Nature in a Jar: Easy Terrarium Plants for Beginners
Creating a terrarium is like crafting a miniature world within a glass container. It is a unique way to bring the beauty and tranquility of nature into your home or office. This guide will walk you through the essentials of terrarium making, from selecting the right container and plants to maintaining your tiny ecosystem.
The journey begins with selecting the perfect container for your terrarium. Almost any clear glass or plastic vessel can work, from fish bowls and mason jars to coffee pots and wine glasses. The key is to choose a container that’s large enough to accommodate the plants and soil while also fitting nicely into the space where you plan to display it. Transparent containers are preferable as they allow for maximum light penetration, which is essential for plant growth.
Terrariums can be open or closed, each supporting different types of environments:
Open Terrariums are ideal for plants that thrive in dry conditions, such as succulents and cacti. They require less maintenance but need to be placed where they’ll receive plenty of light.
Closed Terrariums create a humid environment perfect for moisture-loving plants like ferns. They mimic a miniature greenhouse, recycling water through condensation and evaporation.
Choosing the right plants is crucial for a terrarium. Look for small plants that fit the scale of your container, considering their growth habits and care requirements. Selecting plants with similar light and moisture needs is important to ensure they thrive together.
Creating the perfect environment for your plants involves layering different materials within your container. Here’s a basic guide:
Drainage Layer: Start with a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the container to prevent water from pooling around the plant roots, which can cause rot.
Charcoal Layer: Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal to help filter the water and keep the terrarium smelling fresh.
Soil Layer: Use a layer of potting soil suitable for the types of plants you’re using. Moisture-loving plants will benefit from a soil mix that retains water, whereas succulents and cacti prefer a sandier, well-draining mix.
Planting: Before planting, plan your layout. Remove plants from their pots and gently loosen the roots. Make small holes in the soil and plant them, ensuring there’s no contact between the plants and the sides of the container.
Decorative Layer: Finally, add a top layer of moss, bark, or decorative stones to create a finished look.
Terrarium care varies depending on the type:
Light: Place your terrarium in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can heat the container too much, harming the plants.
Watering: For closed terrariums, minimal watering is needed. If condensation stops appearing on the walls, it’s time to add a small amount of water. Open terrariums require more frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater, as there’s no drainage.
Pruning: Trim back any plants that grow too large or start to overshadow smaller plants, maintaining the balance within your mini ecosystem.
Even with careful maintenance, you might encounter issues like mold growth or plant decay. If mold appears, increase air circulation by opening the container or removing affected plant parts. For decaying plants, remove them promptly to prevent the issue from spreading.
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
