TERRARIUMS

The meaning of terrarium is: little world. A terrarium is a transparent container in which plants are grown in soil. It is tightly fitted with a cover or lid. Glass aquariums, fish globes and candy or fruit jars can be used. In fact, any clear container with a tight-fitting top can be used. If such containers as fish globes are used, the cover should be clear, such as plastic kitchen wrap. The tight cover will prevent the loss of interior humidity. The terrarium is actually a miniature greenhouse.

Terrariums have many uses such as for house decoration, plant propagation, nature study, scientific observation, centerpieces, and table gardens. The size of the container will definitely limit the choice of all materials. But the requirements of the plants are of more importance. Woodland plantings of lichens, moss, violets and wood ferns may be used. However, living rooms with temperatures of 70 degrees and above are much too warm for these cold-loving plants. Cool room temperatures or frequent replacement is necessary to maintain woodland plantings in a terrarium.

If moss is used, place it face down in the container so that a fresh green carpet may be seen from the outside. Then arrange your plants and fill in around the roots with good soil and more moss. Natural scenes may be copied from the woods. Use stones for large boulders, a lichen-covered stick for a log, and a seedling evergreen for a tree. Look for plants that mature as tine plants. The margins of ponds and streams and edges of woods are good places to look.

Sand and large pebbles may be used in the bottom of the contain instead of moss. This is to make a drainage layer. Above this, spread about an inch of topsoil or potting mix. It is important to sue sterilized soil to reduce the chance of disease. Also, carefully check your plants for insects and diseases before planting.

Small amounts of sterilized soil can usually be purchased from greenhouses, garden centers, or variety stores.

Terrariums require very little care if initial watering is done carefully. At the first sign of water on the bottom, stop watering. Too much water will kill the plants. Water must not be left standing around the roots, or the soil will sour. Unless the terrarium is in an excessively hot spot, it should not need extra watering for several weeks or months. It will take a few days for the terrarium humidity to reach equilibrium. When this occurs, you will notice very little moisture condensed on the inside of the container. If mold appears, or excess moisture keeps the sides and plants of the terrarium wet, loosen the cover to increase ventilation. The lid may be removed for brief periods of 10 to 15 minutes, but do not leave the cover off.

Mold and wetness should then disappear. When humidity equilibrium is reached in a properly made terrarium, the lid should be tightly fitted. It may then be left for a number of weeks without care. Moisture will condense on the cool glass, and run back into the garden.

Animals such as insects, lizards, etc. are not usually part of a terrarium. It is advisable to sue only plants in your terrarium. However, in some terrariums for fair exhibits the animal-plant relation is stressed. Aphids, ants, lady beetles, and tiny lizards might co-habit for a while, but then can also ruin the terrarium. Don’t put a bad plant feeding insect into the terrarium even for a short period. Removal or control of insects in a terrarium could be very difficult.

Materials Needed:

One level teaspoon of balanced fertilizer such as 16-8-8 should be added to a six-inch pot full of the above mixtures. Regular garden soil is not recommended because it becomes soggy. Any garden soil used should be sterilized to avoid diseases.

All containers and utensils should be sterilized with hot water and detergent. When remaking a form terrarium, wash it thoroughly and rinse with a dilute bleach solution.

Procedure

Wash and dry hands.

Place moss or gravel in jar bottom.

Place soil mix in jar (moist soil).

Firm and make depression to collect water.

Carefully plant specimens:

  • remove from pot

  • shake or wash soil from roots-don’t allow roots to dry in process

  • make hole for seedling with pencil or finger

  • put roots in hole

  • firm soil around roots

When all plants are installed, carefully water with bottle and tube. This is the most critical part of the operation. Too much water will result in failure. Water a little and wait to see if water appears on bottom. No water should stand on the soil. Underwater rather than overwater.

Place cover on container and place in indirect light from a window.

Plants for Terrariums

Plants with fuzzy leaves should be avoided since they are apt to be more susceptible to disease in the high humidity of a terrarium.

Return to Previous Page