DIY Forever: Marimo Terrariums

Last week we had our monthly DIY Forever event.  We made marimo terrariums and it was amazing!  It was great fun and now we have 29 people with new adorable fuzzy green friends! Click read more to see some of the terrariums made at the event!


The craft itself is super easy to do.  You just need a container that can hold water without leaking, some aquarium friendly rocks, a few things for decoration and a marimo.  What are marimo, you ask?  Well, they are adorable green algae that grow into a naturally spherical shape.  They only grow naturally in three places in the world, but you can buy them at aquarium and pet stores.  The ones we used were farm grown, so no impact on the natural stock.  They live for an exceedingly long time and grow around 1mm to 2mm in diameter a year.  Many believe they bring luck and love to a caring owner; but, whatever you believe, they are cute!  Just have a look at some of the terrariums made at the event!



Adorable, right?  After you've bought your marimo and constructed a home for it, you'll need to take care of it.  Thankfully, this is extremely easy to do.  Simply keep it in indirect light, make sure the water stays slightly cooler than room temperature to room temperature itself, change the water once a week (tap water works fine), gently squeeze the marimo under running water to clean it and gently roll it around on your palm to help it keeps it shape during this water change.   That's it!  If your marimo looks a little down, add a bit of carbonated water and it should perk right back up!

Have fun with your new friend!  Did you attend the marimo terrarium craft or already have a marimo of your own?  Share a picture in comments, we'd love to see them!