5 Reasons to Start a Terrarium Hobby

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are looking for ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find moments of calm. One surprisingly simple yet rewarding way to do this is by creating and maintaining your own terrarium. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a total beginner, terrariums offer numerous benefits that make them a perfect addition to your home or workspace.

Here are 5 reasons you should consider making terrariums a regular part of your routine:

1. Bringing Nature Indoors

In an increasingly urbanized world, many people find themselves cut off from nature. Terrariums are a way to bring a little slice of the outdoors inside, creating a miniature world of greenery that can thrive even in small or confined spaces. A small terrarium on your desk or windowsill can improve your connection to the natural world, providing both visual and psychological benefits.

 

2. Stress Relief and Mindfulness

Tending to plants has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even lower blood pressure. The process of building a terrarium can be especially meditative—it allows you to focus on the moment, tap into your creativity, and immerse yourself in the calming act of arranging plants and natural elements. Once the terrarium is complete, maintaining it can be a mindful ritual that helps you slow down and unwind.

3. Low Maintenance

For those who love plants but struggle to keep them alive (this is me, for sure!) terrariums are an ideal solution. Most terrariums, especially closed terrariums (with a lid), create their own mini-ecosystem, requiring minimal care. They are often self-sustaining, needing only occasional misting or pruning. This makes them a great option for busy individuals who want the joy of having plants without the pressure of high-maintenance care.

4. A Creative Outlet

Building a terrarium is like crafting your own living piece of art. From choosing your container to arranging plants, mosses, rocks, and other decorative materials, the creative possibilities are endless. It’s a hands-on hobby that allows you to experiment with different designs, colors, and textures. Whether you prefer a lush, jungle-like atmosphere or a minimalist, Zen garden feel, your terrarium can reflect your unique style.

5. Educational and Fun for All Ages

Terrariums are not only a fun hobby for adults, but they’re also a fantastic educational tool for children. They offer a fun way to learn about ecosystems, plant biology, and the water cycle. As a former science teacher, I love watching how the mini-environment inside the terrarium changes over time. Observing terrariums can spark curiosity in kids and encourage a lifelong interest in the natural world. You can even add tiny insects that act as a terrarium clean-up crew and make your terrarium self-sustaining. Bugs definetely get kids interested and it's a great way to teach children about the importance of caring for living things!

Whether you’re looking for a creative hobby, a way to bring nature into your life, or simply want to reduce stress, terrariums offer a unique and fulfilling way to engage with plants. The next time you find yourself needing a break, consider building your own little world inside a glass container. Not sure where to start? Join us for a terrarium workshop where we provide all the supplies necessary! You might just discover a hobby that brings you joy for years to come!

 

3 comments

  • Terrariums are wonderful. As a plant lover of all kinds I truly enjoy the entire process of building a terrarium from choosing the container to the plants or succulents and of course the accessories. Once I overcame my need to make my terrariums perfect.. it’s nature there is nothing perfect there is only unique and beautiful designs all around us , building and creating all types and versions of these little bottles of nature I find it calming and relaxing.
    I encourage everyone to try just one and I know you will be obsessed as I am. I do love all the various themes open to creating a terrarium. I use dollhouse furniture, little houses, seashells, rocks , holiday decor, etc to develop my new collection of terrariums. My husband enjoys these treasures and has several in his office. Poor guy he is still looking for the hobbit after a year of the hobbit house sitting on his desk.
    Thank you Leslie, my dear friend for expanding my collection and making it ok to think outside the box when designing a beautiful piece of live nature that you can have in your home, office or classroom. Your enthusiasm and passion are contagious and constantly uplift me and I am always looking forward to your next workshop.
    Hoping Miss Hazel could attend more . She is also a very calming force for us ocd and adhd people who can’t shut off their minds.

    Laura Bogaski
  • I love that bit of wisdom and instuction

    Laurie Lockridge
  • I love my little terrarium easy to make and to take care of! No or little maintenance needed!

    Cindy Schaeffer

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