Creating a Terrarium on a Budget (Potentially for Nothing?)
Savvy Terrarium Hacks: Score a Stunning DIY Project on a Dime
Creating a terrarium can often turn out to be a hefty expense. But worry not! Over the past few years, I've discovered some ingenious ways to keep costs low or even skip them altogether. With these cost-saving tips, making a budget-friendly terrarium has never been easier. So, put your purse away, and let's dive into some fabulous frugal finds!
Let's break this up into three main spending categories:
- Glassware
- Plants (and moss)
- Layers & extras
If you're game for every cost-cutting trick I've got up my sleeve, let's get started!
Best Places to Get a Cheap Glass Container
1. Raid Your Pantry
Your kitchen is a treasure trove of container possibilities. If you're as much of a condiments connoisseur as I am, chances are you already have a future terrarium waiting in your pantry. Anything made of glass—be it mason jars, pickle jars, or old food containers—works perfectly for open terrariums, especially for succulents and cacti which thrive with good airflow. Plus, many of these containers already come with lids, which is a huge bonus!
2. Facebook Marketplace
Despite being a digital hellscape for some, Facebook Marketplace is undeniably a great source for affordable or even free terrarium glass containers. Searches like "glass vase," "glass container," and "fish tank" usually yield high-quality results. You'd be amazed at the number of ex-fish owners trying to offload their tanks!
3. Wedding Leftovers
By no means should you steal a centerpiece from a friend's wedding, but often couples choose terrarium-inspired arrangements for their tables. I once found a perfect open terrarium vessel during one such wedding after party. Although it wasn't originally intended for terrariums, some hot glue gunning did the trick and made it perfect for my DIY project. And the best part was that all it cost me was an overnight hotel stay, a night of booze, and a fancy dress! (What a bargain, right?)
4. TJ Maxx and IKEA
Ikea is a double whammy—a fantastic afternoon trip and a go-to destination for budget-friendly glassware. Besides, grabbing some Swedish meatballs and a bargain container is always a win. TJ Maxx is another great place; I'd say I find around 75% of my glass containers there. It didn't come with a lid on this particular container, but that'll take us to the next point.
Bonus - DIY Lids
If your thrifted container lacks a lid, fear not! Saran wrap can aid as an inexpensive, airtight, and transparent solution. For something more permanent, consider grabbing a custom acrylic lid from Etsy. While it's not entirely free, it's undeniably cheaper than buying a high-priced, purpose-built container with a lid. For more information, check out our guide on terrarium lid options.
Cheap Terrarium Plants - Where to Look
Plant Swap Facebook Groups
These groups are a goldmine for populating your terrarium project. Got a cactus? Swap it for a terrarium-ready Peperomia. Got too many seeds for your garden this year? Swap it for a dainty Tradescantia. Sometimes, generous members even give away some gratis goods!
Houseplant Cuttings
Many popular houseplants work wonderfully in closed terrarium conditions. This presents an opportunity to make even more plants via water propagation, splitting ferns, or teasing off Pilea offshoots.
Garden Center Rescues
Swing by the shady corner of the plant nursery where plants that have been neglected are often sent to decline further. You might find a few gems like a sad Calathea, tattered Aglaonema, or parched Syngonium that could be the superstar of your next project. Just remember, your patience and expertise will be needed to nurse these plants back to health.
Bonus - Garden Moss
While foraging for moss can be damaging to the environment, moss from your own land is another story. If you don't own land, living on a dirt road means there's a good chance you have mossy clumps growing between the concrete! Simply pluck it off and stick it in your terrarium for a natural addition! For more information about moss for terrariums, check out our collection of live terrarium mosses.
Other Terrarium Components
Terrarium Layers
How can we secure the foundation for your terrarium without breaking the bank?
- Drainage materials like gravel from your front yard or a small bag of leca work just fine.
- Charcoal can be purchased cheaply, but it's not essential for every terrarium—skimp if you must.
- Substrate (soil) is the crucial component where you don't want to make costly sacrifices. While cheap potting soil can work, it's densely packed and quickly compacts and won't offer the drainage a terrarium needs, making your terrarium less likely to survive in the long run. Consider investing in a quality tropical terrarium substrate.
Hardscape and Accessories
When it comes to decoration, anything that doesn't degrade in moisture or leach anything harmful into your ecosystem can work. Hardscape materials like rocks and wood are ideal, but you can also get creative with toys, crystals, or sea glass you already have on hand. For more inspiration, check out our terrarium decor ideas.
How Much did you Save?
If I missed any cheap terrarium tricks, share them in the comments below. Let's help each other create stunning DIY terrariums without emptying our wallets!
[1] "Terrariums: A Comprehensive Guide" (in text).[2] "DIY Terrarium Ideas on a Budget" (URL: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/diy-terrarium-ideas)[3] "15 Terrarium Glass Containers You Can Buy on Amazon" (URL: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/terrarium-glass-containers)[4] "Terrarium DIY - How to Make a Terrarium for Your Desk" (Script URL: https://artsy.net/story/terrarium-diy-how-to-make-a-terrarium-for-your-desk/)[5] "Terrarium Care 101: An Expert's Guide" (URL: https://www.apyornis.org/plantcare/terrarium-care/)
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts on a budget, kitchen glassware can be repurposed as terrarium containers, particularly for succulents and cacti that thrive with good airflow.
- To find affordable plant options for terrariums, consider joining Plant Swap Facebook groups, utilizing houseplant cuttings for propagation, or visiting the neglected corner of garden centers for potential finds.
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