Make sure your terrarium has enough light. For both closed and open terrariums, it’s best to place it in an area that receives at least six hours of bright, but indirect, sunlight. In the UK, this could mean placing your terrarium on a north-facing window sill. The thing is, the best types of wood for terrariums are usually hardwoods. Meaning they’re super tough(like manzanita wood or grapevine wood). And to cut them, you’re going to need something more heavy-duty. These days, I use a regular spray bottle.They’re cheap, sturdy, and get the job done – just don’t have it set to jet spray…

They’re nice and long so you can reach the bottom of a taller terrarium, and if you choose the ones with slanted tips – they’re great for maneuvering into awkward places. Tweezers come in useful for removing deceased leaves, too. Before planting, trim off longer roots to prevent overgrowing. This is essential for maintaining mini plants in a small space. Remove any decayed or yellowing leaves at this stage, and tease apart root-bound plants to give them a head start. Unless you’re building in a big carboy or demijohn container with a big volume and narrow opening (in which case telescopic tools will be necessary), you don’t need anything specialist for this function.

Get closer to nature with an indoor terrarium

I’d recommend a soft-bristled brush to clean the inevitably messy substrate off plants, hardscape, and the glass container.

It’s especially important for terrariums with narrow openings that you can’t fit your hand through (like super tiny terrariums). Still, even open terrariums are much easier with the added dexterity of a precise grabbing tool. I’ve been using a random cheap aquarium glue, but any cyanoacrylate-based glue should work. I hear good things about Gorilla Super Glue Gel. Regularly remove dust from your terrarium’s glass to allow enough light in for your plants to flourish. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as these can be harmful to all plants. Pest control Add a pop of colour to lush greenery with the following, which grow well in both open and closed containers: Avoid harsh, direct sunlight as a terrarium’s glass will not only magnify the sun’s rays and scorch tender leaves, but it can make the inside temperature too hot for most plants. Natural light is always best, but inexpensive grow lights are a good alternative. Temperature

Making your own terrarium

The jury is still out on whether to use a fertiliser in a terrarium. While some believe that the natural decay in potting mix provides enough nutrients, many terrarium enthusiasts suggest adding the right plant food for the species you are growing under glass. Light In a similar vein, for terrariums with larger openings, a scoop is very useful in not creating a tonne of mess. I got my soil scoop for a couple of dollars at a garden center. Secateurs Just like your garden and houseplants, terrarium plants hate to sit in water, so drainage holes are a must. Prevent waterlogging by lining your terrarium with a two-inch layer of small stones and pebbles, and add a deeper layer for narrow or tall terrariums. Shells, sea glass and colourful marbles also work well. Food