A terrarium can best be described as a miniature garden. A person can build a terrarium inside an aquarium tank, a glass vase, or even a plastic 2-liter bottle. Some people create terrariums with a variety of small plants and rocks while others may add driftwood, moss, or ferns to the environment. One of the best things about building a terrarium is that a person can make it uniquely his or her own. The following takes a look at how to make a terrarium as well as how to properly care for one.
- How to Create a Terrarium
- Materials Necessary to Build a Terrarium
- Terrariums Make a Comeback
- Making Succulents Terrariums
- Terrariums: Step by Step
The first thing to do when getting ready to build a terrarium is to choose a receptacle. Individuals may want to think about where they plan to put their terrarium. For instance, a plastic soda bottle without its top half would be an ideal choice for a terrarium that is going to sit on a small counter near a kitchen window. Alternatively, a ten-gallon glass aquarium would be perfect for someone who wants his or her terrarium to occupy a large table in a living room. A terrarium can be as elaborate or simple as its owner wants. After choosing a receptacle, it's time to gather the materials for the terrarium. The materials include aquarium gravel of any color, potting soil, gardening charcoal, water, and a gathering of small plants that love moisture. African violets, star plants, variegated spider ferns, and golden club moss are commonly seen in terrariums. It's important to choose plants that need approximately the same type of care. Generally, a plant's care instructions accompany the plant. Place a thin layer of aquarium gravel over the bottom of the receptacle so the terrarium will have proper drainage. Next, mix a portion of potting soil with a portion of charcoal. The mixture should completely cover the aquarium gravel. Charcoal helps to keep the soil fresh. Arrange the plants in the terrarium soil and pack additional soil around them so they stay in place. Rocks, driftwood, moss, and decorative stones can be arranged throughout the terrarium to add color and interest to the project.
- Making a Simple Terrarium
- Creating an Appealing Terrarium
- Steps for Making a Terrarium
- Sketch of a Terrarium
- Putting Together a Miniature Garden
- How to Make a Terrarium
Once a terrarium is completed, it needs to be watered for its plants to flourish. Most terrariums should be watered once a week. Many terrarium owners do this by slowly pouring water in or spraying the leaves of the plants with a water bottle. It's best to water a terrarium just enough to make the soil moist. If the water begins to collect in the bottom of the terrarium, it's being overwatered. If this happens, it's best to wait until that water evaporates before adding more water to the environment. The amount of water a terrarium needs depends upon the size of the receptacle. A terrarium should be kept in an area that receives partial sunlight. A terrarium shouldn't be put in a place where it will be in constant, direct sunlight. Another part of a terrarium's care involves picking the dead leaves off of plants. If they look withered or brown, it's time to take those leaves off to make way for new growth. Also, an owner should take out any dead leaves that have fallen on the soil. In many terrariums, a gray line develops near the bottom of the receptacle. This is caused by the minerals in the water. This can be wiped away with the help of a soft, moist rag. If the rocks in the terrarium become slimy or smudged, they can be cleaned off with a soft rag as well.
- Different Types of Terrariums (PDF)
- The Fun of Making a Terrarium
- Different Sorts of Plants in a Terrarium (PDF)
- Ten Plants Perfect for Terrariums
- Rules for Keeping a Terrarium Healthy
- Succulents Make Excellent Additions to Terrariums
- How to Keep a Terrarium in Good Condition
- Caring for a Terrarium That Houses Amphibians
- Foliage Plants and Dish Gardens
- How to Nurture a Terrarium
- How to Prune, Water and Generally Care for Your Terrarium
Finally, some people love making terrariums so much that they make more than one to display in their home. They are easy to care for and add life to any room. Terrariums can also be used as mini-science lessons for the children in a household. They can observe the changes in the plants and the environment of the terrarium over time.
This article was posted by Chad Kremp
