By: Capt. S.K.

BHANDARI

Select a glass or plastic container to your liking, that will accommodate the plants you would like to use and your decorations. Consider the following:
How do things look from the outside of your container? Do you want to use a partially open or completely enclosed container? How much growth do you want to allow for? Recycle, thrift store, or brand new? What level of difficulty do you want to attempt?

STEP 2

Thoroughly clean your container with a non-toxic product.

Create your drainage layer using one to two inches of gravel, small stones, marbles, or similar material.

STEP 4

Create a filter over your drainage layer to prevent your soil from being washed down into your rocks.

You can use:

Sheet, Sphagnum or Spanish Moss Coir Landscaping Fabric Metal Screen

Step 5
Sprinkle about a half inch layer of charcoal over the filter created in step 4. This will keep your soil fresh by preventing mold and musty odors caused by the excess moisture. (Tip: you can also mix some charcoal directly into your soil which helps with drainage, in addition to keeping your terrarium clean.)

Add a well-draining, sterile potting soil. You can add it dry or pre-moistened. Pre-moistened helps prevent the water from running straight through to the bottom when you water, after planting. Depending on container size, you can add from 2-4 inches. Try not to fill your container more than to a third of the way full.

Choose and prepare your plants. When choosing your plants:

Some great plants to use in terrariums are:

Saxifraga Mosses Babys Tears Croton African Violets Begonia Hepatica Aluminum Plant Tahitian Bridal Veil Prayer Plant Maidenhair Fern

Look for interesting variations in color, size and leaf structure. Make sure all your plants have nearly the same growing conditions in terms of moisture and light, so they can live together harmoniously.

Prepare your plants by separating and thinning any tightly bound roots and removing excess soil. You also want to trim off any yellow or brown foliage and clean them up before placing them in their new environment.

AND MANY MORE!

Some Ideas On Arrangement

PLACE TALLER PLANTS IN BACK AND SMALLER PLANTS UP FRONT. CREATE A FOCAL POINT IN THE MIDDLE, THEN USE INCREASINGLY SMALLER PLANTS AS YOU MOVE OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER.

Arrange your plants in a way that is aesthetically pleasing at any angle it may be viewed from.

USE AN ODD NUMBER OF PLANTS AS IT TENDS TO BE MORE APPEALING TO THE EYE.

CREATE HILLS AND VALLEYS WITH SOIL FOR A MORE NATURAL LANDSCAPE

if you did not pre-moisten your soil- Water, very lightly by using a spray bottle, straw, or funnel- then place your decorative elements.
Remember, your terrarium will be constantly moist/humid; so if you are going to use wood or other biodegradable items, consider setting them on top of rocks (or prepare to replace them after a while)

You can use:

Rocks Sheet moss Shells Marbles Sea Glass Small Toys Driftwood, Curly Willow Figurines Miniature Patio Furniture, Birdhouses, Gardening Supplies, Fences, Pottery

Closely monitor just planted terrariums for a while to ensure the moisture balance is correct. If condensation is dripping from the top of your container, remove the lid and allow some water to evaporate.

If you see water deposits on your container or decorative items, you can use non-toxic window cleaner to clean the container, and either rinse the decorative items or wash with a non-toxic product.

Remove any brown/yellow decaying matter, as it appears. If you see mold, contain and remove it immediately.

Do not fertilize; you dont want your plants to get overgrown if they do outgrow their bounds, just trim with a clean pruner or scissors.

Make sure you do not place your terrarium in the hot sun for any length of time, as it will cook your plants!

Completely enclosed containers will need to be watered far less often then partially open containers. Many variables affect how much water is needed; so monitor closely.

Terrariums By: Pamela Westland

The New Terrarium By: Tovah Martin

A Kids Guide To Making A Terrarium By: Stephanie Bearce

Stormthecastle.com

Terrariumman.com

Monkeysee.com

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