Whether you have a green thumb or not, building your own terrarium can be a fun and rewarding activity. A terrarium is a miniature garden housed in a glass container, typically with a sealed or partly sealed lid. It allows you to create your own little ecosystem and bring a touch of nature into your home or office. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of building a terrarium, the supplies you will need, and step-by-step instructions on how to create your own.
Why should you build a terrarium?
There are numerous benefits to building your own terrarium. Firstly, it is a great way to bring the outdoors inside, especially if you live in a small space or lack a backyard or garden. Having a little piece of nature in your home can provide a sense of tranquility and calmness. In addition, terrariums are low-maintenance and require minimal care, making them perfect for those who do not have a lot of time to devote to gardening. They also make great gifts for friends and family, as they are unique and personalized.
What supplies do you need?
Building a terrarium is a relatively simple and inexpensive project. Here are the supplies you will need to get started:
1. Glass container: The first thing you will need is a glass container to house your terrarium. You can use anything from a glass jar or fishbowl to a mason jar or even a lightbulb. Just make sure it is transparent and has a wide enough opening to allow you to easily arrange your plants and decorations.
2. Gravel or stones: A layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of your terrarium will help with drainage and prevent your plants from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. You can find gravel or stones at your local garden center or home improvement store.
3. Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a must-have for terrariums as it helps to keep the soil fresh by absorbing odors and toxins. You can find activated charcoal at pet stores, as it is commonly used in fish tanks.
4. Potting soil: Choose a high-quality potting soil that is well-draining and suitable for the types of plants you will be using in your terrarium.
5. Small plants: Select plants that are small in size and thrive in humid environments, such as succulents, air plants, or ferns. You can purchase these at your local nursery or online.
6. Moss: Moss is a great addition to a terrarium as it helps to retain moisture and adds a pop of color and texture. You can find moss at your local garden center or even in your backyard.
7. Decorative elements: Get creative with your terrarium by adding decorative elements such as rocks, shells, figurines, or miniatures. These will add personality and charm to your miniature garden.
How to build your terrarium:
Now that you have gathered all the supplies you need, it’s time to start building your terrarium. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own little piece of nature:
Step 1: Start by cleaning your glass container with warm, soapy water and allowing it to dry completely.
Step 2: Add a layer of gravel or stones to the bottom of your container. This will help with drainage and prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Step 3: Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel. This will help to keep the soil fresh and prevent any odors.
Step 4: Add a layer of potting soil on top of the charcoal, making sure it is level and even.
Step 5: Carefully remove your plants from their pots and gently shake off any excess soil. Arrange them in the terrarium, starting with the largest plants in the back and working your way forward.
Step 6: Once your plants are in place, add moss around the base of each plant to cover the soil and add a decorative touch.
Step 7: Finally, add any decorative elements you have chosen, such as rocks or figurines, to personalize your terrarium.
Step 8: If your terrarium has a lid, place it on top and place your terrarium in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Maintenance tips:
While terrariums are low-maintenance, they still require some care to thrive. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your terrarium looking its best:
– Water your terrarium sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Check the soil regularly and only water when it feels dry to the touch.
– Keep your terrarium in a location with bright, indirect sunlight to ensure your plants receive enough light to photosynthesize.
– Prune your plants as needed to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and encourage new growth.
– Clean the inside of your glass container periodically to remove any dust or water spots.
In conclusion, building your own terrarium is a fun and creative way to bring a touch of nature into your home or office. It can provide a sense of relaxation and tranquility while allowing you to flex your green thumb. With a few simple supplies and some basic care, you can create a beautiful and unique miniature garden that will brighten up any space. So go ahead, gather your supplies and get started on building your own terrarium today!
