Terrariums: A miniature world encapsulated in glass, where nature thrives and creativity blossoms. 

The allure of a terrarium lies in its ability to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your living space. They're aesthetically pleasing and easy to care for, making them perfect for seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners. Keep reading to discover an easy-to-follow-along guide on How to Make a Terrarium Guide featuring pictures and a  variety of creative terrarium ideas and pic.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose Your Glass Container: Decide on a glass container or terrarium tank that suits your preference. You can opt for a closed terrarium with a glass enclosure featuring a lid, cover, or doors. Alternatively, choose an open terrarium with a glass container that has an opening. Closed terrariums are ideal for plants that thrive in high humidity, while open terrariums suit plants like cacti, succulents, and others that don't require high humidity.

For this guide, we are using a closed terrarium.

2. Create a Drainage Layer: Add a layer of leca (clay balls) at the bottom of your container to facilitate water drainage and prevent root rot. This layer should be about 1-2 inches thick.

3. Install a Mesh Barrier: To separate the substrate from the drainage layer, cut a piece of metal mesh or, if using a cheesecloth, do a double layer and fit it to the container's dimensions. The dimensions don’t have to be precise, but ensure that most of the drainage layer is covered. This mesh prevents soil from mixing with the drainage layer and dirtying your enclosure. 

For this guide, we are using 8-16 mm leca and cheesecloth. 

4. Add Lava Rocks: (Optional) Place a thin layer of lava rocks on the drainage layer. The porosity of the lava rocks helps to increase drainage further. This step is optional.

5. Add Birdy’s Plants Terrarium Soil Mix: Carefully add our Terrarium Soil Mix on top of either the mesh barrier if you’ve chosen NOT to add lava rocks, or on top of the lava rocks if you’ve decided to add that extra drainage layer to your terrarium/vivarium. The substrate depth should be suitable for your plants' root systems, typically 2-4 inches.

6. Choose Your Plants: Select plants that thrive in the specific environment you want to replicate. Some common choices include ferns, mosses, bromeliads, and nerve plants. Arrange them according to your aesthetic preference.

For this guide, we are using lava rocks for extra drainage and cuttings of red nerve plant (fittonia), Tradescantia Callisia Repens f. variegata 'Pink Panther,' and Artillery Fern. 

7. Plant Your Plants: Once you have arranged your plants according to your preferred aesthetic, it is time to plant them. Grab a bit more of your soil mix and add it around your plants. If you are working with a small opening, you can use chopsticks or long tweezers to move the soil and plants around. 

8. Decorate: Enhance the visual appeal of your terrarium by adding decorative elements like rocks, driftwood, or miniature figurines. Be creative, but ensure these items won't harm your plants or animals.

9. Maintain Environmental Conditions: Place your terrarium appropriately, ensuring it receives the right light and temperature for your chosen plants. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions and adjust as needed.

10. Care and Maintenance: Regularly mist your terrarium with a spray bottle to maintain humidity. Water sparingly and avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to mold growth. Prune and trim your plants as they grow to maintain the desired aesthetic.