DIY Terrarium Guide Philippines: Build Your Own Mini Garden

What Is a Terrarium?

A terrarium guide for the Philippines starts with understanding what makes these miniature gardens perfect for tropical living. A terrarium is a small enclosed or open garden built inside a glass container. It creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where plants grow in a controlled environment with minimal maintenance.

Terrariums have become hugely popular in the Philippines, especially among condo dwellers and office workers who lack outdoor garden space. The natural humidity of the Philippine climate gives terrarium builders a major advantage. Plants that struggle in dry, air-conditioned environments thrive inside glass containers that trap moisture. You can build a beautiful terrarium for under 500 pesos using locally available materials.

Open vs Closed Terrariums

Closed Terrariums

Closed terrariums use sealed glass containers like jars, bottles, or wardian cases. They create their own water cycle. Moisture evaporates from the soil, condenses on the glass walls, and drips back down to water the plants. This makes them almost self-sustaining. Closed terrariums work best with humidity-loving plants like fittonia, ferns, and mosses. The Philippine climate makes closed terrariums especially successful because the ambient heat drives the internal water cycle efficiently.

Open Terrariums

Open terrariums use containers without lids, like bowls, fish tanks, or geometric glass boxes. They allow air circulation and give you more creative freedom with plant selection. Open terrariums suit plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents, cacti, and air plants. They need more frequent watering than closed types because moisture escapes through the open top. In the humid Philippine climate, open terrariums dry out more slowly than in drier countries.

Best Terrarium Plants for the Philippines

Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia is the most popular terrarium plant in the Philippines. Its colourful veined leaves come in pink, red, white, and green patterns. This compact plant loves high humidity and low light, making it ideal for closed terrariums. Fittonia stays small and spreads gently across the soil surface. It wilts dramatically when dry but bounces back within hours of watering. Available at most plant shops for 30 to 80 pesos per pot.

Selaginella (Spike Moss)

Selaginella creates a lush, forest-floor look in terrariums. Its feathery fronds spread across the soil like a green carpet. Several species grow naturally in Philippine forests, so they adapt well to terrarium conditions. Selaginella needs consistent moisture and indirect light. It pairs beautifully with fittonia and true mosses. Some varieties turn brown when dry but rehydrate and turn green again when watered.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair ferns add delicate texture to any terrarium with their fan-shaped leaflets on thin black stems. They thrive in the constant humidity of closed terrariums. In open air, maidenhair ferns often struggle because they cannot tolerate dry conditions. Inside a terrarium, they grow happily for years. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which scorches their fragile fronds. Trim any brown fronds to encourage fresh growth.

Sheet Moss and Sphagnum Moss

Moss forms the living carpet of a terrarium landscape. Sheet moss creates a smooth, green ground cover that looks like a miniature lawn. Sphagnum moss holds moisture and works well as a base layer. Both types grow abundantly in the Philippine highlands and are available at plant markets in Manila. Moss needs consistent moisture and indirect light to stay green. Mist it every few days in open terrariums.

Peperomia

Peperomia varieties add structure and height to terrariums. Their thick, fleshy leaves come in dozens of shapes and colours. Peperomia caperata (ripple peperomia) and peperomia prostrata (string of turtles) are popular terrarium choices. They tolerate low light and thrive in humid conditions. Peperomia grows slowly, so it will not outgrow your terrarium quickly. Avoid overwatering, as the succulent-like leaves store moisture.

Miniature Ferns (Pteris, Asplenium)

Small fern species bring a tropical forest atmosphere to terrariums. Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) in its miniature form works well for medium-sized containers. Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) stays compact with round leaflets along wiry stems. Philippine native ferns adapt naturally to terrarium humidity. Choose specimens under 10 cm tall for the best results. Ferns pair well with moss and fittonia for a complete jungle scene.

Materials Needed

You can source all terrarium materials locally in the Philippines. Here is what you need.

• Glass container - A jar, fishbowl, or glass box. Check Divisoria or Dapitan Arcade for affordable options (50 to 300 pesos).
• Pebbles or gravel - For the drainage layer. Use aquarium gravel or small river pebbles (30 to 50 pesos per bag).
• Activated charcoal - Prevents mould and keeps the soil fresh. Available at hardware stores and pet shops (20 to 50 pesos).
• Sphagnum moss - Acts as a barrier between gravel and soil. Available at plant markets (30 to 60 pesos).
• Potting soil - A light, well-draining mix. Avoid heavy garden soil that compacts in containers.
• Plants - 3 to 5 small plants suited to your terrarium type (100 to 300 pesos total).
• Decorations (optional) - Driftwood, small rocks, figurines, or decorative sand for visual interest.
• Spray bottle - For misting plants during and after building.
• Long tweezers or chopsticks - For placing plants in narrow-necked containers.

Step-by-Step Terrarium Build

Step 1: Clean Your Container

Wash the glass container with warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Any soap residue can harm delicate plants. For recycled jars, remove labels by soaking in warm water with baking soda.

Step 2: Add the Drainage Layer

Pour 2 to 3 cm of pebbles or gravel into the bottom of the container. This layer prevents water from pooling around plant roots. Spread it evenly across the base. For larger containers, increase the depth to 4 to 5 cm.

Step 3: Add Activated Charcoal

Sprinkle a thin layer (about 1 cm) of activated charcoal over the gravel. The charcoal filters water, absorbs odours, and prevents bacterial growth. This step is especially important for closed terrariums that cannot air out naturally.

Step 4: Add the Moss Barrier

Place a layer of sphagnum moss over the charcoal. This barrier prevents soil from sinking into the drainage layer below. Dampen the moss slightly before laying it down. Press it gently to create an even surface.

Step 5: Add Potting Soil

Add 3 to 5 cm of light potting soil on top of the moss barrier. Create gentle slopes and contours for a natural landscape look. Do not pack the soil tightly. Loose soil allows roots to spread easily and promotes drainage.

Step 6: Plant Your Terrarium

Start with the tallest plant in the back or centre. Work forward with smaller plants. Use tweezers or chopsticks to dig small holes, place the roots, and press soil gently around each plant. Leave 2 to 3 cm between plants to allow growth. Remove any damaged or yellow leaves before planting.

Step 7: Add Decorations and Moss

Place decorative elements like driftwood, rocks, or figurines. Tuck sheet moss around the base of plants to cover exposed soil. This finishing layer creates a polished, natural look. Mist everything lightly with a spray bottle.

Step 8: Water and Seal (Closed Terrariums)

Mist the interior walls and plants lightly. For closed terrariums, seal the lid and place in a spot with bright indirect light. Watch for condensation over the next few days. If the glass fogs up completely, open the lid for a few hours to release excess moisture. Light condensation on the walls is normal and healthy.

Care Tips for Terrariums in the Philippines

The Philippine climate makes terrarium care easier than in most countries. Here are tips for success.

• Light - Place terrariums in bright indirect light. A north-facing window or shaded shelf works well. Direct sunlight turns the glass into an oven and cooks plants inside.
• Watering - Closed terrariums rarely need water. Check every 2 to 4 weeks. Open terrariums need misting every 3 to 5 days depending on room temperature.
• Temperature - Keep terrariums away from air-conditioning vents. The cold, dry air can stress tropical plants. Room temperature of 25 to 32 degrees Celsius is perfect.
• Pruning - Trim plants when they touch the glass walls. Overgrown terrariums lose their miniature appeal and develop mould from poor air circulation.
• Mould prevention - If you spot white mould, open the lid (for closed types) and improve air flow. Remove affected areas with tweezers. Activated charcoal in the base layer helps prevent mould.
• Rainy season advantage - The high humidity from June to November reduces the need for misting in open terrariums.

Where to Buy Terrarium Supplies in the Philippines

• Dapitan Arcade, Quezon City - Glass containers, decorative rocks, and figurines at wholesale prices
• Cartimar Plant Market, Pasay - Terrarium plants, moss, and charcoal from multiple vendors
• Divisoria, Manila - Affordable glass jars, bowls, and containers in bulk
• Shopee and Lazada - Search "terrarium kit Philippines" for complete starter sets shipped to your door
• Facebook Marketplace - Local terrarium makers sell finished and DIY kits with delivery options
• Ace Hardware and True Value - Activated charcoal, gravel, and basic tools

Frequently Asked Questions