A terrarium is the art of creating a plant landscape within a small container.

A terrarium is a miniature plant landscape built inside a glass bottle, glass dome or other small vessel, starring small plants such as mosses, ferns and succulents, paired with decorative materials like sand, gravel and small ornaments. It condenses natural scenery such as mountain forests and courtyards into a tiny space, small and exquisite, combining ornamental appeal with a sense of fun, and in recent years it has become increasingly popular among city dwellers.

In terms of form, common terrariums include moss bottles, succulent terrariums and ecosystem bottles. Moss bottles mostly feature moisture-loving mosses and ferns, often using a covered glass container to create a humid micro-environment; succulent terrariums pair drought-tolerant succulents with sand and gravel for a fresh, crisp style; ecosystem bottles also add small organisms in an attempt to form a relatively closed mini-cycle. Makers can freely combine elements according to the shape of the container and personal preference, creating scenes of widely varying styles.

When making a terrarium, you generally first lay a drainage layer and potting soil at the bottom of the container, then plant the plants in sequence, scatter sand and gravel, and place the ornaments. As for care, moisture-loving types need moderate misting to retain humidity and should be kept out of harsh sun, while drought-tolerant types should be watered sparingly and kept well ventilated. In daily care, watch the condition of the plants, promptly remove yellowed and dead leaves, and prevent stuffy dampness from causing mold.

Making a terrarium has a low barrier to entry and the materials are easy to obtain, making it a suitable leisure project for parent-child crafts or decorating a home. Placed on a desk or windowsill, a finished terrarium not only beautifies the environment but also lets people relax while caring for it and enjoy the pleasures of nature.