IKEA doesn't sell purpose-built terrariums, but it's quietly one of the best-value places in Australia for the two things terrarium-makers actually hunt for: affordable clear-glass vessels to plant up, and the glass-door cabinets that have become the go-to for larger, humidity-loving plant displays.
Glass vases you can plant up
Head to IKEA's vase range and look for tall, clear cylinders and wide bowls, plain, untinted glass with an opening big enough to fit your hand or a pair of tongs. A favourite is the BERÄKNA clear glass vase (30 cm) a tall cylinder that plenty of people repurpose straight into an open terrarium or a propagation vessel.
An open vase makes an open terrarium perfect for succulents, cacti and air plants that like airflow. To turn one into a humid closed terrarium for ferns and moss, simply top it with a saucer, a pane of glass, or an upturned glass bowl to trap moisture. Browse the full IKEA vases range to find a shape you like.
The IKEA "greenhouse cabinet" trend
If you've seen a glass cabinet packed with lush tropical plants on Instagram, chances are it started life at IKEA. Plant lovers convert IKEA's glass-door display cabinets into sealed, humid greenhouse cabinets essentially a room-sized terrarium, for plants that crave 70%+ humidity, like calatheas, orchids, ferns and jewel orchids.
Two models do almost all the work:
- MILSBO a tall, largely glass cabinet (white or anthracite) that holds humidity well and has adjustable glass shelves plus a cable outlet at the top for running a grow light.
- RUDSTA a more compact glass-door cabinet in several colours, ideal if you want a smaller footprint or a benchtop-scale build.
To turn one into a working greenhouse, add an LED grow-light strip, a small clip-on fan (or crack the door for part of the day) to keep air moving, and a cheap hygrometer to watch humidity. The trade-off to manage is condensation and airflow: too little movement and you invite mould, so line timber shelves, wipe down heavy condensation, and never seal it completely with tropical plants inside.
What IKEA doesn't stock
IKEA won't have live terrarium plants, substrate, drainage layer, moss or a cleanup crew. In Australia, the easiest sources are:
- Plants terrarium plants at Bunnings (Bottle Babies, ferns, fittonia).
- Live moss see where to buy live moss in Australia.
- Substrate, tools & springtails easiest to order online; the picks below are a good starting point.
Plan your build first
Not sure what layers or plants your vessel needs? Our free terrarium builder walks you through drainage, substrate and plant choices and gives you a shopping list in minutes.
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