by J.B. Doyle

Created on: July 10, 2011

Terrariums are small, self-sustaining and self contained environment. They hold a variety of plants and sometimes animals such as insects and spiders, crabs, snails, and small reptiles. The sizes range from as small as a jelly jar to as large as a multi-gallon fish aquarium. They are a low-cost, low-maintenance way to beautify your home year round.

Start with a container. While they can be built from scratch, so many receptacles are available around the house. Terrariums are a terrific and attractive idea for recycling. Ideally, the container will have a lid, but plastic wrap and rubber bands work well to secure lidless bottles and bowls. Ribbon can be used to cover the rubber band. The container should be clear; while slightly tinted glass will work, a clear one is best suited for plants or animals and makes the end product easier to view.

A base layer is important for drainage. A one inch to one and a half inches layer of gravel, followed by a single layer of charcoal works best. Horticultural charcoal is inexpensive and lightweight. It not only prevents smells from stagnant water, but it will filter that water. Gravel alone will work just fine if one wants to avoid the messiness of charcoal. Clay pellets or beads are also acceptable.

At least several inches of soil should be added on top of the base layer. The plants need to root in the soil, so do not be stingy. A mesh screen is useful, but not necessary, between the soil and the base layer. The purpose of the screen is to keep the soil where it belongs. To avoid impurities and pests, unused potting soil should be utilized. Cactus terrariums require sandier soil, but for the majority of plants, potting soil is best.

Numerous plants are available for terrariums. The smaller the container, the smaller and slower growing the plants should be. Any type of houseplant will work, although those with low to medium light requirements are ideal. African violets, aluminum plants, baby’s tears, button ferns, cacti, carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundew, delphiniums, ferns, ivy, orchids, pincushion plants, mosses, shamrocks, and vines are just some of your choices for terrarium plants.

The smallest terrariums only hold enough room for one plant. When planting in a larger container, check to be certain that all plants used have similar lighting, temperature, and watering requirements. Moss looks great spread in between individual plants. Vary in the color and shape of the plants for an optimal aesthetic

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