Terrariums are easy and fun to make, especially with children or teens, who’ll find peering into their steamy interiors fascinating. It is also great for people who want to bring the outside in. Essentially, a A miniature garden or ecosystem contained within a glass or plastic container. If sealed, self-sustaining terrariums need very little to no maintenance. Small and slow-growing foliage plants, miniature ferns and mosses are great for sealed terrariums, and succulents and cacti for open terrariums. The first example of a terrarium was a Wardian Case, which helped plant collectors bring back and introduce new, exotic plants in the 19th century.
terrarium is a glass container with a sealed lid. Inside, the warm and humid conditions are ideal for growing small tropical plants. Little aftercare is needed, provided moisture levels are maintained. For this reason, try not to open the lid too often once it’s planted.
Step 1: Choose your vessel
Seek out a big glass bottle with a lid, such as a carboy or bespoke terrarium jar at the garden centre, online, charity shops or car boot sales. Any clear glass container will do – you can wash and reuse large pickle jars, storage jars or use little spice pots for the tiniest of terrariums.
Step 2: Pick the right plants
Select plants to match the size of your terrarium. Local garden centres offer many small potted houseplants; ideally, choose naturally small or slow-growing ones (or you’ll soon be replanting). Foliage plants tend to be better for tropical terrariums, since they won’t need deadheading.
Step 3: Get planting
For drainage, spread a layer of coarse grit, pebbles or clay granules (hydroleca) over the base. Add a layer of peat-free multipurpose Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.
compost mixed with 20% grit or perlite. Ensure this is deep enough to accommodate the largest rootball. Now, pop the plants in, firming gently but don’t squeeze too many in – allow them room to grow. Add decorative pinecones, bark, rocks, fossils or shells and finish off with moss or fine gravel mulch.
Step 4: Tend the plants inside
Water the plants until the drainage layer is wet. Clean the inside with a damp cloth and remove condensation. Replace the lid or stopper. Water only when the compost begins to dry out (which can take several months).
As the terrarium matures, use kitchen scissors to trim away dead or dying growth – a pair of tweezers are really useful for picking up debris. Keep tropical A miniature garden or ecosystem contained within a glass or plastic container. If sealed, self-sustaining terrariums need very little to no maintenance. Small and slow-growing foliage plants, miniature ferns and mosses are great for sealed terrariums, and succulents and cacti for open terrariums. The first example of a terrarium was a Wardian Case, which helped plant collectors bring back and introduce new, exotic plants in the 19th century.
terrariums in bright situations, out of direct sunlight. East-facing windowsills are ideal. In sunny rooms, position them slightly back from the window.