At Bath Garden Center, we host all sorts of plant classes in Fort Collins to help foster your love of plants, encourage all your gardening endeavors, make sure you are equipped with the knowledge you need to grow better, and make sure you have an outlet to learn, ask questions, and have fun! Our terrarium class in Fort Collins is one of our most popular classes, where you get to learn how to build a terrarium, explore all of the different terrarium types and plants that are suited to different terrariums, and discover all there is to know about how to care for a terrarium, all from one of our very own plant professors. Get a sneak peek at what you might learn in one of our terrarium plant classes, and sign up for a class today!
What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a self-contained, miniature garden typically housed in a glass container that creates a controlled environment for plants to grow. Acting like a small ecosystem, terrariums are often used to cultivate moisture-loving plants, as the enclosed space retains humidity and helps regulate temperature. They can be either open or closed: closed terrariums are ideal for tropical plants like ferns and mosses, while open terrariums are suited for succulents and other plants that thrive with more airflow. Terrariums are popular for their decorative appeal, ease of care, and ability to bring a touch of greenery to small indoor spaces.
Terrarium Plants: Get Our Top Picks
The plants you choose for a terrarium will depend on whether it is an open or closed system, as each type provides a different environment suited to specific plant needs. Here are some suggestions for terrarium plants for both open and closed terrariums.
Best Plants for Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums trap humidity and warmth, mimicking tropical climates. They are ideal for moisture-loving plants such as:
Ferns (e.g., maidenhair ferns or button ferns)
Mosses (sheet moss or mood moss)
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Peperomia
Baby’s Tears
Calathea
Bromeliads (small varieties)
Miniature Orchids
These plants thrive in high humidity and low airflow, making them perfect for closed terrariums. When assembling a terrarium, be sure to select plants with similar light, water, and humidity needs to ensure your mini-ecosystem thrives!
Best Plants for Open Terrariums
Open terrariums provide more airflow and are better for plants that prefer dry conditions. These include:
Succulents (e.g., echeveria, jade plant, or hens-and-chicks)
Cacti (small varieties like moon cactus or fairy castle cactus)
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Sedums
String of Pearls
Haworthia
These plants prefer low humidity and good air circulation, making them ideal for open terrariums. When creating a terrarium, ensure the plants have similar light, water, and humidity requirements to create a balanced mini-ecosystem.
How to Make a Terrarium: Learn from a Plant Professor
At Bath Garden Center, our team of experienced plant professionals is dedicated to helping you master the art of plant care and cultivation. Whether you're interested in creating stunning terrariums, growing lush houseplants, or designing beautiful outdoor gardens, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer personalized advice, hands-on workshops, and tailored recommendations to ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to successfully care for plants of all kinds.
If you would like to learn about how to make a terrarium, we encourage you to sign up for one of our terrarium classes in Fort Collins. This will be the best, easiest, and most fun way for you to learn the ropes!
If you would like thorough, step-by-step instructions on how to build a terrarium, check out our blog! We also have tutorial videos on our YouTube channel covering open and closed terrarium assembly. Whichever way you would like to learn, we are excited to help you nurture your green thumb and transform your spaces with thriving, vibrant plants!
Terrarium Class in Fort Collins
If you feel inspired and want to build a terrarium of your own, we host beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrarium classes regularly! Visit our events page for more information on class availability and to sign up for a workshop! If you would like to try your hand at building a terrarium on your own, we also have all the supplies you need, from substrates and amendments to containers, plants, accessories, and more. Shop with us in-store or online, and sign up for a terrarium class and other gardening classes today. We can't wait to see you!