Orchids are prominent flowering plants that can elevate garden aesthetics with vibrant blooms. Instead of growing them traditionally in pots, you can make orchid terrarium not worry about the climate change.
Terrarium provides consistent growing environment needed to grow orchids.
With stable humidity and protection from drafts, terrarium orchid adds aesthetics to your indoor space and helps to mimic natural growing environment of the plant.
Excellent thing about a terrarium is its flexibility, depending on your preferences, needs and available space, you can design your own orchid terrarium that compliment your gardening experience.
Below listed are different orchid terrarium ideas, start with a simple one by choosing a small orchid like jewel orchid and a clear glass container.
Before deciding what type of orchid terrarium fits your space, let’s first understand how to make one.
How to Make Orchid Terrarium?
An orchid terrarium is a creative way to grow these beautiful plants while keeping them healthy in a controlled environment.
- Start with a clear glass container that allows light to pass through.
- Add a base layer of small stones for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the air fresh.
- On top, place orchid bark or a special orchid mix, which provides the right airflow around the roots.
When choosing orchids, go for smaller types such as Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, or jewel orchids since they adapt well to terrariums.
Keep the orchid in its pot at first to prevent root rot, then gently cover the base with sphagnum moss to create a natural look. This setup makes it easier to manage watering while still looking attractive.
Place your terrarium in bright but indirect light, as direct sun can overheat the glass. Orchids also prefer high humidity, so lightly mist the moss without soaking it.
Open the terrarium lid occasionally to allow fresh air circulation and prevent mold. With proper care, your orchid terrarium will become a striking, low-maintenance display.
20 Orchid Terrarium Ideas You Make at Home
Orchids are often seen as delicate plants, but with the right setup, they can thrive in terrariums. A terrarium not only helps maintain humidity but also turns orchids into living décor pieces.
From simple glass bowls to creative themed displays, there are endless ways to design one.
Below are unique orchid terrarium ideas you can try, each with its own charm and style.
Check this: 7 Best Large Terrarium Plants to Grow
1. Mini Orchid Globe
A tiny glass globe terrarium is ideal for showcasing a single orchid variety like Phalaenopsis or jewel orchids. The round shape creates a soft, elegant display, while moss tucked around the base keeps moisture levels stable. Since these globes are compact, they work well on desks and small shelves.
Caring for orchids in this setup is easy. Keep the globe open for airflow and mist lightly every few days. The clear glass lets you admire both the flowers and the moss, creating a refreshing little scene.
2. Orchid with Driftwood
Placing orchids on driftwood inside a terrarium brings out their natural beauty. Orchids grow on tree branches in the wild, so this design feels authentic and earthy. A piece of twisted wood instantly adds character.
Add moss to the driftwood to hold moisture and give the orchid roots something soft to grip. Over time, the roots may attach naturally, creating a realistic forest effect inside your glass container.
3. Moss Carpet Base
Lining the terrarium floor with moss creates a lush, green carpet. It not only looks soft and vibrant but also helps regulate humidity for your orchids. The blooms stand out beautifully against the mossy background.
You can mix different moss types for a textured effect, such as sheet moss and cushion moss. This design stays low-maintenance while giving your terrarium a fresh, natural feel.
4. Multi-Orchid Display
Why settle for one orchid when you can have several? A terrarium with different miniature orchids creates a lively, garden-like arrangement. You can combine orchids with striking leaves and others with colorful flowers.
Choose varieties that enjoy similar conditions to keep care simple. A larger container is best for this design, ensuring each orchid has enough breathing space. It’s like a mini orchid garden captured under glass.
5. Open Bowl Terrarium
An open glass bowl gives orchids plenty of air circulation, which helps prevent root problems. The wide opening also makes it easy to arrange decorative elements such as pebbles, moss, or ferns.
This style works well as a table centerpiece. Place the bowl where it gets bright but indirect light. Because of the open design, it’s easier to control watering and avoid soggy conditions.
6. Orchid and Fern Pairing
Pairing orchids with ferns creates a balanced terrarium. The delicate green fronds of ferns make a lovely contrast to the bold orchid blooms. Together, they form a refreshing woodland-inspired display.
Select smaller fern species so they don’t overwhelm the orchids. Place them at different heights or corners of the terrarium to create natural layering and depth.
7. Hanging Orchid Terrarium
Hanging glass terrariums give orchids a floating, garden-like presence. Suspended near a bright window, they add both greenery and elegance to a room. Moss inside keeps the orchid roots moist.
This setup works best with miniature orchids. They stay compact and light, making them perfect for a hanging container. A gentle misting now and then keeps them happy.
8. Woodland Theme
For an earthy look, design your terrarium like a forest floor. Use bark chips, twigs, moss, and stones to create a natural scene. Place orchids among these elements to mimic how they grow in the wild.
Adding small details like pinecones or dried leaves makes the display even more realistic. It’s like bringing a slice of woodland indoors.
Also Read: How Often to Water Terrariums?
9. Orchid in Lantern Terrarium
Old glass lanterns can be repurposed into stylish terrariums. Adding an orchid with moss inside creates a unique decorative piece that blends rustic charm with greenery.
The lantern design also makes care easy—simply open the small door for watering or ventilation. This idea turns a simple orchid into a focal point of your home décor.
10. Waterfall Effect
Stacking stones inside the terrarium to resemble a waterfall adds movement to the display. Orchids planted near this feature look like they’re thriving beside a natural stream.
No actual water is needed; the stone arrangement alone creates the illusion. Combined with moss and greenery, the orchids appear to grow in a peaceful, mini landscape.
11. Orchid and Succulent Mix
Although orchids and succulents have different needs, they can share an open terrarium if watered carefully. The bold, fleshy leaves of succulents contrast beautifully with delicate orchid flowers.
Keep succulents in the drier section and orchids in the mossy side. Together, they create an unexpected mix of desert and tropical styles.
12. Tropical Jungle Terrarium
Turn your terrarium into a mini rainforest by combining orchids with air plants, moss, and small tropical foliage. The mix creates a lush, layered effect.
This design needs regular misting to maintain humidity. Done right, it looks like a vibrant jungle scene in miniature form.
13. Orchid in Tall Cylinder
A tall glass vase or cylinder is perfect for orchids with upright flower spikes. The straight walls frame the plant and emphasize its graceful height.
Place moss or stones at the base for texture. This simple design makes a single orchid look like an elegant display piece.
14. Fairy Garden Orchid
Add a magical touch by turning your orchid terrarium into a fairy garden. Use tiny statues, miniature houses, or pebble paths alongside orchids for a playful scene.
The bright blooms of orchids fit perfectly into this fantasy-like setting. It’s a fun way to combine gardening with creativity.
15. Orchid and Pebble Layers
Layer pebbles, charcoal, and soil in a clear container before adding orchids. These layers help with drainage while also creating a decorative effect.
When viewed from the side, the terrarium looks like a colorful cross-section of nature. It’s functional yet eye-catching.
16. Closed Humid Terrarium
A sealed terrarium traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for humidity-loving orchids. This low-maintenance setup almost waters itself.
Just remember to open the lid once in a while to refresh the air. With balance, it becomes a self-sustaining orchid home.
17. Orchid Bonsai Style
Pair orchids with bonsai trees or driftwood shaped like bonsai. The combination looks like living artwork inside glass.
Place the orchid at the base or side of the bonsai for harmony. This arrangement feels calming and artistic.
Also Read: 17 Best Low Light Terrarium PLants
18. Orchid Candle Jar
Repurpose a large candle jar by filling it with moss, stones, and a small orchid. It’s a budget-friendly way to make a charming display.
Candle jars are compact and easy to move, making them perfect for desks or window sills. With minimal effort, they turn simple orchids into decorative accents.
19. Wall-Mounted Orchid Terrarium
Glass bubble terrariums mounted on walls save space and make striking features. A small orchid with moss inside becomes living wall décor.
Placed in bright spots, these terrariums bring greenery right into view. They’re both practical and stylish.
20. Zen-Inspired Orchid Terrarium
Smooth river stones, sand, and a small orchid create a clean, calming setup. The simple design highlights the plant without distractions.
This style works well in meditation spaces or minimalist homes. The orchid becomes the centerpiece of a peaceful, Zen-inspired terrarium.
Conclusion
Creating an orchid terrarium is not only about keeping plants healthy—it’s also about expressing creativity. From simple glass bowls to themed displays with moss, stones, or driftwood, there are countless ways to showcase orchids indoors.
Each design adds a touch of greenery and elegance while providing the right environment for these stunning plants. With a little imagination, your orchid terrarium can become a living piece of art that brightens up your home.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
