Are the temperatures a bit too hot to enjoy outside gardening? Consider creating an indoor terrarium this summer.
Terrariums are miniature gardens housed inside of small vessels. Closed terrariums allow water vapors that are released by the plants and soil to collect onto the walls of the container and nourish the plants. Many plants thrive in closed terrariums. A few include miniature ferns, mosses, African violets and ivy. Open terrariums can house plants that prefer drier environments, like succulents and air plants.
Terrariums can be planted in any large glass jar, vase or even fish bowl. Once you’ve planted your terrarium garden, it easily can be transformed into a fairy garden or gnome home with a few small accessories. Craft stores have a wide variety of fairy and gnome home décor. Colored sand also can be added for artistic flair.
Closed terrariums are mostly self-sufficient if placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Open terrariums should be watered every week to two weeks and can be placed in direct sunlight.
Materials:
Large glass vessel – with or without lid
Small pebbles
Potting soil
Activated or horticultural charcoal
Small plants (suitable for either open or closed terrarium)
Tweezers (for placing small plants)
Optional:
Larger rocks
Fairy or gnome accessories
Colored sand
Step 1
Building the foundation. Place a 1-inch layer of small pebbles in the bottom of the container. Next add a ½-inch layer of the activated or horticultural charcoal to filter the water and help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. On top of the charcoal, add 2 to 3 inches of potting soil.
Step 2
Add your small plants. Remember, if planting a closed terrarium, choose plants that prefer moisture, like mosses, ferns, ivy and African violets. If planting an open terrarium, choose plants that prefer drier environments – like succulents and air plants.
Step 3
Get creative! Add larger rocks, crystals, colored sand, shells and fairy or gnome accessories.