Building a Small Pond Terrarium: Moss, Lava Rock, Driftwood & Humidifier Setup

This is a small pond terrarium project.

The finished piece looks like a small waterside world made with driftwood, lava rock, moss, and plants.

Plants I used: Caladium, Fittonia, and moss.

The moss I used here is still Racomitrium japonicum. But in this terrarium, almost any moss can work. So in the plant list, I just list “moss.”  You can use other mosses, such as Leucobryum moss, sheet moss, or other mosses.

Rocks: one large lava rock and a few small lava rocksWood: two tall pieces of driftwood

Making process:

Step 1

Use expanding foam to fix the lava rock and driftwood in place.

When applying the foam, leave some space for the small pond area.

After the foam dries, use a knife and your fingers to carve out the edge of the pond. This part needs to be more detailed and careful.

Then carve out small planting spaces for the Fittonia and Caladium. This part does not need to be very perfect, because it will be covered later.

Step 2

Along the edge of the pond, add drops of quick-drying glue.

Then sprinkle red clay powder or lava rock powder over it.

This creates a surface that looks similar in color to the red lava rock.

Step 3

Plant the Caladium and Fittonia.

You can use the soil that already comes with the plants.

For Caladium, there are usually several small bulbs in one small pot. You only need one.

For Fittonia, if you separate the plant, you will see that it is usually made from cuttings. You only need to choose two or three small stems from one pot.

Use the original soil from the pot to plant them.

Step 4

Add the moss. You do not need extra soil for the moss. Just place it directly on the surface.

Step 5

Add clean small lava rock pieces into the pond area.

Then add water.

Finally, put the cover on the terrarium and place the small USB humidifier inside.

How to water it:

Turn on the humidifier once or twice a week. Each time, a few minutes is enough.

That is all.

It is very easy to maintain.

Below are the detail photos.

This terrarium has two parts: a bottom planting base and a top glass cover.

There is also a ventilation hole at the top to release heat and allow airflow.

The video tutorial will be uploaded later.