AMES, Iowa – Building a terrarium is easy and inexpensive and can be done on a snowy afternoon. Their care is minimal, as they can go for months without water in the right conditions. In addition, a wide variety of plants can be grown that typically fail miserably in the dry and drafty environment of the average house. In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists answer questions about creating and caring for your own terrarium.
What is a
terrarium?
Terrariums are enclosed transparent glass or plastic containers that create a mini-environment or ecosystem for plants.
Terrarium in small glass container. The principle behind a terrarium is simple. Water from the soil is taken into the plant as it grows and is released from the leaves through transpiration. This water condenses on the glass and returns to the ground where it can be used again. Because this mini water cycle is in the sealed terrarium, the plants can go for months without watering.
It also creates a jungle atmosphere of high humidity, warm temperatures and no drafts, which are perfect conditions for many of the common tropical-native plants at home.
How to build a terrarium?
Start with a clean and dry container. Terrariums can be purchased at many stores, but any closed or semi-closed transparent container, such as a 10-gallon fish tank or large glass jar, has the potential to become a terrarium. Place a 2-inch layer of gravel, pebbles or perlite on the bottom of the container to provide a space for excess water to collect. Next, add a quarter-inch layer of charcoal to help control soil odors. Finally, add 1 to 4 inches of light, well-drained soil.
To plant a terrarium, remove the plant from the pot, gently shake off the excess soil, and place it in the soil in the terrarium. Often, a large part of the root ball must be cleared or removed to allow the plant to fit into the small space. A general rule of thumb when designing a terrarium is to choose a plant that grows vertically, trailing and of medium size. Pebbles, marbles and other non-biodegradable decorations can be added for a touch of fun.
Once planted, moisten the soil by misting heavily or using a rubber sprinkler. The soil stuck to the glass from the planting can be washed by slightly flowing water in the glass. Finish by covering with the lid.
How do I take care of a
terrarium?
Place the terrarium in medium to bright, indirect sun. An east or north window often works well. Heat can build up quickly when the light is too intense, so avoid places that receive direct sunlight.
Fertilizer should be avoided because it will encourage abundant growth and early crowding of plants. If the plants show symptoms of low fertility, fertilize with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer with low numbers in the fertilizer analysis (such as 10-10-10 or 4-4-4) mixed at quarter strength.
Large terrarium. Check on the terrarium every few weeks and add water when the soil dries out. Water will only be needed for many closed terrariums every three to six months, although the frequency can vary greatly depending on the type of soil, plant species, light levels and other factors. If excessive condensation accumulates on the glass, uncover the terrarium until some condensation evaporates; then replace the cover.
Over time, the plants begin to outgrow their space. Prune back plants as needed to keep the plants looking good. When the plants become too unruly or large, pull them out and replace them with something else. No plant can be a permanent addition to a terrarium, as they eventually overwhelm the space. Have fun and use it as an opportunity to change things up and try new plants.
Let the plants grow
good in a terrarium?
Indoor tropical plants with slow growth rates, high humidity tolerance, and small leaves make good candidates for terrariums. Because the plants are planted in the same space, all plants must tolerate the same soil moisture, light levels and other growing conditions.
Large erect plants include sweet flag (Acorus gramineus), holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum), bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) and peacock plant (Calathea). Medium-sized plants that are suitable for terrariums include net plant (Fittonia), flame violet (Episcia), mantle fern (Didymochlaena truncatula), table fern (Pteris), prayer plant (Maranta ), the radiator plant (Peperomia), the begonia (Begonia), the caperuna. fern (Adiantum), sickle rabbit foot (Davallia canariensis), aluminum plant (Pilea) and mini African violet (Saintpaulia). Low or trailing plants to consider include earth star (Cryptanthus sp.), creeping moss (Selaginella), baby’s tears (Helxine soleirolii), strawberry vine (Saxifraga sarmentosa), twinkle plant silver (Pilea glauca) and creeping fig (Ficus pumila).
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