Living in a small space or apartment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the beauty of plants and greenery. In fact, terrariums offer an ideal solution for adding a touch of nature to compact living environments. Whether you're looking to spruce up your windowsill, desk, or coffee table, terrariums allow you to create a mini indoor garden that brings life to your space without taking up too much room.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how terrariums can enhance your small space, provide tips for creating your own, and highlight some plant choices perfect for apartment living.

Why Terrariums are Perfect for Small Spaces

Living in a small apartment or house often means limited space for large houseplants, but terrariums make it possible to incorporate greenery without overwhelming the space. Here’s why terrariums are perfect for small living spaces:

1. Compact and Space-Saving

Terrariums come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tiny glass globes to larger, statement-making containers. This makes them ideal for spaces where traditional plants might not fit, like shelves, coffee tables, or even kitchen counters. They take up minimal space while still offering a splash of greenery.

2. Low-Maintenance

Small spaces often mean fewer opportunities for regular plant care, but terrariums are relatively low-maintenance compared to traditional plants. Closed terrariums create their own mini-ecosystem, requiring little watering and care once they are set up. Open terrariums may need occasional pruning and watering, but overall, they are quite easy to manage.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Plants are known for their ability to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Even in a small apartment, a well-maintained terrarium can contribute to better air quality and create a fresher, more pleasant living environment. Plus, the natural aesthetic of plants can make the space feel more relaxing and calming.

4. Flexible and Customizable

Terrariums are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your personal style. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or something more vibrant and lush, you can design your terrarium to match your decor. From sleek, modern glass containers to rustic, moss-filled displays, there’s a terrarium style for every taste.

Types of Terrariums for Small Spaces

Not all terrariums are created equal, and the best choice for your apartment will depend on your available space, lighting conditions, and the plants you want to grow. Here are some common types of terrariums perfect for small spaces:

1. Closed Terrariums

Closed terrariums are ideal for small spaces due to their compact nature. The glass container creates a self-contained ecosystem with high humidity, making them perfect for tropical plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns, moss, and certain types of succulents. The enclosed environment helps retain moisture, so they need to be watered less frequently, making them low-maintenance.

Best For: Tropical plants, low-maintenance environments, decorative display in living rooms, desks, or windowsills.

2. Open Terrariums

Open terrariums, on the other hand, are better suited for plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents, cacti, and air plants. These types of terrariums allow for better air circulation, which is essential for plants that need well-drained soil. Open terrariums are easy to care for and add a beautiful, natural element to any space.

Best For: Succulents, cacti, air plants, and other drought-tolerant species. Ideal for coffee tables, shelves, or mantels.

3. Wall-Mounted Terrariums

For even more efficient use of space, wall-mounted terrariums are a fantastic option. These clear glass containers can be hung on the wall, saving counter or shelf space while still providing a beautiful focal point. They work well for small plants like air plants or succulents, and their vertical design adds interest to your wall without overwhelming the space.

Best For: Small spaces with limited horizontal room, decorative display, small houseplants like air plants, succulents, or ferns.

4. Miniature Terrariums

For the ultimate space-saving solution, miniature terrariums—such as small glass jars or tiny glass globes—are an excellent choice. These mini terrariums are perfect for a single plant or small grouping of plants and can be placed anywhere in your apartment. They can also be used as small accent pieces in various rooms, bringing greenery to spots you wouldn't normally think to decorate.

Best For: Extremely small spaces, desks, bathroom shelves, or any area where you need a tiny, low-maintenance plant display.

How to Create Your Own Terrarium in a Small Space

Building your own terrarium is an easy and fun DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a simple terrarium that will fit perfectly in your small space:

Materials You’ll Need:

  • A glass container (such as a jar, vase, fishbowl, or dedicated terrarium)

  • Small rocks or pebbles (for drainage)

  • Activated charcoal (to keep the environment fresh)

  • Potting soil

  • Plants (choose based on the type of terrarium: tropical plants for closed, succulents or cacti for open)

  • Decorative elements (such as moss, stones, small figurines, or sand)

Steps:

  1. Choose the Container: Pick a glass container that fits the space you have available. Remember, the bigger the container, the more space your plants will need. A small fishbowl, mason jar, or even a hanging glass globe can work well for small spaces.

  2. Add Drainage: Start by adding a thin layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container. This will help with drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in water.

  3. Add Activated Charcoal: On top of the rocks, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. This will help absorb excess moisture and prevent mold and odors in the terrarium.

  4. Add Potting Soil: Layer potting soil on top of the charcoal. The depth of the soil will depend on the size of the plants you plan to grow. For small plants, a shallow layer is sufficient.

  5. Plant Your Greens: Now it’s time to add your plants. Arrange them based on their size and sunlight requirements. For a closed terrarium, choose plants that thrive in humid conditions, such as moss, ferns, and begonias. For open terrariums, choose succulents or cacti that prefer dry conditions.

  6. Add Decorative Touches: You can personalize your terrarium by adding moss, small rocks, figurines, or sand. These small touches give your terrarium a unique look and add visual interest.

  7. Water and Place Your Terrarium: Lightly water your plants (don’t overdo it) and place your terrarium in a location with appropriate lighting—indirect sunlight is usually best for most plants. For closed terrariums, place them in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating.

Best Plants for Small Spaces and Apartments

Choosing the right plants for your terrarium is essential for its success. Here are some of the best plants for small space terrariums:

1. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants are perfect for small spaces because they require no soil to grow. They only need water and light to thrive, making them incredibly low-maintenance. Simply mist them once a week and place them in bright, indirect light.

2. Succulents

Succulents are ideal for small space terrariums because they are compact and require minimal care. They love sunlight and dry conditions, making them great for open terrariums. Varieties like Echeveria, Hens and Chicks, and Jade plants are perfect choices.

3. Ferns

Ferns thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for closed terrariums. Plants like Button Ferns, Maidenhair Ferns, and Bird’s Nest Ferns work well in small, humid spaces. They require indirect light and occasional misting to stay healthy.

4. Moss

Moss is an excellent choice for filling empty spaces in your terrarium and creating a lush, green look. It grows well in closed terrariums with high humidity and low light.

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are adaptable and can grow in a range of light conditions, making them an excellent choice for small spaces. Their trailing vines can add an elegant touch to any terrarium.

Conclusion

Terrariums are a fantastic way to bring nature into small spaces and apartments. These miniature ecosystems can transform your home by adding greenery and life to otherwise unused areas. With the right plants and a little creativity, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance display that perfectly fits your style and space. Whether you're looking for a simple desktop accent or a dramatic living room statement, a well-designed terrarium can elevate your small living space and make it feel more vibrant and welcoming.