Where can I buy terrarium supplies in Mumbai? Dadar flower market for plants and moss. Crawford Market for glass containers. Matunga and Versova nurseries for specialty soil. Online: Ugaoo and Nurserylive deliver terrarium kits to Mumbai.
Building a terrarium in Mumbai means sourcing glass, soil, drainage materials, plants, and decorative elements. No single shop stocks everything—this guide maps where to find each component across the city.
Glass Containers
The container defines your terrarium's form. Options range from simple jars to geometric terrariums to custom fishbowls.
Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market):
- Glass vendors in the housewares section
- Fishbowls, vases, jars in various sizes
- Negotiate—prices are flexible
- Bring photos of what you want
Online options:
- Amazon India: geometric terrariums, mason jars
- Pepperfry: decorative glass containers
- IKEA (Navi Mumbai): VILJESTARK vases, CYLINDER series
Specialty sources:
- Fab India: occasional handblown glass pieces
- Bandra antique shops: vintage apothecary jars
- Laboratory suppliers: beakers and lab glass (Lamington Road)
- Clear glass shows ecosystems best
- Wide openings make planting easier
- Check for chips or cracks before buying
- Lids should seal well for closed terrariums
Plants
Plant sourcing varies by season—monsoon brings the best selection.
Dadar Flower Market (Phool Galli):
- Best for moss, ferns, and small foliage plants
- Peak selection during and after monsoon
- Visit early morning for freshest stock
- Negotiate—expect 20-30% off initial ask
Matunga Nurseries:
- More organized than Dadar, slightly higher prices
- Better for specific plant requests
- Staff often knowledgeable about care
Versova Nurseries:
- Good fern and moisture-plant selection
- Some specialty imports
- Weekend mornings busiest
Online delivery:
- Ugaoo: wide selection, reliable quality
- Nurserylive: good for bulk orders
- The Plant Company: premium specimens
Soil and Substrates
Terrarium soil differs from regular potting mix—it needs better drainage and less nutrients.
Components to source:
- Potting mix base: Any nursery
- Perlite: Nurseries, agricultural supply shops
- Activated charcoal: Aquarium shops, Amazon
- Orchid bark: Specialist nurseries, online
- Sphagnum moss: Dadar market, online
Pre-mixed options:
- Ugaoo Terrarium Soil Mix
- TrustBasket Terrarium Potting Mix
- DIY remains cheaper for multiple terrariums
"The soil recipe matters less than drainage does. Prioritize perlite and bark over fancy branded mixes."
Drainage Materials
The bottom layer of any terrarium prevents waterlogging.
Options:
- Pebbles: Aquarium shops, garden centers
- LECA (clay balls): Nurseries, hydroponic suppliers
- Gravel: Aquarium shops, construction suppliers
- Broken terracotta: Free—recycle old pots
Where to buy:
- Angel Aquarium (Grant Road): variety of gravels and stones
- Any aquarium shop: colored stones, natural pebbles
- Landscape suppliers: bulk gravel for large projects
Moss
Moss transforms terrariums from plant containers into ecosystems.
Buying moss:
- Dadar market during/after monsoon
- Aquarium shops (Java moss for wet terrariums)
- Online: search "live moss India"
Collecting moss:
- Legal in non-protected areas if done sustainably
- Take small patches only—allow regrowth
- Best during monsoon when moss is abundant
- Quarantine collected moss before terrarium use (pests)
Decorative Elements
Stones, wood, and figurines add character.
Stones and crystals:
- Colaba Causeway: crystal and stone vendors
- Chor Bazaar: interesting natural specimens
- Aquarium shops: polished stones
Driftwood and branches:
- Aquarium shops: treated driftwood
- Beach finds: must be sterilized (boil or bake)
- Pet shops: reptile branches work well
Miniatures and figurines:
- Stationery shops: tiny animals, buildings
- Model train suppliers: scale figures
- Amazon: fairy garden accessories
Complete Kits
For beginners, complete kits simplify sourcing:
- Ugaoo Terrarium DIY Kit: Container, soil, plants, tools—delivered
- EarthBox Starter Kit: Premium components, detailed guide (by enquiry)
- MyBageecha Terrarium Set: Budget-friendly option
Kits cost more than DIY sourcing but save time and ensure compatible components.
- Start with container—this determines scale
- Buy drainage and soil supplies in one trip
- Source plants last—freshness matters
- Collect decorative elements over time
Mumbai has everything you need for terrariums—scattered across the city. With this guide, you know where to look. The rest is assembling your contained world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect moss from Mumbai?
Yes, during monsoon. Look in shaded areas of Sanjay Gandhi National Park edges or Aarey Colony. Collect sustainably—take small patches only.
Where to buy terrarium glass in Mumbai?
Crawford Market has glass vendors. For premium containers, check Amazon or specialty home stores in Bandra and Khar.