Ready to build your own little green world? Check out the best container options for your homemade terrarium!
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little piece of nature indoors, building a homemade terrarium container garden is one of the best ways to do it. It’s fun, creative, and surprisingly easy.
The best part? You don’t need to buy anything fancy. Many of the best containers for a terrarium are things you might already have sitting around your home, you just need to know what to look for.
From glass jars to fish tanks, there’s a huge variety of options that work beautifully. The key is understanding what your plants will need so you can choose accordingly and set yourself up for success.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most popular and practical container choices for building a homemade terrarium, so you can get started with confidence — and maybe even have a little fun along the way!
What makes a good terrarium container?
Before jumping into specific picks, it helps to understand what you’re actually looking for. Not every container is created equal, and the right choice depends on the type of terrarium you want to build.
First, consider whether you want an open or closed terrarium. Open containers work better for succulents and cacti, which love airflow and dry conditions. Closed containers, on the other hand, create a humid, self-sustaining environment that’s perfect for tropical plants and mosses.
You’ll also want to think about visibility and size. A good homemade terrarium container should let you see your plants clearly, glass is almost always the best material for this reason. It also needs to be deep enough to hold a drainage layer and enough soil for your plants to thrive. You can find a complete article about drainage layers and how to build one here!
Finally, think about the opening. A wide-mouth container is much easier to plant and maintain than one with a narrow neck. That said, narrow-neck bottles can create a beautiful effect and are definitely doable with the right tools and a little patience!
The best containers for a homemade terrarium
Now that you know what to look for, let’s get into the good stuff! Here are some of the most popular and accessible containers you can use for your next terrarium project.
Glass fish tank or aquarium
A glass fish tank is one of the most versatile options for a homemade terrarium container. It comes in lots of sizes, it’s easy to plant in, and it gives you a clear view from all angles.
Because tanks are wide and open, they’re especially great for beginners. You have plenty of room to arrange your plants, add decorative rocks, and create little landscapes without feeling cramped or restricted.
Large glass jar or mason jar
A large glass jar — like a mason jar or a big pickle jar — is one of the most charming and budget-friendly options you’ll find. They’re easy to source, incredibly affordable, and give your terrarium a cozy, rustic vibe.
Mason jars work well for small moss or succulent arrangements, and they’re especially fun if you want to make a few terrariums as gifts. Just make sure you choose a size that gives your plants enough room to breathe and grow!
Glass cookie jar or canister
Here’s one people often overlook: a glass cookie jar or kitchen canister. These usually have a lid, which makes them easy to convert into a closed homemade terrarium container for moisture-loving plants like ferns and mosses.
They’re also widely available at thrift stores and home goods shops, often for just a few dollars. The wide opening makes planting a breeze, and the clear glass means you’ll always have a great view of what’s growing inside!
Glass vase or bowl
A glass vase or decorative bowl can make a stunning terrarium, especially if you’re going for an open design. Wide-mouth vases are ideal for succulents and air plants, while tall, narrow ones create a dramatic, elegant look.
The variety of shapes available means you can really get creative. Whether you want something geometric and modern or soft and curved, there’s likely a vase out there that matches your style perfectly and probably already in your home!
Old glass bottles and decanters
If you’re into a more eclectic, bohemian aesthetic, repurposing old glass bottles or decanters as a homemade terrarium container is a wonderful idea. Wine bottles, apothecary bottles, and glass decanters all work beautifully for bottle gardens.
The narrow opening does make planting a bit trickier, but with long chopsticks or skewers, it’s totally manageable. The result is absolutely worth it, these terrariums look stunning on a shelf or windowsill and are great conversation starters!
Hanging glass globes
Hanging glass globes (sometimes called air plant holders) are a gorgeous option if you want something a little more decorative. They’re usually sold as ornaments, but they work perfectly as open mini terrariums.
They’re especially popular for air plants (tillandsia), since those don’t need soil at all. Just tuck a small plant inside, add a few pebbles or shells, and hang them near a window. It’s one of the easiest and most stylish terrarium setups you can put together!
Wardian case or glass cabinet
A Wardian case is essentially a miniature glass greenhouse, and it’s one of the most beautiful options for a homemade terrarium container. Originally designed for transporting plants on long sea voyages, they’ve made a big comeback in home décor.
They tend to be pricier than a mason jar or fish tank, but if you’re looking for something that doubles as a stunning centerpiece, it’s hard to beat. You can find affordable versions online, or even DIY one with a wooden frame and glass panels!
Tips for choosing the right size
Size really does matter when it comes to terrarium containers, and it’s one of the details that beginners often overlook at first. A container that’s too small can stunt your plants’ growth, while one that’s too large might be harder to maintain.
As a general rule, think about how many plants you want to include and how big they’ll get. A single succulent can thrive in a small mason jar, but if you’re planning a lush tropical scene with several plants, you’ll need significantly more space.
Also, consider where you’ll be placing your terrarium. A large fish tank looks great as a centerpiece on a coffee table, but a compact glass globe might be better suited for a small shelf or windowsill. Matching the container size to the space makes a big difference in the final result!
A well-sized homemade terrarium container also makes maintenance much easier over time. Watering, pruning, and cleaning are all much more manageable when you’re not fighting to fit your hand or tools into a container that’s too cramped.
Some mistakes to avoid when picking a container
Choosing the wrong container is one of the most common mistakes new terrarium builders make, but it’s also one of the easiest to avoid! Here are a few things to watch out for so your homemade terrarium container setup goes smoothly from the start.
Avoid non-transparent containers, even if they look cute. Terrariums need light, and your plants won’t get enough if the walls are opaque. Stick to clear glass whenever possible, it’s the safest and most practical choice by far.
Also, be cautious with containers that have very small openings if you’re a beginner. While bottle gardens are beautiful, they require more skill and specific tools to plant. Starting with something wide-mouthed will make your first terrarium experience much more enjoyable!
Lastly, always make sure your container is clean before you start. Residue from food, soap, or previous contents can harm your plants. Give it a thorough wash with hot water, let it dry completely, and you’ll be good to go with your next homemade terrarium container project!
Keep learning: how to pick the right terrarium glass size
Now that you know which containers work best for a homemade terrarium, it’s time to go a little deeper into one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Getting the glass size right is crucial for your plants’ long-term health and happiness.
We have a fantastic article that breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right terrarium glass size here! It covers the key factors to consider, from plant types to placement, in a clear and beginner-friendly way.
Whether you’re planning a compact desktop terrarium or a large floor-standing setup, that article will help you avoid the most common sizing mistakes and make a choice you’ll be happy with for years. It’s definitely worth a read before you start shopping for your next container!
Head over to How to pick the right terrarium glass size and give it a read, we think you’ll find it super helpful as you plan your next build. Happy growing!