There’s no doubt about it: there are plenty of benefits to indoor plants. One cool way to incorporate greenery, and reap the benefits, is to create terrariums. Terrariums are simple, easy to care for and give your space a unique look. Basically, a terrarium is a miniature ecosystem simulating either a dry habitat or a more tropical or a woodland setting.
So, essentially, you can create any type of habitat: plants like aloe, agave and sempervivum work well with cacti for a dry habitat in a bright spot. In a cooler location, jungle or rainforest habitats can be created with ferns, moss, and African violets.
There are only three steps to making a terrarium:
- Select the container
- Select the plants
- Create the habitat
Selecting a container is quite easy. You can buy them specifically from hardware stores and garden centres. You could also get creative and use any of these items:
- Bell jars,
- A jam jar
- A pickle jar
- Pasta-sauce jar
- Glass vase
- Old fish bowl
- Antique canning jar
- Coffee carafe
- Wine decanter
- Glass teapot
Selecting plants can be a bit tricky because you have to make sure all your plants have similar growing requirements for temperature, light and water. You want to also choose slow growers so they don’t overtake your whole terrarium.
To create the perfect habitat, make sure to put a lot of thought into it. Would you prefer a tropical or dry environment? Generally speaking, a closed terrarium is better for tropical habitats because they hold in the moisture. The reverse is true if you are looking to create a dry environment. Here are a few other supplies you should include:
- Small pebbles (3/8” – ¼”)
- Horticultural charcoal
- Potting soil
- Gardening gloves
- Sticks, seashells, pinecones, etc.
Source:
http://www.chatelaine.com/living/home-decorating/how-to-make-a-pretty-mini-terrarium/
http://www.bcliving.ca/garden/how-to-make-a-terrarium
