---
title: The jar: terrarium basics | Glass Jar Garden
description: A sealed jar waters itself: plants breathe water out, it beads on the glass and runs back down. Sealed: humid inside, rarely needs water. Suits ferns, moss...
url: https://glassjar.garden/guide/basics/the-jar/
---

Basics

# The jar

A sealed jar waters itself: plants breathe water out, it beads on the glass and runs back down.

- Sealed: humid inside, rarely needs water. Suits ferns, moss and tropical plants.
- Open: dries out, needs watering. Suits succulents and anything that rots in damp air.
- Bright but indirect light. Direct sun through glass cooks a jar.
- Misty glass in the morning is healthy. Fogged all day means too wet: open it a while.

[Try it in a jar](https://glassjar.garden/?guide=basics/the-jar)

[Layers →](https://glassjar.garden/guide/basics/layers/)