Video summary

I Built The Perfect Beginner Terrarium (Anyone Can Make This)

Main summary

Key takeaways

Lifestyle

Key idea

  • Build a beginner-friendly closed terrarium “in just a jar” using an airtight sealed lid to create a self-sustaining mini ecosystem.

Build steps (beginner jar terrarium)

1) Drainage layer

  • Add a bottom drainage layer using porous materials, such as:
    • Black lava rock (used in the video)
    • Alternatives: aquarium divider grid, river rock, or play sand
  • Purpose: create space where water can settle and not stay trapped against the substrate.

2) Substrate barrier

  • Add a barrier to prevent substrate from falling into the drainage layer and rotting.
  • Use aquarium filter foam (not window screen, per the video).
  • Cut a piece slightly larger than the jar circumference so it wedges in and stays put.

3) Standing water

  • Add enough water to the drainage layer to create about 1–2 inches of standing water.
  • Water options:
    • Aquarium water (preferred for nutrients)
    • Otherwise: rainwater or tap water

4) Backdrop / hardscape

  • Create a simple backdrop by wedging cork bark pieces between the filter foam.
  • Add spider wood pieces:
    • Make a small incision in the filter foam with a razor blade or scissors
    • Jam the wood into the incision
  • Arrange hardscape toward the center, leaving open space so plants can grow around it for a more immersive look.

5) Optional visual layer

  • Add aquarium sand for appearance and layering effect.

6) Substrate (top layer)

  • Recommended: ABG mix from Josh’s Frogs
  • Alternatives:
    • Most reptile soils from pet stores
    • Or a basic combo like activated charcoal + coco peat

7) Optional rocks / minerals

  • Add a couple of rocks (example: a larger black lava rock).
  • Add at least one crushed eggshell for calcium, beneficial for the bioactive life.

8) Leaf litter

  • Add bioactive leaf litter (already hosting beneficial organisms).
  • If sourcing outdoors:
    • Look for leaf litter in damp areas near logs
  • Suggested type: oak leaf litter.

9) Add springtails + mist

  • Add tropical springtails (crucial for a bioactive closed jar).
    • They eat decaying matter, reducing mold and producing fertilizer.
  • Mist thoroughly so everything is saturated.
  • As roots grow through the filter foam, moisture is pulled upward and released through the leaves, supporting a continuous water cycle (moisture travels from drainage → up through plants → out through leaves).

Planting + plant choices

Plant selection

Choose plants that:

  • Handle high humidity
  • Are small (for jar scale)

Good options mentioned:

  • Small ferns
  • Mosses
  • Nerve plant
  • Creeping fig

Planting layout tip

  • Put bigger plants in the back and smaller ones in the front.
  • Don’t overthink the composition—growth will naturally fill the space.

Placement & expectations

  • Place the terrarium in indirect sunlight.
  • Expect a little mold in the first 1–2 weeks—this is normal.
  • The springtails should help the ecosystem stabilize over time.

Notable locations / products / people mentioned

  • Josh’s Frogs (ABG mix)
  • Amazon (search term suggestion: “terrarium plants”)

Materials / brands / products

  • Aquarium filter foam
  • Aquarium divider grid
  • Black lava rock
  • Activated charcoal
  • Coco peat
  • Tropical springtails

Plant types

  • Nerve plant
  • Creeping fig
  • Small ferns
  • Moss

Creator / speaker

  • Referred to as the video’s terrarium builder (no name given in the subtitles)

Original video