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Terrariums to Expand Your Planting Options

There are numerous ways that gardeners can enjoy their plants indoors. One of the most enticing options is to create a terrarium. Learn how to complete this exciting DIY project, and soon you will get to grow some unique plants in your home.

Avid gardeners are always looking for ways to expand their planting options. One of the best ways to do that is to create a terrarium to house some species that you would not otherwise be able to grow. Read on to learn what a terrarium is as well as how you can make one for yourself.

What Is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is typically a glass container in which plants grow. These containers may be entirely sealed, or they may have an opening that allows air in. People usually use terrariums as a way to grow ornamental plants indoors. The enclosure that the terrarium provides offers a unique internal environment in which many intriguing plants can grow.

The fact that terrariums are often glass containers makes for some interesting conditions inside. Compared to the surrounding area, the inside of a terrarium is often hotter and moister. That is because the glass material of the terrarium allows sunlight to enter but does not allow heat or water to escape. This setting creates a miniature water cycle where:

  • The heat from the sun causes water to evaporate from the plants
  • The evaporated water forms condensation on the sides of the terrarium
  • Eventually, that condensation coalesces to form water droplets that fall back to the soil

That effect is what grants you the opportunity to grow plants that would not otherwise survive in your region. Now that you understand the basics, we’ll move on to learning about how you can make your own terrarium at home.

Creating a Terrarium

Creating a terrarium is not all that difficult. But there are a few steps that you will need to follow to meet success with such a project. The next few sections will provide the information you need to get started.

Find a Container

Your first step in creating a terrarium is to find a suitable container. If you search online, you will find that many companies make containers specifically for this purpose. While those products are great options, there are alternative paths you can take. If you choose not to use a pre-made terrarium container, you could always take a DIY approach and use one of these common containers instead:

  • Vases
  • Mason jars
  • Fishbowls
  • Fish tanks
  • Bottles

Partially Fill the Container With Soil

Once you have selected your preferred terrarium container, it is time to fill it with a growing medium. Using nutrient-rich houseplant soil should work well for most of the plants you intend to grow. Thankfully, these soils are easy to find at most garden supply stores. Once you have found soil that works for you, begin filling your terrarium container. Fill the terrarium with soil until you are about halfway to your desired final soil level. Then move on to the next step.
Add Plants to Your Terrarium

With your terrarium partially full of soil, it is time to add plants to that soil. Address your plant first by removing it from its container. If you notice root binding, make sure that you rough up the root ball to encourage healthy future root growth. Then make small holes in the soil to fit your plants inside. At this stage, you still have a chance to arrange and rearrange your plants so that they look their best from all angles.

Continue Filling With Soil

Now that your plants are in place, you can complete the planting process by adding more soil. Aim to cover all of the roots of your plants so that none of them have exposure to the air. Press firmly on the soil to set your plants in place.

Add Accent Items

This last step is optional. But many people like to add accent items to their terrariums to make them a bit more appealing. Some people enjoy adding attractive stones or other ornamental features to their terrariums. While adding these items is not necessary, it is an opportunity to be creative and take your terrarium design to the next level.

Best Terrarium Plants

Let’s conclude by looking at a few of the best plants to grow in your new terrarium. It is often best to choose species that grow slowly and remain small enough to live healthily in the limited space a terrarium provides. As we mentioned before, having a terrarium is also an opportunity to grow plants that would normally thrive in a warmer region. In fact, that ability is one of the leading benefits of making a terrarium in the first place. When it comes time to add plants to your terrarium, here are a few varieties that should be at the top of your list:

  • Ferns
  • Prayer plant
  • Devil’s ivy
  • Creeping fig
  • Succulents
  • Dwarf palms
  • Polka dot plants