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Bottle garden Bottle garden

Bottle garden

A Bottle Garden is more than an interior trend. It’s a living green artwork inside a glass bottle. A self-sustaining mini ecosystem that enhances your interior and requires surprisingly little care. From closed tropical terrariums to open desert landscapes with cacti, these natural eye-catchers have become essential in modern living spaces.

Here you’ll discover everything about the origin, how it works, plant varieties, and the unique characteristics of the Bottle Gardens by Urbanjngl.

All bottle gardens 

Bottle Garden

What is a bottle barden?

A Bottle Garden is a self-sustaining ecosystem housed inside a sealed glass bottle or jar. Within this closed system, water continuously circulates: it evaporates, condenses on the glass walls, and drips back into the soil. As a result, watering is rarely needed. In fact, many Bottle Gardens thrive for years without additional care.

The Dutch term Flessentuin is a direct translation of “Bottle Garden.” The concept has been established in Europe for decades and has evolved into a modern design statement for contemporary interiors.

Urbanjngl builds on that tradition. Originating from one of Europe’s early DIY Bottle Garden pioneers, the brand combines craftsmanship with a fresh, modern aesthetic.

Care and maintenance tips

Although largely self-sustaining, follow these tips:

  • Condensation on glass? Normal. Too much condensation? Let the bottle air briefly.
  • Leaf discoloration? Move to a brighter spot, never direct sunlight.
  • Mold or rot? Rare, usually caused by excess moisture. Brief ventilation solves most cases.
History of bottle garden

The history: From wardian case to modern Urban Jungle

The origin of the Bottle Garden dates back to 1829, when British physician Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward discovered that plants could thrive inside sealed glass containers. His invention, the Wardian case, was used to transport plants across long distances. The principle behind this innovation remains the foundation of modern terrariums.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Bottle Gardens gained popularity in the Netherlands, influenced by botanical enthusiasm and Dutch design. With the rise of the urban jungle trend, where houseplants play a central role in interior design, the Bottle Garden has made a strong comeback.

Urbanjngl: Pioneer in bottle gardens

Urbanjngl was founded from a passion for authentic Bottle Gardens. Each design reflects years of experience, plant expertise, and attention to detail. Every piece is handcrafted in the atelier and carefully assembled. No mass production. Just sustainable craftsmanship in glass.

Buy a Bottle Garden? Everything about this green statement piece in glass

Why choose a Bottle Garden?

A Bottle Garden offers unique benefits:

  • Low maintenance – Thanks to the closed system, watering is rarely necessary. Some gardens go years without a single drop.
  • Sustainable and circular – The ecosystem regulates itself and reduces water consumption. Bottles are made from recycled glass.
  • Stylish design piece – The sculptural glass shapes complement any interior style.
  • Perfect gift idea – Ideal for housewarmings, birthdays, or corporate gifts.
  • Optional LED lighting – Choose a cork with integrated LED for extra ambiance.

Closed vs. Open terrariums

While Bottle Gardens are typically closed systems, open terrariums are available for plants that prefer drier conditions.

Closed bottle garden

  • Ideal for tropical plants such as fittonia, ferns, or calathea
  • Warm and humid microclimate
  • Minimal care required

Open terrarium

  • Perfect for cacti and succulents
  • Dry microclimate
  • Occasional light watering needed

Both options are available, allowing you to choose the ecosystem that best fits your interior.

Bottle gardens

Here is a selection of our large, small, green and colorful closed terrariums and refill kits.

View all bottle gardens

View all bottle gardens

DIY: Create Your Own Bottle Garden

What’s Included in a DIY Bottle Garden Kit?

Want to build your own Bottle Garden? With a complete DIY kit, you can create a self-sustaining mini ecosystem in glass — even without plant experience. It’s a hands-on project that combines creativity, nature, and interior styling in one.

Our DIY Bottle Garden kits are carefully assembled to ensure long-term balance inside the bottle. Every layer plays an essential role in creating a healthy microclimate for your plants.

What’s Included?

Glass bottle or jar: A high-quality, recycled glass container that forms the foundation of your terrarium.
Drainage material (expanded clay): Ensures excess water can settle below the soil layer and prevents root rot.
Activated charcoal: Helps keep the ecosystem fresh by filtering impurities and reducing the risk of mold.
Premium terrarium soil: Specially selected soil mix that retains moisture while allowing airflow.
Carefully selected plants: Tropical plants for closed terrariums or succulents and cacti for open designs, chosen to thrive together.
Natural cork or cork with LED light: Seal your Bottle Garden with a classic cork or add subtle lighting for extra atmosphere.
Step-by-step guide with video tutorial: Clear instructions that guide you through every layer and planting step.

Why Choose a DIY Bottle Garden?

Creating your own Bottle Garden is more than just assembling plants in a bottle. You’re building a functioning ecosystem that regulates its own moisture and climate.

Perfect for:

  • A creative weekend project
  • A sustainable gift idea
  • Corporate workshops or team activities
  • Anyone who loves plants but wants something unique

Within 15-60 minutes, you’ll have your own living terrarium ready to grow and develop over time. Once sealed, the closed system begins its natural water cycle, requiring little to no maintenance.

No Green Thumb Required

You don’t need plant expertise to get started. The layered system is designed to be beginner-friendly, and the included instructions make the process simple and enjoyable. Even first-time plant owners can successfully build and maintain a Bottle Garden.

A bottle with (green) plants

Every DIY Bottle Garden is unique. The way you position the plants, arrange the soil, and style the bottle ensures no two ecosystems are ever the same. It’s a personal design statement that adds natural character to your home, office, or workspace.

Build it yourself. Watch it grow. Enjoy it for years.

F.A.Q. about bottle gardens

Tropical plants for Closed Terrariums
  • Fittonia White Tiger – Compact plant with striking white veins
  • Fittonia Ruby Lime – Bright green leaves with pink veins
  • Fern varieties – Such as sword fern or staghorn fern
  • Calathea lancifolia – Elegant patterned leaves
  • Calathea makoyana – Also known as the peacock plant
  • Asparagus fern – Fine, airy texture
  • Chamaedorea (Parlor Palm) – Adds height and tropical character
  • Coffea Arabica – The coffee plant grows remarkably well in glass
  • Ficus ginseng bonsai – Bold miniature tree with character
Desert plants for Open Terrariums
  • Various cacti – Strong and low-maintenance
  • Succulents – Such as Echeveria or Haworthia
Materials and Sustainability

Sustainability is central to our approach. All Bottle Gardens are made from recycled glass. Each piece is unique, with subtle variations in thickness, color, and shape that enhance its handcrafted character.

Choose from:

  • Natural cork: Classic and fully natural
  • Cork with LED lighting: Adds a warm glow in the evening
How long does a Bottle Garden last?

A Bottle Garden can thrive for many years when properly placed. Thanks to the closed ecosystem, water continuously circulates inside the bottle. Some Bottle Gardens remain healthy for years without additional watering.

Does a Bottle Garden need sunlight?

Yes, but never direct sunlight. Place your Bottle Garden in a bright spot with indirect light. Too much direct sun can overheat the glass and disturb the balance of the ecosystem.

How often should I water a Bottle Garden?

Closed Bottle Gardens rarely need watering. In most cases, the internal water cycle provides enough moisture. Open terrariums with succulents or cacti require occasional light watering.

Is a Bottle Garden suitable as a gift?

Absolutely. A Bottle Garden is a long-lasting, low-maintenance and original gift. Perfect for housewarmings, birthdays, corporate gifts or anyone who loves plants but prefers minimal care.

Can a Bottle Garden develop mold?

Mold is rare but can occur if there is too much moisture inside the bottle. In most cases, briefly opening the bottle to allow fresh air in restores the balance. Proper plant selection and drainage layers help prevent issues.

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