Terrariums
Terrariums are miniature, self contained eco-systems. Once created, these
closed environments can go for months unattended, without even adding water.
Avid gardeners enjoy Terrariums, to extend their gardening season year round.
The only disadvantage for the active gardener, is once the Terrarium is
established, neglect is often the best method of care.
History of Terrariums
The history of Terrariums goes back to the early 1800's. Dr. Nathaniel Ward,
a London physician, discovered it by accident in 1827. While experimenting
with cocoons in covered jars, he found tiny plants growing in soil in the
jar. While many plants in his backyard died from the polluted air in London,
these covered plants actually thrived. He then experimented successfully
with covered containers for Ferns. Covered containers became popular
and were called Wardian cases, the first Terrariums.
How Terrariums Work
Terrariums are a self contained environment. Once they are established, they
need nothing from the outside except a little indirect sunlight. Terrariums
do not even need water for a long period of time.
Moisture in the Terrarium evaporates from the soil and plant leaves. It condenses
on the Terrarium roof and walls. Then, condensed water falls down and re-moistens
the soil in a continual, closed loop process. As long as the top is sealed,
this process will continue for months, perhaps even years.
Type of Containers
A good container for Terrariums, is anything that is clear to slightly opaque,
and either has a cover, or a cover can be placed upon it. In selecting the
perfect Terrarium, look for a glass or plastic container that fits the decor
of the room you will keep it in.
The opening at the top can be big or small.
Selecting the Right Terrarium Plants
The first thing to do in selecting plants, is to think small. Garden stores
should have a good selection of plants. The best candidates should begin
small, grow slowly, and remain small. Otherwise, the Terrarium can be
quickly overgrown.
Select a variety of plants with contrasting colors and shapes. If you are
using landscaping, pick plants that blend well with the landscape. If
you pick the same color and little variety, your display will look plain
and dull.
Make sure the plants are disease and insect free, with healthy, green (not
yellowing) leaves.
Because your environment will be moist, sub-tropical plants thrive best.
Also, look for plants that do well in partial light, or shady
conditions. Do not select plants that are susceptible to disease in
moist conditions.
Did you know? Before going into the woods to pick some ferns for your
Terrarium, read up on local flora. Certain types of Ferns are endangered
species. Disturbing or possessing them carries a stiff fine.
Constructing Your Terrarium
Assemble your materials. If you are using a container with a small or narrow
top, you will need tweezers, long sticks and a long, thin spoon. You may
need to improvise and tape a spoon to the stick. We recommend sterilizing
all tools, the terrarium, and ingredients before planting.
Add materials as follows:
-
First, add 1/2 to 1 inch of coarse builders' sand, gravel, or pebbles. This
is the drainage layer that captures excess moisture.
-
Add a thin layer of charcoal granules. This keeps odors from developing.
-
Add a layer of Sphagnum Moss. This serves to keep soil from
seeping into the drainage layer.
-
Add 1/2 to 1 inch of well draining, fertile potting soil.
-
You are now ready to landscape and plant.
Add rocks and other landscaping as desired. If you want to create small hills,
add soil where needed to create the affect of a hill.
Plant your plants carefully. Create a small hole and set or tip your
plant in. Make sure all roots are in the hole. Fill soil on and around the
roots, and tamp down lightly. Give space to grow between plants.
Tip: Slightly ball the roots for easier planting.
Water and Nutrients:
After planting, mist the sides of the container to clean off excess soil.
Add a couple of ounces of water, depending upon the size of the container.
It is best to spray it into the container rather than pouring it in. Close
the container and check it daily for the first few days. If the soil appears
too dry, add a little water. If it appears too moist, take the top off for
a while to allow some evaporation.
Do not add fertilizer. Good potting soil should contain enough minerals for
the environment.
Care and Maintenance
Now comes the hard part. After your Terrarium has settled in for a few days
and is established.....leave it alone and covered. This is the best treatment.
It should remain self contained for months or even more than a year.
It is important to keep your Terrarium out of direct sunlight. A little direct
sunlight can cause temperatures in the enclosed environment to rise rapidly.
If the leaves begin to yellow after a few months, add a little water soluble
fertilizer.
Remove any dead plants and leaves. Prune back excessive growth, as needed.
Otherwise, only open the lid to allow excess moisture to escape.
Did you Know? A Desertarium is a self contained environment for plants
that thrive in dry, arid or desert-like conditions. Unlike Terrariums, a
Desertarium should be left uncovered to allow moisture to escape.
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