How to Make a Rainforest Terrarium with Kids

A rainforest terrarium is a mini-ecosystem made in a sealed container. It was by far our favorite Rainforest activity, and we hope to be able to enjoy it for many years. Are you ready to create your Rainforest Habitat with an easy to make Rainforest Terrarium? I hope you said yes because it’s awesome!

How to Make a Rainforest Terrarium

How to Make a Rainforest Terrarium with Kids

Tropical rainforests supply high amounts of oxygen that we breathe in daily, making them a vital part of this world. We need to share knowledge about the importance of rainforests to keep them alive and safe.

The Perfect Hands-On Activity for learning about a Rainforest

Layer your DIY Rainforest Terrarium

What you will need to make your Rainforest Terrarium with Kids is in this picture above and below. However, I have it displayed in list form towards the bottom of the page. 

Build a Rainforest Terrarium

Fill the bottom of your jar with about 1 in. of pebbles. Next, add a layer of Activated Carbon Charcoal – this keeps the terrarium healthy and clean. Top this off with a layer of Moss.

Have the children spritz the plants with water before planting. Add potting soil and grow your favorite mini tropical plants.

Don’t forget to add a variety of Rainforest animals to your terrarium. The Rainforest is filled with amazing creatures so this fantastic animal habitat won’t be complete without them.

Enjoy your Rainforest Terrarium for a few hours while it dries, then put a lid on it. It is best to open the lid occasionally to give it fresh air (once every few weeks).

By placing a lid on your terrarium, it becomes a self-sustaining environment, and you and your children get a first-hand look at the water cycle.

Rainforest Terrarium 

How to Make a Rainforest 

Build a Rainforest Terrarium in a Jar

Materials:

Large Jar, tank or bottle with lid (we bought this one at Walmart)
Pebbles
Activated Carbon/Charcoal (find this at Amazon or Pet store)
Moss or Pistachio shells (we used a little of both)
Organic Potting soil
1-3 small tropical plants (my favorite is the Palm, but any mini tropical plant works great)
Rainforest animals

Directions:

Layer your DIY Rainforest Terrarium:
Add 1 inch of pebbles to the bottom of the planter.
Add a single layer of activated carbon. This will filter the water and help with clarity.
Add a layer of moss and /or pistachio shells.

Plant your rainforest:
Add a little bit of potting soil
Plant small tropical plants. (My favorite is the palm)
Add fresh moss to the top of the soil.
Decorate with a few rainforest creatures

Finishing Touches:
Lightly Spray a little bit of water on your terrarium plants.
Place a sealed Lid on your terrarium.
Place your terrarium where you can enjoy it, and it will get indirect sunlight.

DIY RAINFOREST TERRARIUM 

Visit The Rainforest Activities Page for more Information and Ideas for Kids.

PIN THIS RAINFOREST TERRARIUM TO SAVE FOR LATER

Pick up a few wonderful books on the rainforest. Visual Explorers Rainforests is just one of our favorites. You can find the others here.

RAINFOREST THEME ACTIVITIES

Studies have shown that if you like this, you will also love the following articles. I have pulled them together for you right here!

The Best Rainforest Children Books

The Perfect Animal Habitat Activities for Preschool

Don’t Miss The Best Rainforest Printable Activities Pack

How to Create a Rainforest

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DIY Rainforest Terrarium

Make this easy DIY Rainforest Terrarium

Ingredients

• Large Jar tank or bottle with lid (we bought one at Walmart)
• Pebbles
• Activated Carbon/Charcoal find this at Amazon or Pet store
• Moss or Pistachio shells we used a little of both
• Organic Potting soil
• 1-3 small tropical plants my favorite is the Palm, but any mini tropical plant works great
• Rainforest animals

Instructions

1. Layer your DIY Rainforest Terrarium

2. Add 1 inch of pebbles to the bottom of the planter.
3. Add a single layer of activated carbon. This will filter the water and help with clarity.
4. Add a layer of moss and /or pistachio shells.

Plant your rainforest:

1. Add a little bit of potting soil
2. Plant small tropical plants. (My favorite is the palm)
3. Add fresh moss to the top of the soil.
4. Decorate with a few rainforest creatures

Recipe Notes

 

Finishing Touches:
Lightly Spray a little bit of water on your terrarium plants once a month.
Place a sealed Lid on your terrarium
Place your terrarium where you can enjoy it and it will get indirect sunlight.