Imagine a vibrant, life-filled piece of forest or garden, tucked away inside terrariums! With an art terrarium, you can cultivate your own private garden to observe daily.
Who says nature needs to be outdoors to be appreciated? Creating and caring for your own terrarium is like a hobby for those moments of everyday escape. Additionally, it allows you to appreciate nature in a compact space and add a touch of green to your decor. Such as succulent plants, mosses, and other exotic species in a glass microcosm. Let’s teach you what you need to know to set up and care for your own terrarium.
One Step at a Time: Assembling Your Terrarium
First, choose the home for your future garden, such as a transparent container, a glass vase, or a small aquarium. You can also opt for bottles or even glass bulbs, which can be transformed into beautiful terrariums. The size of the container will vary depending on the type of plants you want to grow and the available space.
Next, prepare the layers: a base of small stones for drainage, preventing water from accumulating. Then a layer of activated charcoal to filter the water and the substrate for the plants to grow. However, use a substrate with a mixture of sand and white stones to create a minimalist look.
Finally, carefully plant your chosen plants, such as succulents, mosses, or cacti, and add small decorations if desired. Opt for plants with rounded shapes and soft colors, such as succulents and mosses for a Zen Terrarium. But for a Tropical Terrarium, use tropical plants like bromeliads, philodendrons, and small ferns, add pieces of wood and moss. Cacti and succulents are the stars of Desert Terrariums; to complete them, add colorful stones and small rocks.
A Custom Garden
When choosing plants for your terrarium, if you want a minimalist terrarium, opt for plants with simple shapes and neutral colors. But if you prefer a more exuberant terrarium, choose plants with vibrant colors and varied textures. Most importantly, research the chosen species before planting, considering size, growth, and compatibility with others. Especially, succulents and cacti are great options for beginners, as they are hardy and require little care.
If your terrariums are smaller and in low-light locations, we suggest Peperomia, Fittonia, and Selaginella kraussiana. On the other hand, bromeliads, miniature orchids, and ferns are plants that appreciate humidity and create a tropical environment in your terrarium. For dry environments, the tip is plants like Haworthia, Sedum, and sempervivum, which are more resistant. Additionally, there are other interesting options like Tillandsias, which are air plants, and Tradescantia zebrina with its striped leaves. Each species will add a touch of color to your terrarium.
Simple Care for Terrariums
Caring for your terrarium is like caring for a small garden. However, with a little attention, you can watch your plants grow. Light is essential for plant photosynthesis, but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Observe or touch the substrate with your finger and water only when it is dry. Closed terrariums generally retain more moisture, unlike open ones which need more frequent watering.
Good ventilation prevents the accumulation of moisture and the appearance of fungi. If your terrarium is closed, open it periodically. Also, remove dry and dead leaves regularly to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. As well as cleaning the glass of the terrarium with a damp cloth to ensure that light reaches the plants.
In conclusion, as extra tips, wilted, yellowed, or spotted plants may indicate problems such as overwatering, lack of light, or pest infestation. Try adding diluted liquid fertilizer to the watering water every 3 months to provide nutrients to the plants.
Have fun experimenting and creating your own green world! Other amazing tips on the Feel The Beauty Blog!
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