In This Post:
– Steps to Build a Terrarium
– Benefits of a Terrarium
– How to Take Care of a Terrarium
–Common Problems in a Terrarium
What if you get all the benefits of a garden without going through the hassle of watering, pruning and mowing the lawn? Hard to believe, but it is true! Terrariums are popular because they don’t require a lot of space, are low-maintenance, look stunning on your table and are quite easy to make.
So, if you don’t have a front yard where you can design a landscape, build a terrarium and enjoy gardening without even leaving the comfort of your home. Check out these 5 easy steps to build a terrarium.
Steps to Build a Terrarium
- Select a suitable glass container
- Place pebbles, seashells
- Add moss and soil
- Place carefully chosen green plants
- Add a unique feature
Let’s discuss each of these steps one by one.
Select a suitable glass container
Choose a glass or plastic container that has ample space to accommodate stones, pebbles, soil and plants of course! You don’t need to buy a fancy looking glass jar for this DIY gardening project. All you need is a transparent jar that has enough opening to allow you to place plants and work your way.
An empty jam or pickle jar would do. Wash it thoroughly and wipe it dry. If you want to build a couple of terrariums all at the same time, then prepare a few jars in advance before you sit down to make a terrarium with your kids. You can also choose a vacant fish tank, a transparent coffee pot or a decorative vase that is transparent.
Once the jar is set, then comes the part to layer a terrarium to make a mini-landscape. Check out the first layer that goes into a terrarium.
Pebbles, stones and seashells
The first layer that goes into the terrarium are stones. You can choose small-sized stones and a few seashells. Add a thin layer of white stones mixed with colourful seashells, then a layer of round pebbles of a different colour so they can stand out. These layers help in water drainage and don’t allow excess water to stay in the soil causing rotten roots.
Add a layer of moss and soil
A layer of green moss not only looks fabulous in your terrarium, but it also helps keep the terrarium fresh and does not retain water, draining all excess water. You can also add a layer of activated charcoal which will fight off any bacterial growth.
Place carefully chosen green plants
There are no special plants required for your terrarium. You can place succulents, ferns, crotons, cacti and any dwarf plants that won’t outgrow the container you place these plants in. If you have a closed container, then choose plants that thrive well in high humidity, but if you have a closed container, then pick up plants that are sun-loving.
A quick walk in any garden would help you choose the right plants. Be creative, you can even find twigs and little weeds that would match the setting in your terrarium. You can even plant an orchid if you have a large fish bowl as your terrarium. Orchids add brightness and colour to your DIY terrarium.
Add a unique feature
Once you have added a bunch of plants, step back and take a good look. Does your terrarium look nice? Is it lacking anything? What if you add a small toy house, a fun figurine or just a mummified dragonfly that would add a realistic mini garden look to your terrarium.
Benefits of a Terrarium
There are numerous benefits of building a terrarium.
- A terrarium spruces up your room’s decor
- Perfect for indoor plants that require a humid environment
- Enclosed mini-gardens look best on your dining table or writing desk
- Best activity for kids, instilling them a love for nature
- An interesting DIY gardening project that require less time, money and space
How to Take Care of Terrariums
Terrariums are low-maintenance and require less time and effort. Check out some of these tips for terrarium’s care.
- If you have a closed lid container, then make sure to open up the lid once in a while to allow fresh air and sunlight
- Keep a check on your plants. Remove any dried or yellow leaves that are telltale signs of a bacteria or a fungal infection
- Prune your plants and trim the edges if you have chosen ferns as plants
- Terrariums have a nice earthy odour. If your terrarium smells bad, then make sure to check out on the plants. Their roots might be rotting
- Keep a close look at any pests or bugs, especially if you have an open terrarium
- Spray some water every now and then to keep the plants fresh
Common Problems in a Terrarium
- Don’t overwater any plants in the terrarium. You don’t have to water plants frequently
- Make sure the plants get sufficient light, water and air. Since these plants are in an enclosed container, you don’t need abundant sunlight or water or fertilizer. A balance of all the necessary nutrients are perfect to keep the plants in your terrarium happy
- If you have placed succulents in the terrarium, then make sure the container is not closed because succulents need air and abundant sunlight
- Ensure that the glass or plastic container is clean and not foggy otherwise, sunlight will not be able to enter the terrarium, making the plant wilt earlier than expected
So this was an easy guide to building a terrarium that would look best on your writing desk.
If you love gardening and have enough outdoor space, then check out our detailed blog on the best rock garden ideas. If you have a yard, then you must take a look at these landscaping designs for your front yard.
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