DIY Vintage Terrarium

There is something magical about creating a tiny world with your own hands.

This terrarium began with a thrifted glass bowl and a few forgotten pieces of vintage china.

What You'll Need

A clear glass bowl or container
Broken thrifted china or porcelain
Activated charcoal
Tropical potting soil
Perlite
Small tropical plants
Moss
A crystal

I've linked my favorite supplies throughout this post.

Step 1: Start with a Base

I always recommend looking for a thrifted bowl rather than buying something brand new. Vintage glass has so much character, and no two pieces are exactly alike.

This Jar is thrifted, but I have linked a similar one (click on the photo)

Step 2: Add Broken China

At the bottom of my bowl, I placed pieces of broken thrifted china.

Thrifted China: I got four plates for 3.99

To break the china, I placed it in a plastic bag and hit it with a hammer. I also recommend covering it in an old pillow case, as the plastic bag ripped.

This adds drainage and a nice detail when you look closely.

Step 3: Prepare Your Soil

Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. Charcoal helps keep a terrarium fresh by absorbing excess moisture and reducing odors, making it especially helpful for closed or semi-closed terrariums.

I mixed tropical potting soil with perlite to create a light, well-draining growing medium. This gives the roots room to breathe while helping retain just enough moisture for tropical plants.