Terrarium lighting is another big one to consider. You’ll need to provide consistent, even light that satisfies the needs of your tropical understory plants but doesn’t burn them. They’re typically quite delicate, after all. And it’s perfect for someone wanting to jump straight into building a more significant piece. A solid terrarium set all ready to go! (Image Credit: BTVTerrariumKits) As the activated charcoal forms a complete layer, it also cleans the water as it passes through to the false bottom layer. I also added some to by false bottom layer to help clean any water that may sit on the base. It’s not aimed at kids per se, but with quality materials, it’s a nice option for an older child wanting to get to grips with terrarium layers. When it comes to watering, you can use the old-fashioned method of adding water when the soil feels dry, but honestly, that’s a bit of a fuss in the confined space of a terrarium.

For a natural light source, you’ll want your terrarium to be in a bright spot that’s out of direct sunlight. As I’ve mentioned, kids’ kits often can put style over substance, and that certainly isn’t true with this kit.And, of course, it includes a fun figurine (a dino or a jungle, safari or garden animal) – you can’t go wrong! 5 | Best Terrarium Kit for Young Kids

If you see no fogging of the glass at all and/or the substrate is looking bone dry – it’s time to add some water. Just a little at a time, as it’s easy to add and difficult to remove. Here’s Rae watering our Bonsai Terrarium. I find the better way is to judge the amount of moisture in the system through the amount of condensation of the glass. A light fog on the glass through the hottest part of the day is completely normal and healthy. This inexpensive kit by MyDIYTerrarium is ideal for beginners; it’s a straightforward build and a nice starter size. If you want an inexpensive, simple, and classic terrarium starter kit with quality materials, this adorable moss project is the one for you. And it’ll only look more lush and wild as it grows over time. Fear not; all of these can be sourced easily online, from local stores, or even fashioned yourself (when it comes to tools).

Top 5 Terrarium Kits

Dig a small hole in the substrate and use a tool to carefully place the plant in the hole and cover up the roots. My meditating Buddha has been lost in his jungle! Roots have grown up the sides of the terrarium on the window side of the container.

The glassware even has an inbuilt LED light, so you can keep your terrarium in a darker area where plants typically need grow lights. 3 | Best Mini/ Mossarium Kit Getting the perfect setup may take a few tries to get right. If you see too much condensation building up on the inside and not clearing, simply remove the lid for an hour. You may also find your terrarium getting misty, but this soon clears. The closed terrarium water cycle mimics that found in nature. Once water is added to the terrarium and the lid closed, it becomes continually recycled. Water droplets form inside the glass container due to condensation and the plants giving off water through their pores (stomates) during photosynthesis. Water then runs down the jar into the soil, and the process repeats. Does that mean a closed terrarium needs to be airtight? Not really. It’ll still function as long as it can trap moisture and humidity. Besides, it’s often good to air out a closed terrarium now and again to get in some fresh carbon dioxide and get out some mold spores.Or cling film (Saran wrap) works in a pinch! You can snip the loose edges and get a clean finish if you’re careful. However, it does tend to get quite dusty. Open terrariums are a great craft kit to get started if you're a beginner, as they offer a better airflow for plants so you don't have to worry about issues that arise from condensation – such as mould. Open terrariums are best suited to plants that require dry and arid conditions and direct sunlight – such as cacti, air plants and succulents. So if you fancy growing yourself a mini desert that will last for years to come, you totally can.