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Best Terrariums to Bring Nature Inside
Last updated: Apr 16, 2024Terraria are beautiful additions to any home. They let you bring a piece of nature inside for all to enjoy. Sealed terrariums allow you to create a tiny ecosystem within the space of a bookshelf, windowsill, or even the center of a dining table. In addition, plants are proven to boost your mood, increase your creativity, productivity and concentration.
Maintaining your own terrarium is a hobby that is great for your physical and mental health. To help you choose the best product on the market, we have listed the top terrariums in 2023 below.
Show contentsComparing The Best Terrarium of 2023- NCYP Black Glass Geometric Terrarium - Best Terrarium Overall
- Urban Born Birdcage Large Glass Terrarium - Runner Up
- ElegantLife Succulent Terrarium - Honorable Mention
- Deco Glass Geometric DIY Terrarium - Contender
- XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium - Also Consider
- Banord Black Tabletop Geometric Terrarium - Also Consider
- Purzest Glass Terrarium - Also Consider
Best Terrariums Buying GuideBest Terrariums Buying Guide
Before you decide which terrarium to buy, you may want to do some of your own research about them. Everybody has their own idea about what they want from their purchase. We have taken the time to construct this buying guide, so you know exactly what to look for in your ideal terrarium.
What is a terrarium?
Usually, a terrarium is an artificial ecosystem sealed inside a glass container used for decorative purposes. A terrarium consists of soil and plants and can be opened to maintain the plant life inside. Alternatively, you can find terrariums that are unsealed.
Things to consider when buying terrariums
There are many things you should consider before purchasing a terrarium. These include:
What type of plants do you want?
When choosing the best terrarium for your needs, you could start by deciding what kind of plants you want in your terrarium. It is important to note that whatever plants you choose should have the exact living requirements or will likely not survive. For example, your plants should require the same nutrients in the soil, a similar water intake, and thrive at the same temperature.
Start with one plant you like the look of and research what other plants it is compatible with. For example, some plants will survive better in an open terrarium and others in a closed terrarium.
Open or closed
There are two types of terrarium – open or closed. Before buying a terrarium, you should consider the pros and cons of having either an open or closed terrarium.
Advantages of open terrariums:
- The plants will benefit from continuous fresh air.
- You can efficiently water your plants and prune them when needed.
- The design can be easily changed.
- Your terrarium will have less condensation, giving you a clearer view.
Disadvantages of open terrariums:
- The plants will flourish with a regular air supply and will grow faster.
- As there is no lid, your plants can become more easily damaged.
Advantages of closed terrariums:
- With a closed terrarium, you do not need to prune your plants as often because the lack of airflow makes them grow more slowly.
- A closed terrarium recycles its water, so you don’t need to water it as often.
- Less maintenance overall.
Disadvantages of closed terrariums:
- A closed terrarium needs to be aired out regularly to reduce the buildup of condensation.
- Material decomposition can cause the drainage layer to become of gasses and water.
- Unlike an open terrarium, a closed terrarium requires a double bottom drainage layer to provide oxygen to the substrate (the area where an organism lives and obtains nourishment) and absorb unwanted water.
Where will you put your terrarium?
You should consider where you want to place your terrarium. For example, you can buy hanging terrariums you could hang from curtain rails or light fixtures. However, if the surface of the place you want to place your terrarium is uneven, a bulb vase terrarium will not be suitable. Similarly, if you have a small space to fill, you cannot buy a massive terrarium.
Types of terrariums available
Geometric: The geometric terrarium is the most common type of terrarium you will come across. The term geometric accounts for any shape that is not symmetrical. It is made up of glass panels and a frame. It will either have a missing frame to create an open terrarium or a window you can open and close to create a closed terrarium.
House and birdcage shaped: As the name suggests, a house-shaped terrarium is in the shape of a house and is available open or closed. A birdcage terrarium is in a birdcage shape, but it is not recommended to use as a birdcage.
Dome/box/triangle: Besides having irregular shapes available, you can also find dome, box, and triangle shape terrariums. Many geometric-shaped terrariums are decorative in their own right. However, symmetrically shaped terrariums do not draw attention from the plants away themselves.
Hanging terrariums: You can hang hanging terrariums from an object like a curtain rail or light fixture. You can also buy hanging terrariums from a wall mount.
Water terrariums: Water terrariums allow you to have a water garden. If this is the type of terrarium you would like, make sure your terrarium is leak-proof.
Pre-made: You might enjoy planting succulents, moss, and ferns and creating an environment exactly how you want it. However, if that sounds like too much effort, complete terrariums are available to buy from various online sources. When choosing a terrarium with an existing plant inside, make sure the lighting and temperature conditions of the location you want to keep it are suitable for the plant.
Terrarium price range
The price of a terrarium can vary depending on its size. For example, you can buy a tiny individual terrarium for as little as $7 and a huge terrarium for as much as $2300.
Comparing The Best Terrarium of 2023
1NCYP Black Glass Geometric Terrarium
– Best Terrarium OverallThe NCYP Black Glass Geometric Terrarium Container is a stunning glass terrarium with a black frame. It is shaped like an octagon and will look beautiful, filled, or empty. The elegant shape of this product is reminiscent of a Victorian greenhouse. Despite this, this product would look equally at home in a modern or minimalist home. This terrarium is timelessly stylish and will battle against changing trends for as long as your terrarium ecosystem lives. One panel of glass is missing so you can palace your plants and add water. It is suitable for small plants, air plants, succulents, cactus, fern, and moss. You can also place a variety of other decorative objects inside.
Pros- The octagon shape of this product means it will look good in any home
- Place plants and other objects inside easily
- Well made and durable
Cons- You need to use tiny plants to fit into this terrarium.
2Urban Born Birdcage Large Glass Terrarium
– Runner UpThe Urban Born Birdcage Large Glass Terrarium is a beautiful terrarium that invites nature into your home. It creates the perfect environment to grow tillandsia, succulents, ferns, venus fly traps, and many other varieties of small plants. This beautiful terrarium is made from premium black copper-plated steel, adding style and durability to the design. In addition, this terrarium has a window you can open and close when you need to, better for many self-sustaining terrariums than a permanently open container.
Pros- Beautiful birdcage design
- Well made from copper-plated steel
- Opening window
Cons- This terrarium is not watertight, so plants need to be watered with a mister.
3ElegantLife Succulent Terrarium
– Honorable MentionThe ElegantLIfe Succulent Terrarium comes in the shape of a house, made with glass panels and resin. The top of the house opens and lies on a resting pole so that you can set up your beautiful new terrarium with ease. Grow your own ferns, florist, orchids, and moss in a gorgeous enclosure that will make a lovely ornament in its own right. The same manufacturer also makes an “irregular” shaped terrarium, which looks like a glass version of a stalagmite.
Pros- This terrarium is quite spacious for a terrarium
- Beautifully design that looks like a house
- Other design available
Cons- Not a watertight container, so you must place a waterproof material at the bottom of the terrarium.
4Deco Glass Geometric DIY Terrarium
– ContenderThe Deco Glass Geometric DIY Terrarium is a glass-hinged roof terrarium. The lid will stay open while you place your plants and other decorations inside it. It is made from steel and glass, so you can rest assured that this product will last as long as the plants inside it, and longer still. This company also offers a terrarium in an elongated hanging basket shape, again with an opening top. So why not buy this beautiful product and start growing your own little Eden full of succulents, micro-greens, cacti, and moss.
Pros- Beautiful and practical design, with a lid that will stay open while you place your plantlife inside of it
- Large enough to fit a small pot inside and sufficient for creating varying layers inside the terrarium
Cons- Not leakproof, but some customers addressed this by using silicone sealant on the bottom and inside the terrarium.
5XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium
– Also ConsiderThe XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium is a unique terrarium that consists of three bulb terrariums. The three bulb terrariums are made from high boron heat-resistant glass, meaning they are highly durable and won’t easily break. They are held up by a foldable wooden frame that will go well with most decors. This terrarium works best as part of an indoor water garden. Growing plants in water are known as hydroponic farming. Some plants that are particularly suited to this tending style are dumbcane, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, and wax plant.
Pros- Perfect for indoor water gardens
- A unique addition to various other houseplants and terrariums
- Strong boron heat resistant glass won’t break easily
Cons- It is very small, so you may struggle to find plants small enough to fit inside the bulb terrariums.
6Banord Black Tabletop Geometric Terrarium
– Also ConsiderThe Banord Black Tabletop terrarium container is a beautiful geometric shape and is also available in gold. It makes a fabulous tabletop decoration for weddings that your guests can take home as gifts. In addition, it is suitable for growing succulents, micro-greens, air plants, cacti, moss, and more. Alternatively, you can use it to hold decorative items such as candles or tea lights, making this item perfect for any room in the home.
Pros- Available in two colors
- Small enough to use for table centerpieces
- Perfect for tiny plants
Cons- Not watertight. You will need to use a water spray bottle to keep your plants moist.
7Purzest Glass Terrarium
– Also ConsiderThe Purzest Glass Terrarium is a geometric terrarium that is in the shape of a house. It has many glass panels that are supported by a strong and durable copper frame. A glass panel at the top opens so you can place your plants and other items in with ease. Unlike many other terrariums, it is leakproof, allowing you to keep plants that thrive from heavy watering. It can be used to contain cacti, moss, ferns, and succulents. This terrarium also works well as a jewelry box or a cute sweet storage box.
Pros- Leakproof
- Small enough for a tabletop terrarium
- Well made and durable
Cons- Some have found that the top door is too small to place plants inside the terrarium properly.
Terrarium FAQ
Q: What plants can I use for a water garden?A: If you are looking into creating a beautiful water garden, several plants you might like to research. First, look for anubias water plants. They grow in tropical central and Western Africa. Use anubias barteri, or anubias nana. They are perfect for water terrariums because they grow slowly.
Q: Can you keep terrariums outside?A: Yes, some terrariums are perfect for withstanding the elements. Consider an open-top terrarium with cacti and succulents if you intend to keep it outside.
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