Terrariums are small glass containers that let you create beautiful gardens in a small space. Here are five beginner tips for building a terrarium.
When you think of terrariums, you most likely think of glass structures that keep exotic pets, such as toads, tortoises, and lizards, safe and protected. However, terrariums aren’t limited to just keeping pets from escaping. They also open an alternative world to gardening.
Yes, you can grow mini forests inside glass containers and use them as decor for your desk or coffee table. Here are five beginner tips to start building your own terrarium.
Create beautiful displays for your desktop or living space with a terrarium.
Prepare Your Container
A terrarium can either be open or closed. For open terrariums, suitable containers are fish bowls, deep glass bowls, open planter bulbs, and geometric glass vessels. If you prefer closed terrariums, go for Mason jars, bell jars, closed air plant bulbs, and bird-cage-like reptile containers.
It is also crucial to select the right-sized container that will fit your space. For example, people living in smaller units like the rooms for rent in Quezon City should choose smaller geometric glass containers. They’ll have a biophilic haven that is cute and doesn’t take up that much space.
When preparing your container, you can choose either an open or closed container.
Choose the Right Plants
Choosing whether you want an open or closed terrarium will influence your plant choices. Open terrariums are suitable for plants that need a lot of sunlight and a drier environment. Succulents—such as hens and chicks, flapjacks, mini zebra plants, jade plants, and Mother of Pearl—are your best options for your open terrariums.
Succulents are a great option for open terrariums.
On the other hand, closed terrariums are perfect habitats for plants that prefer warm, humid, and low-light environments. Consider plants such as mosses, spider plants, polka dot plants, neoregelia, baby ferns, and golden pothos.
Closed terrariums are ideal for plants that thrive in moist environments.
Layer Your Ingredients
Like aquariums, starting terrariums will require the right ingredients. You’ll need potting soil, activated charcoal, pebbles and small rocks, and peat or sphagnum moss. Depending on your terrarium type, you’ll layer these ingredients in a three or four-way system:
Step 1: Add the rocks first at the bottom of your container; these will act as drainage for moisture that may cause flooding inside.
Step 2: Place the activated charcoal on top of your rocks. The charcoal helps regulate the environment of your terrarium by eliminating odors and fungal or bacterial growth.
Step 3: Layer your potting mix on top of the charcoal. Place ample soil that allows your plants to take root. Choose the suitable potting soil for your plant types. For example, if you have tropical greens, select soil that drains water well.
Step 4: For open terrariums, add pebbles on top of your soil around your plants. The pebbles will act as extra drainage for water and additional decoration.
You need to layer your ingredients in your terrarium.
Give Ample Sunlight and Water
Terrariums need ample sunlight and water to thrive. Place your terrariums close to a window or sunlight source. Their glass habitats will reflect light better for their growth and health.
Don’t forget to give your terrarium ample sunlight and water.
Since terrariums are meant to be “self-watering” in a way, mist them once every one to two weeks, depending on your plant types. The rocks and peat moss helps store water that keeps the plants alive even without constant watering.
Let Your Plants Breathe
Whether you choose a closed or open terrarium, it is vital to let your plants breathe. Put your open terrariums close to an open window to let your plants taste fresh air. For closed terrariums, open the lid at least once a month and expose them to open air for 20 minutes to let excess moisture out.
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Terrariums are magical environments that thrive indoors. With these five beginner tips, start your own terrariums and have a mini forest growing and beautifying your home.
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