Behind the Glass: How Blue Squid Creates Each Terrarium

People often ask me what goes into making a terrarium. The honest answer is: more than you would think. Each Blue Squid terrarium takes time, knowledge, and a genuine love of plants to get right. This post takes you behind the glass and into my workshop in Addlestone, Surrey, where every terrarium begins its life.

It Starts With the Glass

Before a single plant is involved, I need the right vessel. I source upcycled glass containers from charity shops, car boot sales, and local sellers across Surrey and beyond. Old sweet jars, vintage apothecary bottles, demijohns, cookie jars, anything with good proportions and a decent lid.

Every piece of glass gets inspected carefully. I check for chips, cracks, and structural weaknesses. Then it gets a thorough clean and sterilisation. The vessel is not just a container; it is the home for a living ecosystem, and it needs to be sound.

Using upcycled glass means no two terrariums are identical. It also means less new glass being manufactured, less waste going to landfill, and more character in every finished piece. I genuinely believe it makes the terrariums better. There is a warmth and history in a vintage jar that a factory-fresh container simply does not have.

Choosing the Plants

Plant selection is where my background as a terrarium artist really comes into play. I do not just pick what looks pretty; I choose species that will coexist in a closed environment for the long term. That means considering:

• Humidity tolerance: Everything in a closed terrarium must thrive in high humidity.
• Light requirements: All the plants in one terrarium need to share the same light preferences.
• Aesthetics: Colour, texture, and scale need to work together to create a miniature landscape that looks natural.

My favourites include fittonia for colour, ferns for structure, selaginella for ground cover or height depending on the variety, and several types of moss for that lush forest-floor effect. I source plants from trusted nurseries and always quarantine new stock to prevent introducing pests into my builds.

The Build Process: Step by Step

Here is exactly how I build each Blue Squid terrarium, from empty glass to finished ecosystem:

1. False bottom drainage layer: I add a layer of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) or fine gravel. This sits at the bottom and gives excess water somewhere to drain, preventing root rot.
2. Activated charcoal: A thin layer of horticultural charcoal filters the water as it cycles through the system and prevents bacterial growth.
3. Substrate: I mix my own terrarium soil blend, balancing drainage, moisture retention, and nutrients. The mix varies depending on which plants are going in.
4. Planting: Using long-handled tools (some of which I have adapted myself), I position each plant carefully. Taller species go at the back, ground cover at the front, and accent plants where they will catch the eye. I firm the roots gently and check that nothing is touching the glass, as leaf-to-glass contact can cause rot.
5. Moss and decoration: I lay moss to cover exposed soil, then add decorative elements like pebbles, bark, or driftwood. These details turn a planted jar into a landscape.
6. Misting and sealing: A light mist of filtered water, then the lid goes on. The terrarium sits in my workshop for at least 48 hours while I monitor the moisture levels and make adjustments before it goes to its new home.

Quality Control: The 48-Hour Watch

This is the part that separates a properly made terrarium from a rushed one. After sealing, I watch each terrarium for two days. I am looking for:

• Condensation levels: Light morning condensation is perfect. Heavy fog all day means too much water.
• Plant health: Any yellowing, wilting, or signs of stress.
• Mould: The first 48 hours are when mould is most likely to appear if the build was not done right.

If anything is not right, I open the terrarium and adjust. Sometimes that means removing a plant, tweaking the moisture, or replacing a piece of moss. I would rather fix a problem in my workshop than have a customer deal with it at home.

Why Handmade Matters

You can buy mass-produced terrariums from large retailers. Some of them look perfectly fine on day one. The difference shows up in week three, when the wrong plant combination starts to fail, or the missing charcoal layer allows mould to take hold, or the soil mix retains too much water.

Every Blue Squid terrarium is built with horticultural knowledge, tested materials, and genuine care. I want every terrarium I make to still be thriving six months, a year, five years down the line. That matters to me, both as a maker and as a gardener.

Ready to own a terrarium built with this level of care? Visit the Blue Squid shop and choose yours. Every terrarium is handmade and unique, so yours will be fresh, tested, and ready to thrive from the moment it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a terrarium?

The build itself takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on complexity, but every terrarium then spends at least 48 hours under observation before it leaves my workshop. Including sourcing and preparing materials, each terrarium represents several hours of work.

Can I commission a custom terrarium?

Absolutely. If you have a specific vessel you would like me to use, or a particular style in mind, get in touch. I love creating bespoke pieces, especially for gifts or special occasions.

Where do you source your plants?

I source plants from trusted nurseries and always quarantine new stock before using them in builds. This prevents pests and diseases from entering the closed ecosystem. I choose species that I know from experience will thrive in closed conditions.

Why do you use upcycled glass instead of new containers?

Sustainability is a core part of Blue Squid’s ethos. Upcycled glass reduces waste, gives beautiful objects a second life, and adds character that new vessels simply cannot match. It is also better for the environment, and I believe it makes each terrarium more interesting and unique.