How to Build a Greenhouse Cabinet for a Stylish Indoor Garden

If you’ve ever wanted to create a miniature jungle inside your home—without the risk of your cat knocking it over—then a greenhouse cabinet might be the perfect DIY project.

These converted display cabinets can be used to house indoor plants, and are especially great for high-maintenance varieties that prefer a bit more humidity. Best of all, not only does a greenhouse cabinet look beautiful, but it also protects fragile plants from unruly pets and kids. Ready to get started? Here's how to build one.

What You'll Need

Assembling a greenhouse cabinet isn't too difficult, but there are a few tools you'll need on hand to get started. Make sure you have:

• Glass cabinet made of water-resistant materials
• Power drill
• Metal hole saw
• Grommets
• Grow lights
• Hydrometer
• Mini fans (optional)
• Small humidifier (optional)

How to Build a Greenhouse Cabinet

Once your tools are in place, you can get straight to drilling and assembling. Make sure to follow these instructions!

Choose a Cabinet

Your cabinet choice will come down to budget, available space, and style. Britt Parrish, a plant consultant and houseplant educator, gravitates toward IKEA glass cabinets, which “meet all three of my requirements.”

She especially likes the Rudsta wide style: “You can get creative in making more space for plants by using magnetic shelves."

Drill Some Holes

No matter which cabinet you pick, you’ll need a way to discreetly feed cords to a power source. Using your power drill and a metal hole saw attachment, drill holes into the cabinet frame. Add grommets to cover the edge of the holes so they don't slice any cords.

Seal It Up

Weather-stripping can help trap humidity inside. However, you can skip this step if your plant selection doesn’t require tropical conditions.

Add Some Light

Because many cabinets have limited natural light, grow lights are essential. “[They] really help to supplement lighting in a cabinet setup,” Parrish says. They're also easy to install.

How to Use Your Cabinet

Time to add your plants! Make sure your cabinet is set up to accommodate the varieties you plan on growing.

Humidity

Most greenhouse cabinet plants—think alocasia, carnivorous plants, philodendrons, anthuriums, and monsteras—thrive in humidity.

So if you see crisping leaves, try using pebble trays or humidity stones. A humidifier is also an option, but Parrish warns it can be “a hassle with the constant refilling” and may take up precious plant space.

Air Circulation

High humidity calls for good airflow to prevent mold and mildew. Sometimes, simply opening the cabinet doors is enough. If not, a small computer fan—attached with zip ties or hooks—can keep air moving.

Plant Setup

Arrange plants based on light and space needs, and use modular shelving or risers to maximize every inch. Just remember: “You have to be mindful of how fast these plants may grow and how they may outgrow the cabinet,” Parrish says.

With the right mix of light, airflow, and humidity, you’ll have a miniature botanical paradise that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Your plants will thank you with lush, thriving growth.