A glass dome garden is more than a decorative element—it’s a miniature ecosystem that brings greenery, calm, and natural beauty into any room. Whether you want a low-maintenance terrarium or a stunning botanical display, building your own glass dome garden is a rewarding project that blends creativity with nature.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right materials, design your layout, select plants, and create a thriving dome garden that becomes a centerpiece in your home.

What Is a Glass Dome Garden?

A glass dome garden—also known as a cloche terrarium, bell jar garden, or glass-covered planter—is a transparent enclosure that creates a humid, stable microclimate for plants. The sealed environment helps maintain moisture, traps warmth, and reduces the need for watering or constant care.

These gardens are perfect for:

• Small homes and apartments
• Low-maintenance plant lovers
• Decorative centerpieces
• Unique gifts
• Growing tropical or humidity-loving plants

Benefits of a Glass Dome Garden

1. Minimal Maintenance

Because moisture stays enclosed, plants need far less watering.

2. A Stable Microclimate

The sealed environment protects plants from drafts, fluctuating temperatures, and pests.

3. Stunning Home Décor

Glass domes look elegant on shelves, coffee tables, desks, and countertops.

4. Perfect for Small or Delicate Plants

They create ideal growing conditions for miniature tropicals, mosses, and succulents (with venting).

5. Space-Saving

You don’t need a large windowsill or garden area—just a small flat surface.

How to Build a Glass Dome Garden: Step-by-Step

Creating a glass dome garden is simple, customizable, and fun. Follow this step-by-step guide to build one that thrives and looks beautiful.

Step 1: Choose the Right Glass Dome

The dome is the centerpiece of the entire project. Here’s what to consider:

Types of Domes

• Glass cloche / bell jar – Classic, elegant, perfect for décor
• Snow-globe style dome – Great for small, whimsical arrangements
• Tall display dome – Ideal for plants that grow vertically
• Wide-base dome – Roomy enough for layered terrariums

Size Recommendations

• 6–10 inches for small, simple arrangements
• 10–14 inches for layered terrariums
• 14+ inches for mini landscape scenes

Make sure the dome fits securely over the base and allows airflow when needed.

Step 2: Select the Base

The base supports your entire garden. Popular choices include:

• Wooden trays
• Ceramic plates
• Slate boards
• Glass-bottom stands
• Shallow bowls

Choose a base that:

• Doesn’t warp with moisture
• Is wide enough for your dome
• Matches your home décor

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

You will need:

Drainage Layer

• Pebbles
• Aquarium gravel
• Small stones

Filtration Layer

• Activated charcoal (prevents odors and mold)

Substrate

• High-quality potting mix
• Specialty mix for succulents or tropicals (depending on your plants)

Plants

Choose plants suited to humid, enclosed environments (more on this below).

Decorative Elements

• Mini figurines
• Moss
• Wood pieces
• Shells
• Crystals
• Gravel paths

Step 4: Build Your Foundation Layers

Creating proper layers ensures your dome garden stays healthy.

1. Drainage Layer (1–2 inches)

This prevents roots from sitting in water.

2. Charcoal Layer (Thin, even layer)

Keeps the environment clean and odor-free.

3. Soil Layer (2–4 inches)

Use enough soil for rooting, but leave room for plants.

Press gently to remove air pockets.

Step 5: Choose the Best Plants

Your dome garden’s success depends on choosing the right plant species.

Best Plants for Glass Dome Gardens

These love humidity and stable temperatures:

Tropical Plants

• Fittonia (nerve plants)
• Mini ferns
• Baby tears
• Peperomia varieties
• Mosses
• Mini orchids (for larger domes)

If You Want to Grow Succulents

Succulents need ventilation, so:

• Leave the dome slightly open
• Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Haworthia or small echeveria

For a Low-Maintenance Option

100% moss terrariums thrive in nearly any dome.

Step 6: Plant Your Garden

Tips for Planting:

• Start with the largest plant first
• Leave space between plants for airflow
• Avoid overcrowding—plants will grow
• Pat down soil gently around roots
• Use a soft brush to clean excess soil from leaves

Consider creating visual depth by placing taller plants in the back and smaller ones near the front.

Step 7: Add Decorative Elements

This is where your dome garden becomes a piece of art.

Ideas:

• Miniature pathways using white gravel
• Small figurines or gnomes
• Driftwood or twigs for structure
• Natural crystals for a magical look
• Layered sand for a desert theme
• Moss patches for a forest-floor vibe

Keep decorations minimal to maintain plant health and allow airflow.

Step 8: Place the Dome and Monitor Conditions

Once everything is arranged, gently place the dome over the base.

Where to Place Your Garden:

• Bright, indirect light
• Away from direct sun (which can overheat the dome)
• Avoid heater vents and drafts

Inside the Dome: Ideal Conditions

• Humidity: 60–80%
• Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

If condensation becomes heavy, remove the dome for 1–2 hours.

Caring for Your Glass Dome Garden

A dome garden requires little upkeep, but consistency is key.

Watering

• Water only when soil looks slightly dry
• Use a spray bottle for gentle, even moisture
• Avoid overwatering—too much moisture can lead to mold

Light

• Indirect light is best
• If using grow lights, keep them 6–12 inches above your dome

Airflow

• Vent the dome occasionally
• Remove it fully once a week to refresh air

Pruning

Trim dead leaves to prevent mold and encourage growth.

Design Ideas for Your Glass Dome Garden

1. Mini Rainforest

Layer moss, mini ferns, and decorative wood for a lush jungle look.

2. Fairy Garden Theme

Add tiny furniture, pathways, and miniature figures.

3. Minimalist Moss Dome

Just moss + stones for a soft, serene display.

4. Succulent Desert Dome

Use gravel, sand, and heat-loving plants (vented dome only!)

5. Seasonal Domes

Swap decorations for holidays—snowy pinecones in winter, florals in spring.

Why Build a Glass Dome Garden?

Aside from beauty, they offer:

• Reduced upkeep
• Cleaner air
• A relaxing, creative hobby
• A unique décor piece for any room
• A perfect introduction to indoor gardening

Glass dome gardens bring life and tranquility to your home in a way few décor pieces can.

Get Inspired and Build a Glass Dome Garden

Building a glass dome garden is an enjoyable and rewarding project that blends creativity, nature, and style. With the right materials, plants, and care, your dome garden will thrive as a miniature world of its own—beautiful to look at and simple to maintain.

Whether you prefer a lush forest scene, a minimalist moss display, or a whimsical fairy garden, there’s no limit to what you can create inside your glass dome.