It’s a trendy hobby that’s taking the gardening world by storm, and it’s perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature but don’t have the time or space for a full-sized garden. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of growing a terrarium garden, from selecting the right container to choosing the perfect plants.
What is a Terrarium Garden?
A terrarium is a closed or partially enclosed glass container that houses a tiny, self-sustaining ecosystem. It’s like a little world of its own, and you get to play Mother Nature inside your glass enclosure. You might be wondering, “Why should I start a terrarium garden when I can just have houseplants?” And while we love our housplants as well, terrariums have their own unique charm.
Glass Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, and you can get as creative as you want.
Glass Containers:
The classic choice for terrariums is a glass container, often with a lid to create a closed ecosystem. You can find these at thrift stores, garage sales, or even online. Vintage, anyone?
Apothecary Jars:
Feeling a little bit whimsical? Apothecary jars with their old-world charm and fancy lids can turn your terrarium into a magical mini forest.
Hanging Terrariums:
For those who like to think outside the box — or jar — hanging terrariums add a unique twist to your plant world, literally.
Geometric Terrariums:
Geometric terrariums with sleek lines and edges are perfect for the modern, minimalist gardener.
Open vs. Closed Terrariums:
Consider whether you want an open or closed terrarium. Open ones are low maintenance but require more frequent watering, while closed ones create a self-sustaining ecosystem with minimal intervention.
If you’ve read up until this point, I can assume you may be interested in creating one of these mini worlds of your own. So, where to begin… Let’s start with the planning stages. Since this is an experimental, trial-and-error kind of craft, documenting and planning is crucial to the quality of the ecosystem you create -that applies to most things in life.
Planning Your Terrarium Grow
Your terrarium garden needs proper layering to mimic the natural environment and provide the right drainage for your plants. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rocks or Pebbles: Start with a layer of rocks or pebbles at the bottom to help with drainage. It’s like the foundation of your tiny world.
- Charcoal: A thin layer of activated charcoal helps keep things fresh and prevents any funky odors from developing in your closed terrarium.
- Moss or Sphagnum: Place a layer of moss or sphagnum on top of the charcoal to separate it from the next layer. It’s like giving your terrarium a natural carpet.
- Potting Mix: The surface layer is where your plants will make their home. Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti.
Shopping and Plant Selection
Now comes the fun part — choosing the plants! Terrariums offer a unique opportunity to create lush landscapes in miniature. When selecting plants for your terrarium garden, consider these factors:
- Size: Go for plants that won’t outgrow your container. Miniature varieties like succulents, air plants (Tillandsia), and small ferns are perfect for terrariums.
- Light Requirements: Depending on the type of terrarium you’re creating, consider the light conditions in your home. Some plants need more light than others, so choose accordingly.
- Aesthetic: Pick plants that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and growth habits. Create a visual masterpiece that’s Instagram-worthy!
- Maintenance: Choose plants that have similar care requirements to make your life easier. Remember, you’re aiming for low-maintenance charm.
Planting Your Terrarium Garden
Now, for the fun part. The down and dirty.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to Planting Your Terrarium Garden:
- Start with a clean container. No one wants to see last year’s remnants stuck to the glass.
- Add your drainage layer (rocks or pebbles) and gently pat them down.
- Follow with a thin layer of activated charcoal, being careful not to mix it with the rocks.
- Add your moss or sphagnum layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully plant your chosen green companions in the potting mix. Small tools or chopsticks work wonders for getting the job done.
- Be artistic! Play with placement and consider using different heights and textures for that extra oomph.
- Give your terrarium a light misting with water to settle the soil and clean the glass.
- Seal your closed terrarium or leave the lid off for open ones. Closed terrariums need less water and can often thrive without much intervention.
Maintenance and Care
The beauty of terrarium gardens is that they’re relatively low-maintenance. Here’s what you need to do to keep your tiny ecosystem happy and thriving:
Watering
Monitor the soil’s moisture level and water sparingly. Closed terrariums require less watering since the water cycle is mostly self-contained.
Light
Place your terrarium in indirect light. Remember, it’s not a desert — your plants still need a bit of sunshine, just not too much.
Pruning
As your plants grow, give them a little haircut to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding.
Cleaning
Occasionally wipe the inside of the glass to remove condensation and maintain a crystal-clear view.
This delightful and therapeutic little hobby allows you to embrace your inner green thumb even in limited or even tiny amounts of space. With the right container, a teensy bit of creativity, some low-maintenance plants, and a lot of love- you can cultivate your own mini paradise. It’s like a tiny jungle in a jar, and once you start, it’s hard to stop.
And while they are awesome to look at, they are ever evolving just like us- remember to take time to enjoy the experience of cultivating, maintaining, and appreciating your own little world.
We’ve also come up with a list of similar hobbies you may enjoy learning.
With Love,
GF Home + Garden
#winter #hobbies #indoorgarden