In 7th grade. It was used primarily to house tiny porcelain animals and to kill young plants.

Those are pretty.

Yes, the killing of plants is why DH will be the project manager.

This one caught my eye, but I don’t see it on the site. Just for display, I guess. And a tabletop one would be better for us. But swoon:

https://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/weathered-grace-tiered-etagere.html

We had several in our house that I inherited from kids 4H projects. They were the large glass jar containers. If the right plants are selected, they are fairly low maintenance and hard to kill. As I recall the lid was ajar for optimal moisture. They rarely needed any care.

Thank you, RN, I didn’t know that about the lid. I’m just starting to research it all. DH loves dioramas, so I’m imagining a whole mini landscaping scene in there with plants and decor — tiny bench, pots, etc.

Yes, my DH has a giant glass jar terrarium in his mancave, and he has a couple of tiny ones too that sit on our dining room window sill. I think they’re pretty low-maintenance.

Now I want one of the H Potter ones! I have a great spot for one, in a bay window, but a dumb sculpture that DH bought sits there. I might have to rearrange the house.

Sue, I’m 100% sure you need an HPotter one! I love that site.

Glass jars were common when we were in jr high and high school. But those HPotter ones? Ikea has some like that for a lot less. A friend used them to protect her African violets from the cats. Couldn’t protect them from neglect when she left her family in charge for a month though.

My SIL made one for me in a big round glass container. It had little china animals in it. My main memories are that some plants grew like crazy and others croaked. It also got green and moldy on the inside. Im sure it didnt get the right care from us.

This was back in the day when people put different layers of colored sand in the bottom.

bpath, thanks, I’ll check out Ikea.

ded, I had something with multi-color sand when I was a kid, but can’t remember exactly what. I think I got it at a fair. I’m going to be wondering about it at 3:37 am. :D

I've had many. They start out healthy and successful, then become too moist...too fogged up...never can get the balance just right. I do make temporary ones when rooting plants from cuttings. I have a BIG pickle jar I use....

It's worth a try...and even if they only last a few months...it'll be fun!

A terrarium is the only way I’d be able to sustain a maidenhair fern. A friend has two antique compotes of ferns on her dining table. I love to sit at her beautiful table, enjoy the always delicious food, and admire her maidenhair ferns.

I sent her a pic of Longwood’s Green Wall because it called her to mind.

Nicole, that’s my concern (getting the right balance). I’m just not good with houseplants at all. You’re right, though, it’ll be fun to experiment.

Lisa, I love ferns … gorgeous photo.

Do you have a plant store or greenhouse nearby? I think ours has plants labeled or grouped that are good in moist/humid environments. I do feel like they grow fast so maybe picking slow growers would be fine.

The containers from IKEA aren't really made to be a terrarium but a glass enclosure to grow plants in. They aren't designed to hold dirt but to hold potted plants.

I had a beautiful one from FBMP about ten years ago. It was stunning--more like a victorian wardian case. But it was hard to keep the plants alive and the damn thing had some leaky joints. Eventually, all but two plants gave up the ghost. Turns out those last two were FAKE! I never knew, lol.

RN, we have a couple of long established nurseries nearby that I think will be great resources. As soon as it’s not a thousand degrees here, we’re going to visit them. They may even have terrariums for sale. I hope!

jojo, ha! I like the idea of faux. If DH decides it’s not what he expected, we may go that route.

I’m still learning what’s what — tabletop greenhouses, wardians, terrarium greenhouse, etc. I searched ’terrarium’ on MP at first, and it brought up glass reptile containers.

Eta: I am excited about decorating it for holidays! Looking for little battery light strands right now … before I even have the thing. :D

I had a small one on the coffee table in the solarium of our last house. It had a slanted roof and only half of it opened. I did not want to do the dirt/plants routine, so I used an old terra cotta pot with a hardy aloe. Placed a couple of smaller clay pots with interesting shapes/sizes. The plant did so well it became difficult to remove for watering. I gave it to a friend before we moved.

I recently purchased a vintage looking round glass container for a Betta while I got a small tank ready. Very thick glass, not sure of its original purpose. I've thought about planting it, but not really a good place to put one. So I will probably fill it with the larger shells we/mostly DH has found on morning walks. fyi, the water was not cloudy, but the upper portion appears to be in photo. It reminds me of a vintage glass battery jar, but I don't think there were round ones.

Fun fact: I won First Place in our HS Science Fair with an Alabama woodland themed terrarium (in an aquarium), along with report. I think I cinched the win since it housed a frog my BF caught a couple nights before, then set free back at its home.

I look foward to seeing your... DH's project take shape!

Allison, thank you! I remember that gorgeous solarium, but can’t remember if I saw your terrarium. It was hard to take my eyes of the orchids. :) How you describe yours is exactly what my original thoughts were for ours — using interesting clay pots/plants.

The container your Betta is in is so interesting! He’s a handsome fella. I like your idea of using it for collected seashells.

That is so cool about the science fair!

I'd love a terrarium, but I don't have the surface space to display one. Keep us posted on what you find. And, yes, a local garden center or greenhouse would be a great resource. However, faux plants have come a long way.

Ferns... I had one that I kept in my bathroom that thrived, but it was so messy. I have one now that I bought on a whim for a plant stand in my DR. It's not doing well, and I've been observing its slow demise all summer long. It should be in a terrarium.

Thank you!

Feathers, I feel your pain … I so love ferns, but can’t seem to keep them alive inside or outside. I hope yours survives!

Ahhh, Allison! It’s always a treat to see pics of your houses. So lovely! Thank you for sharing, it’ll go in my terrarium inspiration folder. :)

@Allison0704. Not meaning to burst your bubble, but your container looks like the Anchor Hocking pieces that we have used for terrariums. They come with a glass lid with a molded round knob. They are still manufactured in many different sizes. Why do you think yours is vintage?

So pretty, czarinalex! Love your kitchen, too. :)

When we were getting our home and yard ready to sell a few months ago, i found an unplanned terrarium:

@RNmomof2 zone 5 Oh, you are not bursting my bubble! I did not think it was a vintage battery jar, fish bowl or terrarium. Thanks - it does look like the Anchor Hocking piece, so could be. I paid less than $8 and it was perfect for my Betta's temp home.