TERRARIUMS
The wonderful world of terrariums... A terrarium is simple to make and can be a great conversation piece... they are also good for anyone who needs something that will not require a lot of maintainence.
What you will need.....
1. you will need a clear container... this can be pretty much anything you want it to be... as long as it is clear... you can use a soda bottle... a cookie jar... old fish tank... anything... there are 2 types of terrariums... open and closed... I prefer the closed form because it is truely maintainence free .... so find your clear container and you are on your way ... (the container must be clear because tinted containers reduces the light and will inhibit plant growth)
Plants in closed containers must be tolerant of high humidity. Containers with large openings without covers may be used but will require more frequent watering to maintain humidity. An open container with plants that do not require high humidity works well with less frequent watering. Open terrariums are drier and less subject to diseases.
2. you will need your soil and planting materials... use a soil that is high in organic matter, clean (steralized - most potting soil sold at the store will be) and well drained... you will also need some pea graval or 2 cm pebbles... charcoal (optional)... Sphagnum moss may be placed over the charcoal to prevent soil from sifting into the drainage area.
3. your plants... before selecting your plants... you need to figure out where your terrarium will be... once you have done this... note the light conditions and temperature of this area and then select plants that will do well in this location... most plants require light near a window or supplemental artificial light. The terrarium should be located within several feet of a bright window but NEVER in direct sun.
you will also have to select similar requirement plants .... ( do not combine a plant that prefers low light with one that needs high light etc... because at least one of the plants will perform poorly because you will not be able to meet its basic needs)
Many plants are suitable for growing in terrariums...usually plants recommended for terrariums and bottle gardens are moisture-loving types which never become large. Because most house plants are of tropical or subtropical origin, they thrive in the terrarium environment. With the EXCEPTION of cacti and succulents, the selection is nearly unlimited.
Low-growing, dense plants are best. Large plants can be used and kept small by pruning. Choose plants for variations in size, texture and color, as well as their adaptability.
Miniature flowering plants will fit particularly well into terrarium arrangements. This type plant includes miniature African violets, roses and geraniums.
You can use mosses, lichens and small ferns for a woodland effect. You can usually find them in a nearby forest. You can also use small stones, pine cones or bits of wood to create a more natural effect.
BE SURE TO INSPECT YOUR PLANTS CAREFULLY ... look for any signs of pests or disease... also rinse any landscaping items in clean HOT water. This will help prevent disease and pests.
Check the list of plants if you are not sure if your plant will work ... Plants to use in Terrariums
Desertariums - are
enclosed gardens for plants requiring very dry conditions. They
should be planted in wide, uncovered containers that will allow
moisture to escape and air to circulate. Use a sandy soil with at
least a one inch layer of drainage material in the bottom. Be
extra careful not to keep the soil too moist. Some plants to use
are cacti, aloe, agave, crassula, sedum, sanseveria, echeveria,
haworthia, kalanchoe, succulants, opuntia and cotyledon.
4. Now it is time to plant your terrarium.... first create your drainage layer... you will do this by using the gravel or pebbles... you want to have this layer at least one inch thick... for a taller container you can make it 2 - 3 inches thick. ... next if you opted to use charcoal to prevent a sour smell... spread a thin layer of the charcoal... after that... you may want to place a layer of sphagnum moss which will prevent the soil from sifting down... after that... you are ready for your soil...
make sure that your soil relatively dry... definately not wet enough to stick to the side of the container... you will need a minimum thickness of 1 1/2 inch layer of soil... for a terrarium that will be viewed from all sides you may want to put a hill in the middle and then slope down to the outside of the container just to add intrest... for a terrarium that will only be viewed from one side you may choose to have the soil sloping down from the back of the terrarium to the front.
once you have your soil the way you want it... it is best to dry-fit your plants... place them in the container still in their pots to get an idea of where you want them to go... once you know where you want it... plant your plants.... once you are finished... mist the plants to remove any soil that may be on the leaves... this should be enough water to settle the dirt around the roots as well... you don't want to overwater... there should not be more than 1/4 inch of water at the bottom of the terrarium....
place the cover on your terrarium if you are using a closed container... check your terrarium the next day... if there is heavy condensation on the glass remove the lid and allow it to dry out a bit... if there is no condensation on the glass add a teaspoon of water replace the lid and check again the next day... you will only need to water if there is no condensation on the glass... and only a small amount at a time.... once established ... you should only need to water it every 6 months or so.