I have had this idea floating around in my head for a long time and I bought the supplies months ago. With the kids back in school, I was finally able to find the time to put this fun DIY project together. Of all my unique terrarium ideas, I think this one might be my favorite one! Here is how I turned a gumball machine into a terrarium! I am also sharing everything I know about creating a successful terrarium so read to the end for the helpful tips.
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Gumball Machine Terrarium
How this idea came about was, I was scrolling through Facebook marketplace one night and saw a vintage gumball machine. It was darling! It also cost and arm and a leg and was tall on a stand. But it got me thinking about gumball machines and my plant obsessed brain didn't take long to put things together. I didn't want to possibly ruin a working vintage machine, so I decided to try it out my DIY terrarium ideas on a relatively inexpensive one from Amazon.
I took it apart and only used the base, glass globe, and the lid.
Step 1
I needed to find a way to block the gumball chute. Otherwise all the dirt would fall out and when I watered it, it would be a mess. Originally I was going to try to fill the whole thing with caulk. But upon inspecting it, I realized it was too wide so I scrambled to find a new way. I used a piece of cardboard and then caulked over it really well.
Step 2
The bright cherry red doesn't really go with the colors I've got going on in my house so I chose to spray paint over the red with a matte black. But first I had to tape over the silver parts that I didn't want to paint.
I placed it on some cardboard and spray painted it. I usually do two thin coats.
Step 3
I needed a way to keep the globe on the base. So I decided to "glue" the glass dome back on with clear silicone caulk. I caulked around the rim of the base and placed the globe on.
Step 4
Now it is time to assemble! I added a little bit of gravel, activated charcoal , and some soil.
Then I placed the little ferns in and added soil around them. Since I can't get my hands in there, I had to use tongs.
I don't usually make terrariums that have such small openings, so I didn't have the right sized tongs. Sometimes if you buy a terrarium kit, they will come with tongs and other tools. But I made due with what I had on hand.
Step 5
I needed to find a way to keep the lid from sliding around on the glass. I used hot glue on the inside of the lip. The glue is rubbery and helps grip on the glass.
If I had chosen to keep the lip off, it could have been an open terrarium, but I wanted it to look like the original gumball machine and I prefer a closed terrarium for ferns and other tropical plants.
I also made a little knob out of clay to cover where the screw went on the top of the lid. I also used polymer clay to make some gumballs!
Other Unique Terrarium Ideas
Years ago I made a terrarium lamp and it is still on the side table in my living room to this day. I have had to repot the plants a few time as they grow too tall for the glass container. The terrarium plants really thrive in this lamp!
When I wrote my book, Natural Accents, I created a terrarium side table. I was OBSESSED! It was fun to have such a large terrarium to be able to plant larger plants. Sadly, a year after I made it, my boys were rough housing and one of them landed on it and broke the plexiglass. I really need to make a new one. I miss it!
This is a terrarium out of a large glass jar for my boys. I added in a small French Bulldog (like our Kevin), a chicken (since we have chickens) and a little mouse (my youngest loves mice). It was kind of like a fairy garden and a terrarium all in one! You can add your own themed terrarium like "beachy" with shells and sea glass. Take your terrarium to the next level by adding decorative elements!
Back before terrariums became super popular, it was hard to find unique terrarium containers. I found a brass geometric shaped one and bought it even though it cost more than I was comfortable paying. Now these are commonly found and less expensive. But I still love it! While the location I keep it changes from the mantel to the family room shelves, to my bedroom, it is a beautiful terrarium.
When I first started blogging (and those fancy glass containers were very popular) I even made a moss terrarium... or three!
What You Need to Make A Terrarium
Container
Really, you can make a terrarium in almost any glass container, glass jar, or glass bottle. You can buy a container with a lid for a closed terrarium or pick an open container for an open top terrarium. Get creative in what you use to make a truly unique terrarium. Whether it is something you already have on hand (like mason jars) or you buy something new, it the perfect way to add more greenery to your space!
Rocks
Once you have your glass terrarium container picked out (whether it is a tiny terrarium or large) you will need something for the bottom. Since there is no drainage hole, there needs to be a place for the excess water to collect so the soil doesn't stay soggy.
Most people use gravel or other tiny rocks. My favorite terrariums will have layers. Since you will see the rocks, it is fun to add different materials. I have used polished pebbles, fish tank gravel, sand, and peat moss.
Soil
After you add your rocks and/or sand to the bottom of the container, you will need to add some soil. There is some debate online among ie hard terrarium makers about the perfect terrarium soil. Some have complicated recipes with hard to find ingredients. But I have always found that houseplant soil works perfectly fine. I also usually add activated charcoal since it can help reduce green stuff from growing along the sides of the glass. You can pick it up for cheap online.
Plants
The ideal plant for a terrarium is one that like humidity and that grows relatively slow. You can either buy small indoor plants, or you can use plant cuttings. Plant cutting root pretty quickly in the moist environment. Some of the different plants that I like to use are:
Nerve plants, ferns, pixie arrowhead plants, begonias, pilea plants, peperomia, creeping fig, and moss.
I have heard that air plants do well but I haven't tried that out. Maybe next time I will have to make an air plant terrarium! One with just rocks and no soil. Ooooo! I feel a project coming on!
Whatever container or plants you choose, making your own terrarium is like having miniature gardens in your home that you can proudly display on your coffee table, side table or shelves! They also have very little maintenance. I do have a few tips though...
3 Common Mistakes People Make With Terrariums
Watering
The first one is the most common one of all. Adding too much water. Yes, these plants need moisture and humidity, but there is also no drainage hole. And if you have a closed container, there is nowhere for the excess water to go. The rocks at the bottom can only hold so much. And really, they are just there as a precaution. Your soil should be moist, but not soggy.
If the soil is pretty moist when you add it to the terrarium, and you watered the plants before planting them, there really is no need to add additional water. At most, you could mist it with a spray bottle.
Keep an eye on your terrarium for the first couple of weeks. If your plant leaves start to turn brown and slimy, you may need to take the lid off until some of the water evaporates. Once you have it so the water levels are perfect, you don't have to do anything! At least not until the plants outgrow the container.
Too Much Light/Heat
It is tempting to place your shiny new terrarium in the sunniest spot in your house, but too much sun can cook your plants. Indirect light is best. I keep mine fairly far away from windows and heat vents.
Picking The Wrong Plants
Like I mentioned above, you need small plants that like the humidity and grow slowly. Picking plants that are too large, or grow fast, just means more maintenance for you. Succulents should never be in a closed top terrarium. The like to dry out completely in between waterings and are prone to root rot. So make sure when you make a succulent terrarium (and use other plants that like to dry out) to only use open containers and a course soil that is meant for succulents.
When made right, terrariums are very low maintenance. And if you are like me, once you start making them, you will get addicted!
Have you ever made a terrarium? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
That is so adorable. How did I not think if this? My daughter loves plants. Her room looks like a jungle plus pet smart combined. I looked into doing a lamp terrarium after seeing yours , but she didn’t really have a need for a lamp. However, she does have an old fashioned gum ball machine sitting empty on her dresser. I think that you’ve inspired me to do another project before school starts. Yay!