Open or closed terrarium? The six-question quiz
Answer six short questions before you buy. The tool tells you which type of terrarium to choose, which jar size, which shape and which plants. It is free and needs no sign-up.
Question 1 of 6
How it works
- You answer six questionsYour time, the light in the room, the plants you like, the space, your level, and who the terrarium is for. One question per screen.
- The scales tipEach answer gives points to the closed terrarium or to the open terrarium. Two answers decide alone: succulents and full sun always lead to the open terrarium.
- The size comes from your space and your levelThe tool suggests 3 to 5 litres or 6 to 12 litres. It never suggests less than 3 litres: a very small jar is the hardest to keep in balance.
- You keep the resultCopy the result or its address. Then go to the substrate calculator to find out how much to buy.
What the tool does not know
- The tool cannot see your room. It relies on what you say about the light.
- The dimensions are calculated for a round jar that is as tall as it is wide. Another shape with the same volume has other measurements.
- The volumes in litres come from our guidelines for closed terrariums. For an open terrarium, they are a rough guide.
- The tool suggests only two types. It does not cover the half-closed terrarium, carnivorous plants or terrariums for animals.
- It does not replace the plant label. Always check the adult size of the plant.
Guides to go further
- Closed or open terrarium: how to choose
- What size of terrarium should you choose to start with
- Your first terrarium: the beginner's guide
- Which container for a terrarium? Jar, bottle, cloche or geometric glass
Would you rather have a terrarium ready to build?Have a look at the terrarium kits.See the terrarium kits
Cite or share this tool
Do you write about terrariums? You are free to cite this tool. Copy the page address, or the link ready to paste into your site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a closed terrarium and an open terrarium?
A closed terrarium keeps its water: it evaporates, settles on the glass and runs back down. The air inside is very humid, which suits mosses, ferns and fittonias. An open terrarium lets the air through. The environment stays dry, which suits succulents and cacti.
Can you put succulents in a closed terrarium?
No. Succulents store water in their leaves and live in dry places. In the humidity of a closed terrarium, their roots rot. That is why the tool always answers "open" if you choose succulents.
Which jar size should you choose for a first terrarium?
Aim for five litres and an opening of twelve centimetres. Three litres is the sensible minimum. Below two litres, heat and humidity change too fast, and the terrarium needs to be checked every day.
Why does the tool never recommend a closed terrarium in full sun?
Closed glass traps heat. In direct sun, the temperature rises fast and the plants burn. A closed terrarium needs bright light, but no direct sun.
Which type of terrarium needs the least care?
The closed terrarium, once it has found its balance. You water it a few times a year and trim it two or three times a year. An open terrarium of succulents is watered every two to three weeks in spring and summer.
The other tools
See all the toolsSubstrate calculator
To know how much drainage, charcoal and substrate to buy, based on the shape of your jar.
CalculateFind my kit
To choose a terrarium kit based on your light, your space and your budget.
Find my kitTerrarium doctor
To find the cause of a problem, yellow leaves, condensation, mould or gnats, and the step that fixes it.
DiagnoseWhen should I water my terrarium?
To know whether to water, and how much, from what you see in the jar.
CheckWho lives with whom?
To check that two or three plants can live in the same jar, before you buy them.
CheckMy window
To know which plants can live near your window, based on its direction and the distance to the glass.
Test my windowKit or DIY?
To compare the cost and effort of a kit with parts bought one by one.
CompareWhich plant are you?
To discover in six questions the terrarium plant that is most like you, and share it.
Take the quiz