How to Make a Closed Terrarium: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Closed terrariums have become increasingly popular as an intriguing way to bring a slice of nature into our homes. These miniature ecosystems, housed within a glass container, create a self-sustaining environment that’s both charming and practical. A well-crafted closed terrarium offers beauty and functionality, serving as a low-maintenance indoor garden that can thrive with minimal intervention.
As more people look for creative ways to incorporate greenery into their living spaces, closed terrariums stand out for their aesthetic appeal and ease of care. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or new to indoor gardening, these lush, sealed environments provide an ideal opportunity to explore the world of plants. In this article, we will explore how to choose the best plants for your terrarium and guide you through the straightforward process of creating your own.
Our aim is to demystify the art of making a closed terrarium. By delving into the essentials of setting up these vibrant glass gardens, we hope to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to craft your very own verdant masterpiece.
What Is a Closed Terrarium?
A closed terrarium is a beautifully sealed glass container that hosts its own self-sustaining ecosystem. Imagine having a mini tropical forest right on your windowsill!
These terrariums are quite different from open terrariums, which are not fully enclosed.
How It Works:
- Water Cycle: Inside, water cycles through condensation, evaporation, and precipitation. This keeps the environment humid, which is perfect for humidity-loving plants.
- Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Exchange: Plants play a crucial role by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Benefits of Closed Terrariums:
- Minimal Maintenance: The closed system means you rarely ever need to water it.
- Aesthetic Charm: These terrariums serve as living décor pieces, adding a touch of nature indoors.
- Educational Value: They offer a fascinating glimpse into ecosystems and natural cycles.
Creating a bioactive terrarium or tropical terrarium can be a fun DIY project for us. It’s about understanding how natural systems work and recreating them in a small, enclosed space.
By using specific plants and sometimes even small animals, we can develop a thriving terrarium ecosystem. The magic lies in the balance of elements that support each other’s life processes.
How to Make a Closed Terrarium
In creating a closed terrarium, we transform a clear glass container into a self-sustaining mini ecosystem. This involves careful selection of the container, plants, and layers that facilitate drainage and maintain the right humidity.
Choose Container
Selecting the right container is essential for our closed terrarium. We recommend using clear glass jars, vases, or cloches with lids. This ensures good light penetration and maintains the required humidity levels. Examples include Mason jars, apothecary jars, or specialised terrarium containers. These containers should have enough space for the plants and design features but not so large that the ecosystem becomes difficult to manage.
Choose Plants
The choice of plants is critical to a terrarium’s success. Suitable plants include those that are small, humidity-loving, and slow-growing. Ferns such as Maidenhair and button ferns thrive well, along with mosses like sheet and cushion moss. Tropical plants like Fittonia (nerve plant) and peperomia are also excellent choices. It’s crucial to avoid succulents and cacti as they are unsuitable for the high humidity environment of a closed terrarium.
Add Layers for Drainage
Creating a proper drainage system is vital. We start with a layer of gravel or small pebbles at the bottom to facilitate drainage. Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent odours and mould. Charcoal is essential for keeping your miniature landscape fresh. Ensure each layer is about an inch thick to maintain the right balance of drainage and moisture retention.
Add Moss and Potting Mix
Now, we add a layer of moss to help retain moisture and prevent the soil from sinking into the drainage layer. Sphagnum or sheet moss can be used for this purpose. Following that, a lightweight, nutrient-rich potting mix is added, creating a suitable foundation for terrarium plants. Make sure the potting soil is rich yet light enough to allow roots to grow freely without becoming waterlogged.
Prepare Plants
Before placing plants in the terrarium, we need to prepare them. Remove any excess soil from the roots gently and prune the leaves to fit the terrarium space better. Arranging the plants effectively to create visual appeal is crucial, with taller plants at the back and shorter ones in front. This arrangement enhances the aesthetic appeal and ensures each plant receives adequate light.
Add Plants
Carefully add the prepared plants into the terrarium, ensuring roots are firmly planted in the potting mix. It’s often helpful to use terrarium tools such as tongs or small sticks to position plants correctly without disturbing others. This is also the stage to ensure plants are balanced visually and have enough space to grow without overcrowding.
Decorate
To bring our terrarium to life, we can add decorative elements. Consider using small stones, crystals, or figurines. Driftwood or bark adds a natural touch. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic value but also help to create a themed terrarium like a fairy garden, jungle, or minimalist design. Choose elements that complement the plants and container for a cohesive look.
Spray Mist
Finally, we lightly mist the plants and soil with water. This kickstarts the water cycle within the closed terrarium. It’s important to seal the container tightly to maintain the high humidity needed for the plants to thrive. The mist creates an initial humidity level that is self-sustaining, as condensation will return moisture to the soil and plants. Ensuring a good seal also prevents external contaminants from entering the ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Creating a closed terrarium offers a wonderful blend of simplicity and beauty, showcasing a self-sustaining ecosystem in miniature form. The process is accessible to everyone, regardless of gardening experience. Condensation from the plants’ respiration creates a natural rain cycle, ensuring consistent humidity and reducing the need for regular watering. It’s almost maintenance-free once set up.
Experimentation is key! Let’s try using different containers, from glass jars to old fish bowls. Each shape and size can create a unique micro-environment. Similarly, selecting a variety of plants and decorative items adds visual interest. Incorporate small stones or ornaments to personalise your terrarium.
Care for your closed terrarium is minimal. If you notice excessive moisture, a brief airing can prevent unwanted fungus growth. Occasionally, applying a light fungicide can be beneficial. Watch your creation evolve and respond to its environment, requiring only minimal interventions.
Creating a terrarium turns gardening into a creative endeavour. Try adding tiny figurines or fairy lights to make your terrarium even more enchanting. Not only does it bring a piece of nature indoors, but it also allows us to observe ecological processes firsthand. Let’s embrace the charm and essence of terrariums and let our imagination run wild!