Playful Terrariums for Kid’s Bedrooms

Play Expert, Emma Worrollo introduces Rooomy to the fun side of plants

Firstly, it’s worth saying I am in no way ‘green fingered’. In fact, people who know me will find it highly amusing to see me in Roomy talking about anything to do with plants! But, I do have a passion for bringing the outside in, and a (hit and miss) determination to turn those passions into reality. I became (un)healthily obsessed with terrariums because I adore how they bring instant greenery into a room as well as being a stand-alone piece of stylish décor. I was a bit intimidated to make them at first, but once I got stuck in, discovered they’re really easy to make….and very hard to kill! My kind of planting.  

Terrariums are often presented as very pristine, elegant, more adult pieces but after I discovered the orb shape with chunky rope (amazon), I thought of also adding toys and creating a more playful adaptation for my kids’ rooms.

I used a layered technique compromising of;

1. sand (drainage),
2. small stones (irrigation)
3. compost (fertiliser)
4. A mix of different succulents

“They have made a big impact in both my eldest son’s room and in my younger daughters’ room,

where we used the terrarium as a cute fairy garden hanging by the window.“

The combination of this method and this type of plant means they’re durable and don’t require much looking after. I was really keen on hanging terrariums, not static, again because it’s more playful, but also because I wanted the kids’ to appreciate and enjoy them, but not really touch them! As I was hanging them I was careful not to overload or make them too heavy and ensured the ceiling hanging ones were screwed into joists. 

The kids had a great time helping to make them and we had fun discussing what the different environments might be. They hunted out and added some figurines from their collections and then we added a few more touches to bring them to life, such as red sand for ‘Mars’ and pebbles for the Wookie jungle.

They have made a big impact in both my eldest son’s room, where I decided to put in a clean line of three orbs hanging over his desk for a sophisticated teen-esque feature, and in my younger daughters’ room, where we used the terrarium as a cute fairy garden hanging by the window.

I would recommend having a go to anyone who wants to have an impactful plant feature but is feeling a bit amateur and reluctant. I’m totally addicted now and have even just finished a large bottle garden for the hall too! And nothing has died…yet!

Emma will be sharing her new nursery in the next issue of Rooomy, The Nursery Edit, to make sure you receive your free copy just subscribe here!

Emma is the founder of strategy agency, The Pineapple Lounge.  Emma’s job is to help global brands understand and design for a new generation. She is passionate about playful living and inspiring kids’ to discover themselves through engaging environments.  For her wonderful playtips and great gift advice follow her here and get ready to #makewayforplay

Outdoors Indoors…