Terrarium Kits in New Zealand – Closed, Open & Succulent Options

What Is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is essentially a miniature garden enclosed in glass. The clear container creates a unique microclimate where plants can thrive with minimal intervention. First popularised in Victorian England, terrariums are experiencing a modern renaissance as people seek ways to reconnect with nature in urban spaces.

Types of Terrariums

Closed Terrariums

Sealed glass containers that create their own water cycle. Moisture evaporates from the soil and plants, condenses on the glass, and drips back down. These are incredibly low maintenance – some closed terrariums have survived decades without opening. Best for tropical plants that love humidity.

Open Terrariums

Glass containers without lids, allowing air circulation. These require more frequent watering but suit a wider variety of plants, including succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions. Open terrariums are often more forgiving for beginners.

Air Plant Terrariums

Designed specifically for tillandsia (air plants), which don’t need soil. These striking displays showcase the unusual beauty of air plants in glass globes, geometric shapes, or hanging vessels. They require misting rather than watering.

Moss Terrariums

Focused on moss and small ferns, these create lush, forest-floor landscapes. Moss terrariums are particularly suited to NZ conditions, as many of our native mosses thrive in the humid environment of a closed container.

What’s Included in a Terrarium Kit?

Quality terrarium kits take the guesswork out of creating your first miniature garden. Here’s what to expect:

Some kits include live plants, while others provide plant vouchers or require you to source plants separately. Check what’s included before purchasing.

Building Your First Terrarium

Step 1: Create Drainage

Add a 2-3cm layer of pebbles or LECA to the bottom of your container. This prevents water pooling at plant roots, which causes rot. Some kits include mesh to separate this layer from soil.

Step 2: Add Charcoal

Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the drainage layer. This essential step keeps your terrarium fresh by absorbing odours and preventing bacterial growth.

Step 3: Add Soil

Add your growing medium – typically a light, well-draining mix suitable for your chosen plants. Create gentle hills and valleys for visual interest. The soil layer should be deep enough for root growth.

Step 4: Plant

Use long tweezers or chopsticks to position your plants, starting with the largest. Create groupings and vary heights for a natural look. Gently firm soil around roots.

Step 5: Decorate

Add moss, stones, driftwood, or miniature figurines to complete your landscape. Less is often more – avoid overcrowding.

Terrarium Care Guide

Light Requirements

Most terrariums prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cook plants inside the glass. A north-facing windowsill or a spot with filtered light works well. LED grow lights are an option for darker spaces.

Watering

Closed terrariums rarely need watering once established – watch for condensation. Open terrariums and succulent setups need checking weekly. When watering, mist lightly or add small amounts directly to soil. Overwatering is the most common mistake.

Maintenance

Remove dead leaves promptly to prevent mould. Trim plants that outgrow their space. Open closed terrariums occasionally for air circulation if you notice excessive condensation or mould.

Best Plants for NZ Terrariums

For Closed Terrariums

• Ferns: Maidenhair, button fern, silver brake
• Moss: Sheet moss, mood moss, NZ native mosses
• Fittonia: Nerve plants in various colours
• Peperomia: Compact varieties
• Selaginella: Spikemoss, club moss

For Open Terrariums

• Succulents: Echeveria, haworthia, sedums
• Cacti: Small varieties for arid terrariums
• Air plants: Tillandsia varieties
• String of pearls: Trailing succulent

Where to Buy Terrarium Kits in NZ

Online Specialists

Several NZ businesses specialise in terrarium kits and supplies. Look for local sellers on platforms like Etsy NZ, Trade Me, or dedicated terrarium shops. Many offer complete kits with NZ-sourced plants.

Garden Centres

Palmers, Mitre 10 garden sections, and independent garden centres stock terrarium supplies. You may need to assemble your own kit from components, but staff can offer advice on plant selection.

Craft & Gift Stores

Some gift retailers stock terrarium kits as creative gifts, particularly around Christmas. Check local boutiques and gift shops for curated kit options.

Workshops

Terrarium-making workshops are offered in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other centres. These guided sessions provide all materials plus expert instruction – a great introduction to the hobby.

Terrariums as Gifts

A terrarium kit makes a thoughtful, unique gift that keeps giving. Unlike cut flowers, a terrarium lasts indefinitely with proper care.

For children’s gift ideas, see our NZ children’s gifts guide.

Explore More NZ Gift Ideas