What is a terrarium?
Maybe you ever saw a small plant in a jar and thought it was pretty. That has a name, and it’s called terrarium. In other words, if you are wondering what a terrarium is, you should know that it is a small garden that is grown inside a container. Here it is about artificially reproducing the conditions of a specific habitat that generates the ideal environment for a reptile or a group of insects.
A terrarium It can be ideal to have inside the home. The conditions generated in this miniature greenhouse mean that the plants do not require much maintenance. In this note, some ideas for you to make the terrarium that best suits your needs and tastes.
How to make a terrarium: preliminary preparations
You already know what a terrarium is, but not how to make one. It’s very easy, but you have to pay attention to all the moments: before, during and after. In the before, in addition to advising on what a terrarium is to be able to make it and take better care of it, it is recommended to choose some plants that have similar characteristics to ensure that they can grow well together.
The most used in a terrarium are ferns, moss, succulents and cacti. It will always be advisable to choose plants that will not grow above the terrarium container. Likewise, those that prefer shade and tolerate high temperatures and humidity levels will be better.
With regard to the container, it can be made of plastic or glass. The most important thing is that it is deep enough to contain the roots.
How to make a terrarium: materials
Land
Light and with a lot of drainage. It will be better if it includes peat or moss. To check the drainage, put some soil in your hand, wet it a bit and clench your fist. If the soil is heavy, it will stick together when you open your hand. If it’s light, it will fall apart. Mix it with vermiculite in a 3:1 ratio.
stones or gravel
Placed at the bottom, they will collaborate with the drainage of the terrarium. To do this, its size should not exceed 0.5 centimeters. At the top, they will give a nice finish to the terrarium.
Activated carbon
You will be responsible for keeping the earth cool. You will need it unless your container has a hole in the bottom to drain the water. You can buy it at garden stores or aquariums.
Moss
Placed at the bottom of the terrarium, it will work like a sponge that will absorb excess water.
Gloves
They will be especially useful when handling moss, as you will need to protect yourself from direct contact with the fungi. You will also need to use them to grab the activated charcoal.
Decor
Look for elements that are not damaged by water such as shells, stones, or any ornament that is used in fish tanks.
types of terrariums
There are many types of terrariums, but the most common are desert, forest and tropical:
desert
It is the most recommended for those who are beginners, since they do not require much care associated with humidity and temperature. On the other hand, more resistant plants are used in these terrariums and they are also the habitat for reptiles or insects that live in this type of environment in nature.
Forest
There are two types of this variety: they can be warm forests or cold forests. In some cases, a small lake or lagoon can even be recreated inside.
Tropical
This type of terrarium is the most difficult to build and care for, because it takes a lot of temperature maintenance and is conducive to the formation of bacteria that can be harmful to the plants or animals that live in this artificial habitat.
How to make a terrarium: step by step
1. Clean the container well. This will be even more important when you are reusing a container. Wash it well with anti-bacterial soap and water, and rinse it several times to remove any residue that may remain.
2. For drainage, place a layer of approximately 2.5 centimeters of gravel or stones mixed with a good amount of charcoal.
3. Add a layer of moss to prevent soil from seeping into the gravel and eliminate the amount of water inside the container.
4. Place the soil. The amount needed will depend on the size of the container and the length of the roots of the plants. Flatten it gently to level the surface.
5. Remove the plants from their original containers, making sure to shake their roots to remove excess soil. Dig holes in the ground inside the terrarium and insert them into them. Cover the base by patting gently. It is important that the leaves do not touch the glass as this could favor the development of diseases and fungi.
6. Add the decorations. If you want to give it a more natural look, simply add moss or stones. These will help prevent weed growth.
7. Water until the stones on the bottom are wet.
Some original terrarium ideas
Make a terrarium on a table
Now that you know what a terrarium is and how to assemble it in a small container, you should know that it is also possible to mount these beautiful indoor gardens on other surfaces.
For example… A table!
Do you dare to build your own, with a terrarium included?
This is how it is done step by step.
♦ All the elements to make a terrarium described in the introduction
♦ 4 sheets of plexiglass (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) 60 x 45 cm
♦ 2 sheets of Plexiglas 62.5 x 62.5 cm (or longer)
♦ No. 4 soldering iron or glue in a needle applicator bottle
♦ 1 sheet of 62.5 x 62.5 cm plywood,
♦ 2 wooden sticks of 62.5 cm
♦ 2 wooden sticks of 66 cm
♦ 2.50 cm studs for the legs
♦ 4 screws
♦ Plexiglass cutting knife
♦ Saw
♦ Drill
♦ Painting
1. Assemble the base, with all the wooden pieces. First, test the rods to fit around the plywood, and then screw them in like a very low box. Then glue or screw the legs.
2. Reinforce the joints with glue.
3. Assemble the box, fitting the Plexiglas plates.
4. To make the lid, glue two Plexiglas plates together. Put one of them just two centimeters from each side larger than the small one; Thus, when you close the terrarium it will not move, and if you need to open it you will only have to carefully lift the lid.
5. If necessary, fill with sawdust.
Now, it’s time to assemble the terrarium following the same instructions as at the small level, but with more soil and more plants.
Very easy! Don’t you think?
Make a terrarium in a lamp
Lighting is one of the most important aspects when decorating a home. With it, environments can become more welcoming, romantic, or even more spacious.
The options to illuminate each space are truly endless and best of all, there are many alternatives that you can do yourself, economically and according to your own style. For example, you can decorate with string lights, or make upcycled lamps, decorative glow lamps, jar lamps, or why not, a moon lamp!
But let’s get down to business: It is also possible to make a terrarium lamp!
Yes, if you want, in addition to lighting, to give a natural touch of life to your spaces, this is the option you are looking for. Ideal for offices or desks.
♦ All the elements to make a terrarium at home described in the introduction
♦ A lampshade (with kickstand)
♦ A light bulb (low consumption)
♦ A glass container the width of the screen
Actually, the key to this terrarium lamp is that the glass container is exactly the same width as the lamp. Well, what you will do is unite both things into one.
1. Make a terrarium in the glass container, as specified at the beginning.
2. Place the bulb inside the lampshade. Put it carefully above the terrarium, and turn it on! You will see how your home is filled with beauty and nature with all its light.
Maintenance of a terrarium
Since glass amplifies light, it will be risky to put plants in direct sun. Instead, opt for indirect lighting. Keep your terrarium indoors and avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Watering will depend on the type of plant. Generally, you will need to water every one to two weeks. However, cacti and succulents are watered only once a month. You’ll know to do this when you see that the ground or sides are dry.
To make it last longer, immediately remove weeds, fungus and diseased plants. Do the same with the wilted parts.
Now you know what a terrarium is and how to make one. Try it in different containers and decorate it using your creativity!
Would you like to make a terrarium at home? Get to work and tell us how it went!
Sources:
Do it yourself