The container sets the whole tone of a terrarium, and quietly decides what you can grow. We've gathered the best glass vessels across every style, from sealable geometric "glass houses" for moss to open bowls for succulents and hanging orbs for air plants, with clear guidance on which shape suits which plants.
Updated August 2026 · We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We grouped vessels by what they can actually grow, not just how they look. Sealable shapes (geometric houses, lidded jars, cloches) hold humidity for moss and ferns; open shapes (bowls, hanging orbs, wide-mouth vases) suit succulents, cacti and air plants. We favoured well-reviewed glass with usable openings, a beautiful vessel you can't plant through is no bargain, and spread the picks across budgets and styles rather than pushing the priciest option.
What to look for
Choose your container around three questions:
Open or closed? A tight-sealing lid or door makes a humid, self-watering home for moss and ferns. An open mouth means airflow, right for succulents, cacti and air plants, which rot when sealed.
Opening size. You have to work through the opening. Narrow bottles look striking but need long tools and patience; wide bowls are far more forgiving for beginners.
Depth for layers. A closed terrarium needs room for drainage, charcoal and substrate before you even add plants, allow a few centimetres of height for the layers.
Glassware is heavy, so local delivery usually wins on both cost and breakage risk. Browse terrarium containers on Amazon AU for domestic shipping, and check Kmart, IKEA and your local homewares shops for inexpensive bowls and cloches. Independent Australian makers also blow one-off vessels, worth seeking out for a statement piece.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best container for a terrarium?
For a closed, low-maintenance terrarium, a sealable glass vessel (a lidded jar or a geometric "glass house"). For succulents and air plants, an open bowl or hanging orb. Match the vessel to the plants, not the other way around.
Can I use any glass jar as a terrarium?
Yes, a clean glass jar with a lid makes an excellent closed terrarium. Just add a drainage layer and charcoal, since jars have no drainage hole.
Do terrarium containers need a lid?
Only closed terrariums do. A lid seals in humidity for moss and ferns; succulents and cacti need an open, lid-free container with airflow.
What size terrarium container should I get?
Bigger is easier, a wider opening and more depth give you room to plant and layer. Small bottles look great but are much fiddlier to work in.
