How To Create a Terrarium

Terrariums are a fun and decorative way to bring the garden inside, and because of their enclosed design, they allow plants to thrive that would not normally do well indoors due to their need for high humidity. Once plants are placed into a terrarium a mini climate is formed. The moisture released by their leaves condenses on the glass sides and makes its way back down into the soil. This ‚”rain” allows a terrarium to go long periods of time without watering. To create your own, follow these simple steps:

Choose the right container. Terrariums can be made from old fish tanks and bowls, jars, bottles, and even large glasses such as brandy sniffers. Several garden and gift retailers sell decorative glass terrariums as well.

Choose appropriate plants. The plants that do best in terrariums are compact and slow growing. Some excellent ones include Bird’s Nest Sanseviera, Maidenhair Fern, African Violets, Baby Tears, Creeping Fig, Panda Plant, Asparagus Fern and more. When selecting plants it’s crucial that they all have similar growing requirements.

Gather the right tools. To properly set up a terrarium, several crucial tools are needed, such as coarse sand or pebbles, activated charcoal, sphagnum moss, potting soil, leaf mold, a fork, teaspoon, pair of scissors, the plants, and if a container with a narrow mouth is being used, two pencils or chopsticks.

Layer it. Start the terrarium by adding three even layers. The first should be coarse sand or pebbles for drainage, then activated charcoal (to eliminate any odors from decaying plant matter) and finally sphagnum moss, which will keep the soil in place. Once these layers are down add a layer of potting soil mixed with one part coarse sand and one part leaf mold to promote drainage. This layer doesn’t have to be even. Experiment with hills, valleys and other landscape elements to add interest.

Plant it. Finally, add the plants. Be sure they don’t touch the sides of the terrarium and have plenty of room to grow. Use the fork as a rake and the spoon as a shovel. For containers with narrow openings, use the pencils or chopsticks.

Once the plants are in, things like decorative stones can be added for interest. Lightly moisten the soil and place in a location that is away from direct sunlight. Keep an eye out for condensation on the glass. If too much forms the lid should be opened to add air circulation. If no condensation forms for several days, a small amount of water may need to be added. No fertilizer is needed, but the terrarium should be checked regularly so that any diseased plants or insect infestation can be caught quickly. Remove any plants that are dying or have become overgrown.

Give terrariums a try. They are a great way to bring a little bit of the garden indoors!