Wardian Case Theme
The first thing to consider is your display theme. Some suggestions are tropical forest, marshy bog, or even Southwestern desert. Wardian Cases are very personal miniature gardens so the choice is up to you.

Before the Planting !!!
To get started you really don't need much equipment (hands and fingers are best for miniature gardens.) You will need some soil, gravel, and charcoal chips.
First start with a layer of gravel (1 / 8" crushed gravel is best.) Your tray is about 3 inches tall and you will want to have about a 3/4 inch layer of gravel.
Next sprinkle a layer of charcoal chips, enough to cover the gravel layer. Top this off with 2 inches of potting soil.
If you choose to plant orchids or cacti you should consult your local greenhouse for pre-packaged specialty soil mixes.

Landscaping
Before adding plants, you might want to do a little landscaping. A few rocks can give your case some dimension. You might want to use oval or rounded Japanese black cobbles, twigs, or even miniature garden furnishings.

Now let's get to planting !!!
The main question, what type of plants to use ?? Miniatures or dwarf plants are best and here's a list of suggestions: Any green plants will thrive. Other favorites include members of the Peperomia family, pileas, miniature fern, coleus, cuban oregano, penta, tradea scentia, miniature mums. Even collector plants like African violets, orchids or small begonias are great!
If you choose to plant the flowering plants you will need to remove the Wardian Case from time to time as these types of plants need some ventilation & pruning.
As you get more adventurous, you might even try a miniature garden trellis with a miniature rose or how about a bonsai tree?
Finally, add a little ground cover. Mosses work very well. If you are looking for a total cover try a little baby's tear or Scotish moss. When using mosses, plant them immediately. Push the tiny pieces into the soil and make sure they are we inserted into the soil. Little pebble trails or garden tools are also a great accent. Remember if you get tired of your miniature garden you can always remove and/or add a few plants, or you can start completely from scratch and create an entirely new with a new theme.

Common plant ailments and remedies:
Yellow leaves or leaf tips turning brown - too much moisture, try taking the top off your case for a few hours a day until plants look greener.
Leaves falling off the plants - foliage is touching the glass,
adjust your plants or prune
Leggy growth - not enough light
(remember don't put in direct sunlight)
Brown or Black blotches - too much sun,
move to lower light area

**Remember also to remove dead blooms and twigs**

Wardian Case Tips:
You won't need to water much,, encased plants can go months without water, watch the condensation, when it becomes extremely minimal it is time to water.
No need to fertilize - it will create toxic salts that kill plants.
Put your Wardian Case in a bright area, but don't put in direct sunlight it will bake (kill) your plants.