Origins
Terrariums - miniature enclosed ecosystems in glass containers - experienced a major revival in the 2010s as a Pinterest-driven DIY trend, evolving from Victorian-era Wardian cases.
Pinterest Era (2012-2016)
Why terrariums went viral:
- Self-sustaining (perceived as ultra-low-maintenance)
- DIY-friendly ($20-40 to build)
- Endless creative possibilities (desert, tropical, fairy garden)
- Vintage aesthetic (mason jars, apothecary jars)
- Compact (apartment-friendly)
Pinterest growth: “Terrarium” searches grew 300% 2012-2015.
Types of Terrariums
Closed terrariums (tropical):
- Ferns, moss, Fittonia
- High humidity, self-watering cycle
- Risk: mold, rot if sealed too long
Open terrariums (desert):
- Succulents, cacti, air plants
- Requires drainage, less humidity
- Risk: overwatering (most common failure)
Fairy/miniature gardens:
- Tiny figurines, paths, accessories
- More craft project than plant care
DIY Market Boom (2013-2018)
Etsy/Amazon flooded with terrarium supplies:
- Glass containers ($10-50)
- Terrarium kits ($25-60, everything included)
- Miniature accessories ($5-20)
- Specialized soil mixes ($8-15)
Workshop Culture (2014-2019)
Terrarium-building workshops became popular:
- Plant shops hosting $40-80 classes
- Corporate team-building events
- Date night activities
- Boozy brunch + terrarium combos
The Maintenance Reality
Terrariums were marketed as “set it and forget it,” but reality:
- Mold issues in closed terrariums
- Overwatering in open terrariums
- Plants outgrowing containers
- Difficult to prune/maintain
Many beautiful terrariums died within 6-12 months.
Decline (2019+)
As individual potted plants took over Instagram, terrariums felt fussy and limiting. Plant parents wanted growth, propagation, and repotting - not sealed ecosystems.
Sources
- Pinterest trend data (2012-2017)
- Etsy terrarium kit sales (2013-2020)
- “The Terrarium Comeback” (Martha Stewart Living, 2014)