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Terrariums

How to Build a Terrarium

You can use any transparent container to build a terrarium. The bigger the container, the better, as a small ecosystem is more difficult to maintain than a larger one. Containers with larger openings will be easier to plant and maintain, but are likely to lose moisture more quickly.

Layers

In the bottom, place a layer of gravel or small pebble. This will allow space for excess water.
Then place a thin layer of charcoal. Charcoal absorbs toxins.

Place a layer of sphagnum moss over the charcoal. If you don't have sphagnum moss, you can use plain muslin cloth.
Finally, place about an inch and a half (3.5cm) of sterilized potting mix, slightly moist.
Planting

Use small specimens to start with. Remember, they will grow! You can reduce root ball of plants in a closed terrarium by nearly half.

Group the taller plants in the middle of the terrarium.

Add pebbles, rocks, driftwood, or trinkets as accessories.

After planting, spray water gently to clean potting mix off plants and the container.

Keep the container uncovered until the leaves are completely dry.

Plants to Use

Use moisture-loving houseplants from tropical and subtropical regions. Choose plants that have similar temperature, light and water requirements. Avoid using flowering plants, succulents, or other plants which depend on drier conditions or direct sunlight.

Here are some species you can consider using:

African violets (Saintpaulia spp.)

baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

silver net plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii var. argyroneura 'Minima')

peperomia (Peperomia cv.)

parlour palms (Chamaedorea elegans, sometimes sold as Neanthe bella)

Pilea spp.

sygoniums

begonias

crotons

dracaena

small ferns

polka dot plant or freckleface (Hypoestes)

bush moss or club moss as a groundcover

Placement and Care

Place in brightly-lit spot, but never in direct sunlight.

If plants grow straight and symmetrical, the light level is sufficient Periodic turning of terrarium prevents plants from becoming lopsided.

If the potting mix becomes dry or plants start to wilt, there is too little water. Add water a little at a time.

If water condenses heavily on the glass, there is too much water. Open the top for a few hours to let excess water vapor escape.

You may need to pinch back the tips of plants occasionally as they grow.

This page last modified on 12 December 2008 09:27:45 PM (active 597 days)

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