DIY Upcycled Terrarium

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Recycling is what happens when you put things in the recycle bin at home or work. These items (paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, etc.) are broken down and recycled into other similar-type products. Upcycling though, is taking something you might put in the recycle bin and turning it into something different—that generally is of greater value than the original object. These DIY upcycled terrariums definitely add value!

DIY Upcycle Terrarium:

Supplies needed:

  • Empty, upcycled glass jars
  • Gloves (optional)
  • Potting soil
  • Funnel
  • Long brush
  • Scoop
  • Dish soap
  • Vinegar
  • Cleaning sponge


  1. Begin by removing labels from empty glass jars: Soak them in warm water with equal parts of dish soap and vinegar.
  2. Carefully peel off the label and scrub the outside of the jar removing any label residue.
  3. Once the glass jar is dry, fill it a quarter of the way with potting soil. (Using a funnel will help when scooping the potting soil into the jar.)
  4. Once potting soil has been added, use the long brush to clean the inside edges of the glass, removing soil from the sides of the bottle. This will help ensure that the plant remains clean when added to the jar.
  5. After adding the potting soil, hold glass jar at a 45-degree angle so that soil falls to one corner of the jar, leaving the opposite side open
  6. Carefully add your fern or plant to the jar. Using chopsticks, maneuver the plant so that its roots rest on the bottom of the jar—in the space on the opposite side of the soil.
  7. Once plant is placed, carefully fill the gap at the bottom with the soil so that the roots of the plant are covered and the plant sits up once you bring the bottle to a fully upright position again.
  8. Again, using the long brush, brush the sides of the glass bottle cleaning the dirt from the edges.
  9. Finally, decorate the jar with twine and a tag then place terrarium in an area with sufficient sunlight but avoid direct sun.
  10.  Add a small amount of water when soil is try but be sure not to over water the plant.