How to Make a Coke Bottle Terrarium
Hi everyone! Are you ready for another soda bottle up-cycling project? I’ve gone a little crazy with this whole Craft Challenge, but I’ve been having fun.
Today I’m going to show you how I used a 2-liter Coke bottle to make a terrarium. Soda bottle terrariums aren’t a new idea, but usually the whole bottle is used. I cut mine down, and I think it’s a little cuter than the “ordinary” versions.
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Materials:
- Empty Coke bottle
- Exacto knife
- Scissors
- Small pebbles
- Charcoal
- Potting soil
- Terrarium happy plants
How to Cut the Coke Bottle
In order to make this project, you must use a coke (or diet coke) bottle because it has just the right shape. It comes inward near the bottom, which allows the top to sit over it pretty securely.Cut out the middle part so that the bottom measures 3.5″ and the top measures 5″. I used an exacto knife to make the first cut then small, sharp scissors to finish cutting. I didn’t have enough control with the exacto knife to make a straight edge.
Laying the Terrarium Foundation
Gather together your supplies: small pebbles, charcoal, and potting soil.
Start with the pebbles, followed by the charcoal, and then the potting soil.Adding Plants to Your Terrarium
I found it difficult to locate terrarium plants in the Northeast during the dead of winter, so I kind of had to scrounge around. The two in the back are tropical plants I purchased at Aldi’s for $2.00 each–an Umbrella plant (L) and a Janet Craig (R).The one in front is a mini plant from Trader Joe’s. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m don’t think it’s tropical, so it may not fair well in my terrarium. But it’ll sure look purty for a while.
I took the Umbrella plant out of its pot and split it until I found a small piece with some root attached that would fit nicely in my little terrarium.
Here’s what I got.
I did the same with the tiny pink plant–broke away a piece. Then I made little impressions in the dirt and set the plants into the potting soil layer, tamping them down to secure them.The Janet Craig ended up being too big for this container, so I set it aside for another project.
I added a pretty tumbled stone and a bit of moss and called it a day. Since this is an airtight terrarium, it should pretty much take care of itself.If something begins to mold, I’ll take it out right away. Same with dead blossoms. If the dome fills with condensation, I’ll take the lid off to let it dry out a bit.
This would make a fun science project for kids or grandkids. Or how about a Valentine’s or Mother’s Day gift? Endless possibilities…
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Bye for now,
I’d love it if you’d pin me 🙂
Very nice! So creative!
This is brilliant!! Love this!!! And such a great idea for kids and schools!!! Thanks for passing it along!!! Happy day you!! Nicole xo
Awesome way to use a bottle! Thanks for joining us for the January Craft Challenge!
A beautiful way to enjoy plants in winter. I believe your pink plant is a Kalanchoe.
I love this design and think it would be great for science classes too. But, why is it airtight? The plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They are taking in CO2 and releasing O2.
How neat! Love the tiny plants, like a little fairy garden 🙂 Such a great idea to add the tiny bit of moss too! Thanks for sharing with us at the Creative Craft Challenge!!
Your pink-flowered plant is indeed a Kalanchoe, and it grows year 'round here in sub-tropical Florida, so you should be ok! I'm a newcomer to your blog, (a transplanted upstater from Gloversville) and enjoying it very much!
what a sweet terrarium. Perfect for kids to make and watch grow and bloom
You have been so creative with your bottle transformations! The terrarium is so cute! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann