The craft of creating miniature enclosed gardens in glass vessels experienced a boom in the mid-2010s alongside the houseplant craze. Terrariums combined gardening, design, and low-maintenance greenery perfect for small spaces.

The Revival (2014-2023)

2014-2016: Pinterest searches for “terrarium” increased 400%+. Urban Outfitters and West Elm sold pre-made geometric terrariums ($20-$80).

2017-2019: DIY terrarium workshops became popular date nights and bachelorette activities ($40-$60 per person). Terrarium bars opened in cities offering build-your-own experiences.

2020-2023: Closed terrariums (self-sustaining ecosystems) fascinated TikTok — videos of decades-old sealed terrariums went viral.

Types of Terrariums

Open terrariums: Vessels without lids — for succulents, cacti, air plants (arid-loving plants).

Closed terrariums: Sealed containers creating humid microclimates — for ferns, moss, tropical plants. Could theoretically survive indefinitely if balanced.

Aquatic terrariums: Partially filled with water, combining land and aquatic plants.

Popular Plants

Closed terrariums: Fittonia (nerve plant), baby tears, moss varieties, ferns, Pilea glauca.

Open terrariums: Succulents (echeveria, haworthia), air plants (tillandsia), cacti.

Supplies

Vessels: Apothecary jars, geometric glass containers, fish bowls, mason jars, or custom glass structures.

Layers: Rocks/pebbles (drainage), activated charcoal (filtration), moss (barrier), potting soil, plants, decorative elements (stones, figurines, driftwood).

Tools: Long tweezers, spoons, spray bottles for precise placement and watering.

The Science Appeal

Closed terrariums demonstrated water cycles — condensation on glass, water dripping back to soil, photosynthesis/respiration balance. They appealed to science-minded plant lovers.

Challenges

Balance: Closed terrariums could develop mold if too wet, or plants could die if too dry. Finding equilibrium required trial and error.

Plant selection: Not all plants thrived in terrariums. Beginners often killed plants by choosing incompatible species or overwatering.

Maintenance: Despite “low-maintenance” reputation, terrariums needed pruning, occasional watering, and mold management.

Market

Etsy sellers: Custom terrariums sold for $30-$200 depending on size/complexity.

Workshops: Terrarium classes became team-building and event staples.

Kits: Pre-packaged terrarium kits (vessel, soil, plants, instructions) sold at nurseries and online ($25-$60).

Cultural Significance

Terrariums represented accessible nature for apartment dwellers, artistic expression through plant design, and patience — watching ecosystems develop over months/years.

Sources:

• Pinterest terrarium search trends 2014-2020
• Instagram #Terrarium: 8M+ posts (2023)
• Google Trends: Terrarium interest peak 2017-2019
• TikTok sealed terrarium videos 2020-2023