Plants Under Glass: Terrariums
Posted on February 28, 2015 by bob in Yard 'N Garden
Since I was a child, terrariums have always fascinated me, with their magical quality of transforming a few plants and accessories into a beautiful miniature landscape. As a youngster, I made terrariums by planting in an old glass fish tank.
Terrariums are a wonderful way for people to bring nature into their homes. They are excellent for allowing one to be creative in the cold months when it is difficult for people and plants to be outside. Terrariums are also an excellent hobby for those who can no longer actively garden due to space or physical limitations, allowing them to “dig in the dirt” and continue to experience the joy of gardening.
The definition of a terrarium is “a miniature landscape in a covered clear container.” That definition and terrarium types have evolved over the years. In creating terrariums, we are limited only by our imagination. Here are some specific requirements for designing a basic terrarium.
ν Begin with a clean, clear container large enough to hold the plants and allow room for air movement and growth.
— Place small pea gravel in the bottom for drainage.
— Mix in activated charcoal to “sweeten” the soil.
— Fill the container with the appropriate mix specific to the plants you use (cactus mix for cacti and succulents, African violet mix, potting mix for moisture loving plants such as ferns).
— Pre-arrange the appropriate plants that have similar requirements for soil, water, light, humidity and fertilizer.
— Prepare a hole for placing the plant.
— Remove plant from container and loosen the soil on the bottom of the plant. Place each plant in a pleasing design.
— You can add small river pebbles to succulent/cacti terrariums (also called desertariums) or sheet moss to moisture loving plants to finish off. Water lightly.
— Do not place a top on succulent/cacti terrariums.
— Moisture loving terrariums with a lid should be checked frequently. Remove lid periodically to keep the soil appropriately moist and for air circulation.
— Decide the permanent location for the terrarium. The terrarium must have sufficient sunlight but should not be placed in direct sunlight as glass acts as a magnifier.
Terrariums are a wonderful way to continue gardening regardless of the weather or your physical ability. If you Google “Building a Terrarium” you will find any number of helpful websites and videos with step by step instructions, helpful hints, and lists of compatible plants.
Laurice H. Goorley, a Master Gardener (2007) in the Capital City Master Gardener Association, lives in Pike Road, AL. For information on becoming a master gardener, visit the website, www.capcitymga.org of e-mail capcitymga@gmail.com.
