Cost of Terrariums: Detailed Pricing & Examples
Millennial obsession at its finest - it's all about those terrariums!
Truth be told, their price range is as vast as your gran's collection of cat knickknacks. From almost free to crazy expensive, they're a hassle on your bank account... and sometimes your sanity.
Terrarium prices soar based on individual components, and the complexities involved in your build. Here's a lowdown on each element and what it sets you back:
Cost Breakdown
Glassware
Talk about range! You can snag low-cost glassware at garage sales or second-hand stores, or go all out and get that fancy Wardian case, which'll cost ya between $100-$200. Massive projects requiring vivarium tanks can set you back around $400. Remember, custom lids might add an extra $10 to the bottom line if your container doesn't come equipped with one.
Terrarium Plants
Prices for terrarium plants? All over the place! You can score cheapies like Pilea and Peperomia for around $5-$15 apiece. If you're after something rare, be prepared to dig deep in your pockets.
Don't neglect terrarium moss - a must-have for your creation. A build for me usually costs around $12 on moss.
Substrate and Drainage
A high-quality substrate mix is essential for a long-lived terrarium. You've got two options:
- Pre-made mix: Cost-effective if you're constructing a single project.
- DIY mix: Better suited for multiple or large builds.
Expect costs for a 1-quart ABG bag to come in around $10, with 4-quart bags running just under $20. Going peat-free? Our peat-free mix costs $13.95 per gallon. For drainage, consider affordable materials like gravel, pebbles or leca.
Hardscape & Extras
Hardscape might not be necessary for survival, but it sure makes the scene more interesting! Dragon stone is a budget friendly choice, but things get pricey with exotic rocks and wood. Spend more than $20 on a single element, and you're just showing off.
Terrarium Tools
Only two tools are truly essential for construction and maintenance: an angled paintbrush and a spray bottle. Expect to pay around $5 for each. Additional tools like long aquascaping tweezers and scissors will run you around $10 each. Pro tip: Grab 'em here.
Bioactive Terrarium Additions
Time to introduce some new critters to the party! Springtails make a splash, helping combat mold for about $15 for a culture. Isopods, another popular addition, cost anywhere from $15 for common breeds to beyond $100 for fancy ones like those darn Ducky Isopods.
Case Study
So, let's put some numbers to this. For one of my builds, I picked up a TK Maxx glassware piece for around $19, a custom perspex lid for $10, Pilea Moon Valley ($6.30), Boston "Blonde" Fern ($6.30), Dischidia ovata ($12.60), Cushion Moss ($12.60), and a teeny Alocasia Black Velvet (around $12 total). Substrate, hardscape, tools and extras brought the total cost to $92.30.
Saving Money
If your wallet is cringing at this point, worry not! Here are budget-friendly tips to create a terrarium without breaking the bank:
- Use houseplant cuttings.
- Join a local plant swap or Facebook group.
- Get creative with household items for hardscape.
- Search thrift stores or garage sales for glassware.
- Buy materials online to save on delivery costs. Consider our store for all your needs.
- Get crafty with oven-hardening modeling clay for DIY figurines and miniatures.
Bonus: Fully Assembled Terrariums
Prefer to leave the terrarium building to the experts? You can purchase terrariums from local builders, but be prepared to pay for their time, skills, and expertise - that'll range from $50 for a small piece to $300 for a larger terrarium, or potentially thousands for elaborate vivarium installations.
Incorporating various elements, the cost of a terrarium can vary significantly, ranging from budget-friendly options in fashion-and-beauty, such as second-hand glassware found at garage sales or thrift stores, to high-end home-and-garden options like custom Wardian cases, priced between $100-$200. The choice of plants, from common Pilea to rare and exotic species, also influences the overall cost. Furthermore, lifestyle choices extend to the selection of terrarium tools and bioactive additions, with essential items like an angled paintbrush and a spray bottle typically costing around $5 each.
