---
title: Beginner jar: a jar forest terrarium recipe
description: An easy sealed jar forest in a jar of 3.8 L, with 3 plants and 2 mosses. 1 gal glass-lidded storage jar, the most recommended starter container Every layer,...
url: https://glassjar.garden/starter-jars/beginner-jar/
---

Starter jar · easy

# Beginner jar
jar forest

easy · Sealed · Jar

An easy sealed jar forest in a jar of 3.8 L, with 3 plants and 2 mosses.

[Open this jar in the simulator](https://glassjar.garden/?starter=beginner_jar)

## The container

- Glass: Jar, 16 cm across, 24 cm tall, 3.8 L

- Note: 1 gal glass-lidded storage jar, the most recommended starter container

- Lid: Sealed

## Layers, bottom to top

- [LECA (expanded clay)](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/leca/), 2.5 cm (0.5 L)
- [Substrate barrier mesh](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/mesh-barrier/)
- [ABG mix](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/abg-mix/), 6 cm (1.21 L)

## Stones and wood

- [Dragon stone](https://glassjar.garden/guide/hardscape/dragon-stone/), about 8 cm

## Plants

- [Mini nerve plant](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/fittonia-mini/)
- [Pilea 'Aquamarine'](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/pilea-glauca/)
- [Krauss's spikemoss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/selaginella-kraussiana/)

## Moss

- [Sheet moss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/moss/hypnum-cupressiforme/), about 50% cover
- [Cushion moss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/moss/leucobryum-glaucum/), about 10% cover

## Cleanup crew

- 100 [Temperate white springtail](https://glassjar.garden/guide/critters/folsomia-candida/)

## Water and light

- Water at build: 350 ml, distilled or rain

- Watering: mist only when no morning condensation

- Light: 3,000 lux, 12 h a day

- Light source: bright indirect window or small LED; never direct sun

## How to make it

- Pour the layers, bottom to top: LECA (expanded clay) (2.5 cm), Substrate barrier mesh, ABG mix (6 cm).
- Set the hardscape: Dragon stone.
- Plant Mini nerve plant, Pilea 'Aquamarine', Krauss's spikemoss.
- Lay the moss: Sheet moss over about 50% of the ground, Cushion moss over about 10% of the ground.
- Add the cleanup crew: 100 Temperate white springtail.
- Water with 350 ml (distilled or rain).
- Close the lid and give it 3,000 lux, 12 h a day: bright indirect window or small LED; never direct sun.

## Based on

- [terrariumtribe.com/how-to-make-a-terrarium](https://terrariumtribe.com/how-to-make-a-terrarium/)
- builds shared on r/terrariums

[Open this jar in the simulator](https://glassjar.garden/?starter=beginner_jar)

[Moss jar](https://glassjar.garden/starter-jars/moss-jar/) · [All starter jars](https://glassjar.garden/starter-jars/)