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A Few Tips on Terrariums
from:Terrariums are glass or plastic containers, with or without a lid, that contain soil and no drain holes. The idea of the terrarium is great for several reasons including the humidity created inside of the container is good for plants that tolerate high humidity, they are great ways to display plants and once established, they require little care.
You can use almost anything that is made of a clear glass or plastic as a terrarium, or you can purchase specially designed terrariums. You can use such things as fish bowls, glass jug, jar or bottle.
If your terrarium has a lid, it needs to be clear and the plants inside must be able to tolerate high levels of humidity. If it does not have a lid, the plants will require more frequent watering to maintain humidity. Generally, terrariums without lids are drier and the plants are less likely to develop disease. Many plants grow and live well in terrariums. Low growing, dense plants are best. You can use large plants if you are able to keep them small by pruning them. Choose plants that will grow well together, keeping in mind their variations in size, texture, color and adaptability.
Select plants that will do well in the location you choose to place your terrarium. You should not plant low light and high light plants in the same terrarium. Most plants do well with light that comes through the window or artificial light. Place your terrarium within a few feet of a bright window, but not in direct sunlight.
Select soil that is high in organic matter, clean and well drained. You can purchase a good quality soil from a nursery or garden center. Just make sure it has been sterilized, which most bagged soil has. About one quarter of the tank will be used for drainage material. Layer the bottom with gravel or and aquarium gravel.
Then place one half-inch layer of horticultural charcoal above the gravel to keep the soil from smelling. You can also place sphagnum moss over the charcoal. This prevents the soil from getting into the gravel. Add soil to the container at least one and half inches thick (the soil should be relatively dry). You can add your own creative touch by sloping the soil so it is higher in the back and lower in the front.
Plant your plants by digging a hole with the end of a long wooden spoon (or other kitchen utensil) and placing the plant in the hole. If the terrarium is deep and you cannot reach your hands in comfortably, you can use long, slender tongs to insert the plants in the hole. Cover the roots with soil and pat firmly. After you plant, mist the leaves to remove dirt from the leaves and the side of the containers. This should be enough to settle the soil and provide moisture. Mist again the next day.
Once the leaves are completely dry, you can place the lid on (if it has one). A closed terrarium should not need water for four to six months! Open terrariums need occasional watering, but not much. Always water lightly. To keep plants from outgrowing the terrarium, frequently pinch off the tips when it threatens to grow too high.
The following plants do not do well in small terrariums:
- Creeping fig (Ficus pumila)
- Ti plant (Cordyline)
- Ribbon plant (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Earth star (Cryptanthus acaulis)
- Prayer plants (maranta species)
- Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Ferns- they will overwhelm any other plant you plant with it
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