When I first started getting into terrariums, I was faced with a seemingly simple question: should I plant directly in the soil or use pots within the terrarium? It might sound trivial, but this choice actually has a big impact on how your terrarium looks, functions, and how easy it is to maintain. After experimenting with both methods, I’ve gathered some insights that I hope will help anyone else who’s on the fence about this decision.
Like many terrarium enthusiasts, I was drawn to the idea of creating a self-sustaining little ecosystem that could thrive on its own. I envisioned layers of soil, moss, and decorative stones all working together in harmony. But when it came time to plant, I wasn’t sure whether to put the plants directly into the soil or keep them in their original pots.
The first terrarium I made was a classic one—a glass jar filled with layers of charcoal, pebbles, and soil, with the plants nestled directly into the earth. This method has a lot of appeal because it looks incredibly natural. The plants seem to just emerge from the ground, and the terrarium feels like a tiny, enclosed garden. I loved the way it looked, and for a while, everything seemed perfect.
However, I quickly realized that planting directly in the soil has its challenges. For one, it’s harder to control the moisture level. If the soil retains too much water, it can lead to root rot, especially in a closed terrarium. I also found that if a plant wasn’t thriving, it was tricky to remove it without disturbing the others. And as much as I enjoyed the natural look, maintenance was more difficult than I anticipated.
After my experience with planting directly in the soil, I decided to try using small pots inside the terrarium for my next project. This method is less common, but I quickly saw its benefits. For one, it gives you a lot more control over each individual plant. If one plant needs more water or a different type of soil, you can easily accommodate that without affecting the others. Plus, if a plant outgrows its space or isn’t doing well, you can simply remove it and replace it with another without disturbing the entire setup.
The downside, of course, is that it doesn’t look as seamless or natural. The pots are visible, and the terrarium can look a bit more like a collection of potted plants than a unified ecosystem. But for me, the ease of care and flexibility made it worth it.
After trying both methods, I’ve settled on a combination of the two. In larger terrariums, I’ll plant some things directly in the soil for that natural look, but I’ll also include a few potted plants for versatility. In smaller terrariums, I often stick to pots, since the maintenance is easier and it gives me more flexibility to swap out plants as needed.
Ultimately, the choice between planting directly in the soil or using pots depends on what you value most—natural aesthetics or ease of care. Both methods have their pros and cons, and I think there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what works best for you and your terrarium.