How To Make A Terrarium
Making a terrarium is perhaps simpler than you think. You may construct them in minutes or build them yourself with a few grocery store supplies. They’ll look fantastic for months. Terrariums are a simple way to bring life and beauty into any space.
Terrariums are built of glass and usually include a few holes in the cover to allow for fresh air. The glass cover captures humidity and recycles it as water, reducing the need for watering. Air holes allow air to flow and keep humidity at bay, allowing you to view the plants. If your container’s lid lacks air holes, just remove the top from time to time. As a case in point, ferns require humidity to thrive, terrariums are a good option to grow them indoors.
Choosing Plants for Your Terrarium
Here are ideas for recommended plants appropriate for your terrariums. There are many more, of course:
African Violet
Baby’s Tears
Dracaena
Echeveria
Ferns; Maidenhair ferns, Birds nest ferns and staghorn ferns
Graptopetalum
Jade Plants
Moss
Panda Plant
Peperomia
Spider Plant
Choosing a Container for Your Terrarium
Containers come in all shapes and sizes.
Choose a glass container, containers of composite materials are not recommended due to possible effects on plants
Decide if you want an open or closed container.
You can also make your own container. Make a stained glass container and it will be unique!
Six Steps to Create a Terrarium
Step 1: Assemble materials
First, visualize your ideal terrarium. What will you do with it? Which plants do you want to showcase? What kind of container are you going to use? Is there a lid on it? Once you’ve decided on a design, head to your local garden centre to get many of the components needed to create a terrarium.
You will need:
- Glass jar or bowl
- Hydrostone, sand, rocks and/or pebbles
- Activated charcoal
- Organic potting soil or cactus mix, depending on plants
- Ornamental moss
- Decorative elements such as fairies, rocks, shells, or stones
- Small plants or succulents
- Watering can
- Espoma’s Indoor! or Cactus! liquid fertilizer depending on plant needs
- Optional: Tweezers
- Optional: Small sticks or bark
Step 2: Sand Layer
Your terrarium’s first layer will be for drainage. At the bottom, add a 1-inch layer of hydrostone, sand, rocks, or pebbles. This prevents water from lingering in the soil and aids in the prevention of root rot. Top that with a solid layer of sphagnum moss. This helps hold the soil in place and keeps the stone layer looking clean.
Step 3: Activated Charcoal Layer
To keep the terrarium healthy, add around 1/4 cup of activated charcoal. It is important to add charcoal because it serves as a filter. It helps to keep the water free of deposits and microbes that can develop on your plants.
Step 4: Add Soil and Plants
Make sure you have enough soil for your plants. Make a tiny hole for each plant. Choose a few prominent succulents or fill the space with as many plants as you desire. Make sure each plant has enough space to develop. Remember to leave some room for creative additions.
Step 5: Get Creative
After you’ve added plants to your terrarium, it’s time to add the final touches. To improve the appearance, layer several types of attractive mosses or decorative stones. If you have fairy garden elements, place them now. If you’re bringing in any parts from the outside, make sure to thoroughly rinse them first. It may be simpler to use tweezers to insert these pieces in smaller terrariums.
Step 6: Fertilize
Feeding your terrarium plants with the right liquid fertilizer can keep them healthy and vigorous. Enjoy! Change up your terrarium whenever you feel the need for a change or fresh plants!
Step 7: Sun, Water and Fertilizer
It’s a good idea to initially check your terrarium for watering needs once a week. In general, they will only require water once a month, but each terrarium is unique. Make sure not to overwater it. Set your new invention in strong light, but not direct sunlight, since the glass might function as a magnifying glass and generate excessive heat. Fertilize every two months.
Step 8: Enjoy It!
And the last, but probably the most important step, relax and appreciate your extremely stylish new art project.
