What do to after receiving your plant terrarium DIY kit?

November 21 2025, by Noah Trendhero
2 min reading time

Learn what to do right after receiving your plant terrarium DIY kit. From unboxing to setup and care. Keep your mini ecosystem fresh, healthy, and thriving.

A DIY plant terrarium deserves care, attention, and a little love. At urbanjngl, we make sure every DIY kit arrives fresh, damage-free, and fast. From there, it’s your turn. In this blog, we’ll share how to keep your kit in top shape from unboxing to setup.

1. Our packaging

Every terrarium kit is carefully packed using breathable materials and custom-designed sturdy boxes. This keeps the plants “breathing” during shipping, holds everything in place, and ensures it all arrives in perfect condition. Every kit mostly includes:

Fresh, living plants
Filling materials (soil, hydropallets, carbon and moss)
Recycled glass bottle
Clear, step-by-step instructions

We ship fast, on average within 48 hours across the EU. That way, your materials arrive fresh and you’re ready to build.

2. Unpack fast – it matters

Once your kit arrives: open it immediately and remove the plants from their temporary wrap. Let them acclimate for at least an hour in natural light and fresh air (avoid direct sunlight). Why? Because plants are alive. Sitting in a sealed box too long causes stress, wilting, and moisture issues. Let them breathe before you start.

3. Ready to build?

Creating your terrarium is not a race. Follow the step-by-step guide and starting building your terrarium:

Start by cleaning your glass container thoroughly
Add the clay pebbles and active carbon
Add the soil and spread it evenly
Place the moss around the edges and press gently
If the plant’s root ball feels dry, water it lightly before planting
Make a small hole in the soil, and plant the plant’s root ball in there
Now press the soil around it
Fill empty spots with more moss or decor elements

urbanjngl tip: Make sure the plants have enough space and aren't pushed to the glass, this helps prevent rot and mold.

4. After building: light, air, and care

Place your ecosystem in a well-lit spot, away from direct sun and drafts. Close the lid (if it’s a closed model) and let nature take over. Rotate the jar a quarter turn every two weeks for even light distribution. In a closed system, humidity regulates itself. If the soil feels dry, add 5–10 cl of water every 6 months. Seeing condensation? Leave the lid open for 30–60 minutes to let moisture escape. If it keeps coming back, move your terrarium to a new spot.