger children is to make education fun. Little minds love to explore, so engaging them with toys and games they enjoy while they’re learning can be a great way to get them started. A terrarium can be one of those tools, helping children learn about botany while also enjoying the thrill of nurturing and caring for a living organism.

But terrariums aren’t just for young botanists. They’re often used by people of all ages to cultivate greenery. The glass enclosure is perfect for displaying anywhere in your home, from your patio or balcony to your bedroom or living room. Smaller ones can even be set up as a centerpiece on your kitchen table.

A terrarium acts similarly to a greenhouse, trapping the water vapor naturally released by soil and plants. This creates a humid environment that helps plants thrive. Like greenhouses, terrariums are also made almost entirely of glass, so they let in plenty of light. They thrive near windows or outdoors, provided you don’t expose your terrarium plants to direct sunlight.

There are two different types of terrariums: open and closed. The type of terrarium you choose will drive the plants you grow inside. A closed terrarium traps a higher amount of humidity inside. An open terrarium lets air through, which means you’ll likely need to water the plants weekly. With open terrariums, you’ll want to go with plants that can grow in drier environments like cacti and aloe, while closed should be used for plants that can handle constant moisture, such as baby ferns and neoregelia.

There are other elements that can make a difference in creating a healthy environment for your greenery. Open terrariums can benefit from pebbles in addition to the soil, charcoal and rocks often found in a closed terrarium.

• When you’re choosing a terrarium, consider your goal. If you’re shopping for one for your youngest family members, one designed for children is likely best. But some are simplified for elementary school children, while many others can be used by tweens, teens and adults.
• Your terrarium will take time to set up. You can buy kits that provide the soil, rocks, seeds and enclosure, but you can also purchase each item separately. You’ll first need a container, but it should be large enough to fit the greenery you’re hoping to grow in it. You can then add soil, gravel, charcoal and your plants.
• When shopping for plants to grow in your terrarium, try to ensure they won’t touch the edges of the terrarium once fully grown. If not, you might need to upsize your container as your plant grows.
• You can boost the attractiveness of your terrarium by adding figurines and other decorative elements. Brightly colored pebbles or rocks can also give it some visual appeal.
• It can be easier to work with your terrarium if you have a wider opening. But if you have a narrow opening, you can use tools like chopsticks or tongs to arrange and care for your greenery.
• Terrariums come in a variety of sizes. Pay close attention to the dimensions to ensure you’re getting one that will comfortably fit into your space.
• Some terrariums have lights that help you show off your terrarium as it grows. Make sure the lights are safe for the types of greenery you’re growing.
• If you’re new to terrariums, look for an all-in-one kit that includes an instruction booklet so that you can get up and running without having to spend hours researching.
• Some terrariums aren’t watertight. Those are best for plants that don’t require much watering. You can spritz plants with water using a spray bottle, but pouring water into these types of containers isn’t a good idea, even if you have water-absorbing features like soil.