Key Takeaways:
- Terrariums are easy to make. You just need a glass container, small plants, rocks, and soil. No green thumb is required.
- Pick the right plants. Use low-light plants like snake plants or ZZ plants. They survive well in offices with little sunlight.
- Set it up in layers. Start with rocks for drainage, then charcoal, then soil. Add plants last. Keep it simple.
- They need little care. Water them every few weeks. Too much sun or water can hurt them.
- Plants help your workspace. They clean the air, reduce stress, and make your office look nicer. Need help? Try professional plant maintenance services.
Ever feel like your office environment is missing something? Maybe it’s too plain, too quiet, or just lacks life. Adding a terrarium to your desk can change that. It’s like having a tiny, low-maintenance garden right in front of you. Plus, plants have numerous benefits—they boost employee productivity, improve air quality, and even help lower stress levels.
The best part? You don’t need a green thumb to make one. Whether you’re a plant newbie or just someone who forgets to water things, a terrarium is a great choice. Let’s break it down step by step.
What You’ll Need
First, gather your supplies. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basics. A clear glass container is key because it lets light in from all sides. You can use a jar, a fishbowl, or even a small vase. Next, you’ll need some terrarium plants. Small, slow-growing plants work best. Think air plants, spider plants, or even a tiny snake plant.
You’ll also need some potting soils, pebbles or small rocks, and a bit of activated charcoal (this keeps things fresh). If you want to get creative, add some moss or small decorative stones. The whole setup should fit easily on your desk without taking up too much minimal space.
Choosing the Right Plants
Not all plants are good for terrariums. Since most office spaces don’t get a ton of natural light, you’ll want plants that thrive in low-light conditions. ZZ plants, prayer plants, and spider plants are all great picks. They don’t need much attention and can handle indirect sunlight.
If your desk gets some bright light, you could try small tropical plants like ferns or peperomias. Just avoid anything that needs direct sunlight—most terrariums can’t handle that much heat.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure about real plants, you can always use artificial plants or faux plants for a no-maintenance option. But real plants have better health benefits.
Setting Up Your Terrarium
Now for the fun part—putting it all together. Start by adding a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom. This helps with drainage so your plants don’t sit in water. Next, sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal. This keeps the indoor air quality fresh inside the container.
After that, add your potting soil. Don’t pack it too tight—just enough for the plant roots to settle in. Now, place your plants inside. If you’re using more than one, give them a little space to grow. You can add some moss or decorative stones to finish the look.
Important: If you’re making a closed terrarium, keep the lid off for a bit to let excess moisture escape. Too much humidity can cause mold.
Caring for Your Terrarium
One of the best things about terrariums is that they need very little ongoing maintenance. Since they create their own little ecosystem, you won’t need to water them often. Just check the soil every couple of weeks—if it feels dry, add a little water.
If your terrarium is closed, you might only need to water it once a month. Open terrariums dry out faster, so keep an eye on them. Also, make sure your plants aren’t getting too much direct sunlight—most prefer indirect light.
If you’re not great at plant care, don’t worry. Many low-maintenance plants do just fine with neglect. And if you ever need help, plant maintenance services (like the ones at Mr. PlantSoCal) can take care of it for you.
Why Terrariums Are Great for Offices
Besides looking cool, terrariums have real benefits. Studies show that having green plants in your workspace can reduce stress levels and improve focus. They also help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
If you work in a dull commercial space, a terrarium adds a pop of the color green and makes the place feel more alive. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. Coworkers will definitely ask about your little desk garden.
What If You Want More Plants?
If you love the idea of plants but want something bigger, consider larger plants like fiddle leaf figs or tall plants for corners. Or, if you want to go all out, living walls or vertical gardens can transform your indoor space.
Not sure where to start? An interior planting design expert (like the team at Mr. PlantSoCal) can help you pick the best plants for your office environment. They’ll consider things like light levels, humidity levels, and even noise levels to create the perfect setup.
Bring Some Life to Your Workspace – It’s Easier Than You Think!
Building a terrarium is one of the easiest ways to bring natural elements into your workspace. It’s affordable, simple, and doesn’t take up much room. Whether you go for a tiny jar with air plants or a bigger setup with tropical plants, you’ll love the visual appeal and health benefits it brings.
And if you ever need help—whether it’s picking the right plants, setting up a green wall, or just keeping them alive—Mr. PlantSoCal has you covered. From office plant design to weekly service maintenance, they make it easy to keep your workspace green and fresh.
So why not give it a try? Your desk (and your mood) will thank you.
