If you need a little greenery at home, terrarium it is. Terrarium is the new gardening. It occupies very little space, easy to make, and adds a very unique touch to your home. On top of that, terrariums are extremely easy to care for that even those who do not have a green thumb will succeed in it. So here are 5 tips to DIY your own terrarium!
- Choose your type of terrarium: Open or Closed
There are two types of terrariums – open and closed. Each terrarium takes on different characteristics. For instance, open terrariums prefer drier conditions and needs to be watered frequently. On the other hand, closed terrariums are self-sufficient and prefer being in humid conditions. It is up to your liking on which type you would like to have for your terrarium.
- Terrarium containers
After deciding on the type of terrarium, it is time to pick the terrarium containers. The common terrarium containers are typically a glass and a bowl. However, there are other options that you can look out for to make your terrarium standout. You can use a jar, vase, cup, glass, light bulb, lamp, jug, or even a lantern. Bare in mind those smaller terrarium containers would also mean that limited plants could fit. This is the time for you to challenge yourselves and get creative!
- Pick the correct plants
Since there are two types of terrariums, ensure that you pick the correct plants that are best suited for the terrarium. Plants for open terrariums are such as aloe, cacti, and air plant. Meanwhile, closed terrariums are best for baby ferns, aechmea, and cryptanthus.
- DIY your terrarium
Here are the items that you will need: glass container, pebbles or stones, activated charcoal, potting soil, and plants.
Layer 1: Cover the bottom inch of the terrarium with some pebbles or stones. This step is important in ensuring excess water does not sit and rot on the plant’s roots.
Layer 2: Put in a thin layer of activated charcoal above the stones. This will help to keep the bacteria and mold at bay.
Layer 3: Add an inch of potting soil into the terrarium. By this time, the layers should have equal to about ÂĽ of the size of the terrarium. If not, you can adjust the amount of potting soil accordingly. Keep in mind that other plants such as cacti or succulents require a different type of soil!
Layer 4: Place the plants from largest to smallest into the soil and make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Note that the plants you choose should have the same light and moisture requirements.
Layer 5: This step is optional but you can do is if you would like to beautify your terrarium even more. Complete it with decorative shells, stones, or figurines.
- Take good care of your terrarium
- Keep the terrarium near your window where there is indirect sunlight.
- Lightly water your plants every week (for open terrariums).
- Closed terrariums are able to maintain their own water.