When it comes to gardening, varying and harsh weather conditions can dampen hopes for a yard full of flourishing plants. A good way to bring Mother Nature inside is with a terrarium. These tiny ecosystems are easy to maintain, and perfect as gifts or home decor, creating breathtaking displays of lush and thriving miniature plants.
Although a terrarium does not require a lot of maintenance, there are steps you can take to ensure your glass garden is successful and healthy.
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Choosing the right plants
When it comes to selecting plants, keep in mind the size of the terrarium. You do not want a plant that will overpower the space by growing too tall or quickly. The best plant options are relatively small, thrive in humid conditions, prefer moist soil and do well with indirect sunlight.
Groundcovers, mosses and an array of ferns are commonly used for these charming ecosystems. Succulents are also used frequently, but make sure the terrarium is not enclosed, because these plants don't like humidity. Remember: Be creative! With a little research or a trip to a local nursery, you can discover an abundance of unique and captivating plants.
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Setting up your terrarium
Once you have selected the plants, ensure their success within your terrarium. Add stones or gravel to the bottom to help with drainage. Then add a layer of charcoal to help keep the soil fresh. After adding these elements, use a moist potting soil. Because the plants should remain small, do not add fertilizer. Once they are planted, all it takes is a little maintenance to keep everything looking beautiful and healthy.
Two essential elements for success are light and water. These little gardens are often seen in offices or given as gifts because they grow well in indirect sunlight and with little watering (if it’s an enclosed terrarium). Place the terrarium in a bright area with lots of indirect lighting. If the plants start to brown, they could be getting too much light and should be moved.
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In addition to proper lighting, terrariums need the correct amount of moisture. Because they are essentially self-contained ecosystems recycling their own water, they can be watered infrequently. Sometimes the plants can go without watering for months at a time. However, when it is time to add extra moisture, use a spoon, an eyedropper or a water sprayer to avoid overwatering. If you see excess water on the sides or bottom of the terrarium, open the container and allow it to dry.
Finally, be sure to prune the plants to keep them at the desired size. Remove any dead plants, algae or fungus. The terrarium needs to remain clean to ensure healthy plants.
Use these tips to keep your terrariums looking spectacular. But remember, every terrarium is different. Some can be enclosed or open, and the plants can vary, meaning maintenance and care can vary as well.
Image: a2gemma
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