I am a beginner houseplant owner who is always learning as I go. This guide is written from my own experience and mixed research, and so I would not use this as your only resource in starting a fairy garden. I would advise you to research each plant you intend on including, and I would recommend The Spruce magazine website for comprehensive plant guides.
To me, fairy gardens are a story to be told. With a mixture of plants, stones, figurines, and crystals, I can create a natural scene within my own home. So far, I have three fairy gardens in my home, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I eventually have a fourth.
My first fairy garden has brought much excitement since I started it in November of 2024. Plants have died and thrived in this 15-inch pot, and it currently houses duckfoot ivy, a little tree plant, aquamarine, a dwarf umbrella tree (not pictured) and different types of moss. I made a good portion of the decorations within the pot and added miscellaneous items I found such as water/soil-safe crystals, toys, a broken earring, and rocks.
I can’t recall when this fairy garden was first planted, but I want to say that I did it in late December of 2024. This one has more moss than the first and less overhead coverage for the moss, and so it requires more misting. In the back, there are two types of nerve plants, fittonias, and they were recently planted to replace the ferns that had failed to thrive. Ferns are so beautiful yet so delicate. The earth dragon and the snail in a chair really bring this pot together!
Planted March 2, 2024, this fairy garden is just getting started. For this pot, I chose Norfolk pilea, creeping charlie, a patch of moss, and another little tree plant. Cerberus guards the moss patch with their gnashing teeth, and I plan on adding more moss for them to reign. The pot itself resembles a Roman urn, and so I would like to play on that ancient theme.
How I Set up a Fairy Garden
Small, slow growing plants
Consider the light, soil, and watering requirements of each plant carefully to determine if they would coexist well in the same container. Where you plan on placing the container will also determine what sunlight will be received, and so keep that in mind when choosing your plants.
12”-15” diameter pot, at least 8” deep
Consider the location you plan on setting up your fairy garden and the weight capacity of the surface it will reside on. To keep it more lightweight, a plastic or resin container may be used. Make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole.
Rocks, about 1”-2” in size
Activated charcoal meant for gardening
Potting soil or the appropriate soil mix for your plant choices
Plastic figurines, water-safe crystals (amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, and more), pretty rocks, plant stakes, DIY items, etc.
Spoon or small shovel (optional)
1. Place your pot on the saucer and where it will be displayed if possible. It will be heavy to move, and so it is best to set up the fairy garden where it will reside.
2. Fill the bottom of the pot with at least three inches of rocks and level out the surface. This is the drainage layer.
3. Spread activated charcoal over the rocks and level out to make sure that the entire pot will receive the antifungal benefits.
4. Add at least three inches of potting soil on top of the activated charcoal and level out with a shovel or your hand.
5. Prepare the plants by removing them from their nursery pots and gently removing excess soil. Untangle roots carefully if rootbound.
6. Dig holes designated for each plant, about the size of their root balls. Each hole should be at least an inch or so deep.
7. Place the plant’s root ball in the hole and gently pat the soil around the roots. Do not cover the stem(s). Repeat for each plant.
8. Water and/or mist according to your plants’ requirements.
Watering: Add water when the first inch of soil is dry to the touch. Most plants do not prefer to be drenched, and so not too much.
Humidity: According to your plants’ needs, mist daily or set a humidifier in the room. A hygrometer in the room a few feet away from the plant helps to measure if you need to add more moisture in the room or tone it down.
Overgrowth: Prune or cut back unruly plants with sterilized pruning shears.
Dead Plants: Remove from the fairy garden and check soil if the issue is unknown.
