Moss And Terrariums: Tips On Making Moss Terrariums

(Image credit: Samathi)

Moss and terrariums go together perfectly. Requiring little soil, low light, and dampness rather than lots of water, moss is an ideal ingredient in terrarium making. But how do you go about making a mini moss terrarium? Keep reading to learn more about how to make moss terrariums and moss terrarium care.

How to Make Moss Terrariums

A terrarium is, basically, a clear and non-draining container that holds its own small environment. Anything can be used as a terrarium container - an old aquarium, a peanut butter jar, a soda bottle, a glass pitcher, or whatever else you might have. The main objective is that it be clear so you can see your creation inside.

Terrariums don’t have drainage holes, so the first thing you should do when making a mini moss terrarium is put down a one inch (2.5 cm.) layer of pebbles or gravel in the bottom of your container.

On top of this put a layer of dried moss or sphagnum moss. This layer will keep your soil from mixing with the drainage pebbles on the bottom and turning into a muddy mess.

On top of your dried moss, put a few inches of soil. You can sculpt the soil or bury small stones to create an interesting landscape for your moss.

Finally, put your live moss on top of the soil, patting it down firmly. If the opening of your mini moss terrarium is small, you may need a spoon or long wooden dowel to do this. Give the moss a good misting with water. Set your terrarium in indirect light.

Moss terrarium care is extremely easy. Every now and again, spray your moss with a light mist. You don’t want to overwater it. If you can see condensation on the sides, then it’s already moist enough.

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Liz Baessler
Senior Editor

The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.