Terrariums are ideal for gardeners who live in small spaces. These are low-care, compact, and very appealing to look at; making them suitable for homes or commercial sites. Though they require less care than most plants, there are several important considerations regarding the essentials for these plants’ sustenance if they are to survive.

How Do Terrariums Work?

A terrarium is an enclosed environment that resembles a miniature indoor garden. By releasing moisture, the plants and soil cycle water in a terrarium. This vapor condenses on the walls and flows back into the ground, providing hydration for the plants. Sealed terrariums are self-sufficient and need minimal attention as they are prearranged to sustain themselves. For example, small sealed containers with indoor gardens are inside them called terrariums. All plants and soils in their interior let go of water vapor. So they go through a process of recycling water. Eventually, these evaporated vapors collect on the inner sideboards of glass models resulting in a drip down towards the soil. As all nutrients come from within them, such structures demand nearly no maintenance if kept closed.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Terrarium?

Here’s a simple list of the supplies you’ll need:

  • A glass or plastic container
  • Optional: rocks and moss
  • Soil (growing medium)
  • Small plants (miniature or dwarf varieties work best)
  • A spoon for placing soil
  • Long tweezers for arranging materials

How To Grow a Terranium?

Follow the following steps to set up a terrarium:

1. Choose a Container

A terrarium container can be a simple and inexpensive one or can end up being a glamorous and elegant one. Whatever the case, it should be clear, for instance, glass or plastic containers with a wide opening to allow your hand access. Some examples of such wide-opening containers include aquariums, mason jars, apothecary jars, goldfish bowls, bell jars, and even big brandy snifters. The essential thing is that it has to have a large mouth so that you can dump in some drainage material before adding soil, vegetation, and even some shells or miniature toys for decorations.

2. Choose the Plants

Many garden centers carry small plants ideal for terrariums in the fairy garden section of their stores. Opt for plants that do well in areas with high humidity but low light. For variation, choose plants with different foliage shapes and sizes. They should also remain small enough to not make contact with the side walls of your container. You can use plants like Cactus and Pothos.

3. Add Drainage Layers

Since terrariums are devoid of drainage openings, you must make a drainage layer. Approximately two inches of gravel or crushed stones should be placed at the bottom of the container. Thicker drainage layers are needed for taller containers than for shallow ones. The next thing to do is put a layer of activated charcoal that ranges from one-fourth to half an inch thick on top of the stones to aid in drainage and keep away smells. You could use live moss in place of the charcoal.

4. Moss and Potting Mix

Next, put a layer of sheet moss over the stones and charcoal. This will hinder the mixing of the two. Moss also improves terrarium beauty. Next, place slightly moist sterile potting soil on the moss. Avoid adding fertilizer, as terrarium plants don’t require it. A few inches of soil should be enough, but ensure there is enough space for plant growth without them touching the lid when it is closed.

5. Prepare the Plants

Before planting, decide how you want your terrarium to look like. Arrange tall and short plants in such a way that makes them look balanced. Take out the plant from its pot before teasing apart any entangled roots with care. It is important to trim long roots for the plants’ growth to be controlled which helps maintain their size when confined within small areas. Any yellow or damaged leaves must be pruned before planting. Try to find out the reasons why your plants get yellow leaves. Be very careful about pruning your plants as they are very small in size compared to indoor plants.

6. Add the Plants

Make small holes for each of your intended plants then gently place them into the container. Press down the dirt lightly so as not to leave space with no air-trapping pockets left behind; this way they’ll hold firmly in place.

7. Arrange Your Terrarium

Although decoration is not compulsory, you may personalize your own using tiny charms or sometimes stones or even shells. After planting your plants, consider giving them some little moisture without flooding it since moist soil remains moist but soaking wet makes mud instead of soil. Make sure that it is free from any debris inside the glass.

8. Decorate Your Terrarium

Decorating is optional, but you can add personal touches with small ornaments, stones, or shells. After planting, lightly water the terrarium so the soil is damp but not soaked. Clean the inside of the glass to remove any dirt clinging to it. 

9. Maintaining Your Terrarium

Terrariums are easy to look after but regular maintenance helps plants to thrive. Put the terrarium in a place with indirect or filtered light rays. If there is not enough natural light use artificial lights such as LED or fluorescent ones. Check the moisture of soil before watering them out, closed terrariums hold water much longer than potted plants so watering may not be frequently needed. If condensation starts, uncover it and allow some air into it. Leave it open until moisture evaporates completely. However, if you have added too much water leave the lid off to prevent mold. Remove any yellowing leaves and cut back overgrown plants that are inappropriate for the container they occupy. Refrain from fertilizing your terrarium’s plants because they do not need it at all. Before fertilizing always research how to fertilize your plants. But if you think that a certain plant deserves more nutrition apply a quarter strength all-purpose fertilizer only sparingly.

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