Terrariums!



WHAT ARE TERRARIUMS?


  • Enclosed eco-system that imitates the natural world with layers for drainage and a system where moisture evaporates from the soil and plants to condense on the glass sides or top before dropping down like a natural rain cycle.
  • Uses natural components to re-create the beauty in the real world that we admire.


HISTORY


1829 - Nathaniel Ward - Watching plants grow with no external water added, shipping distances
>Coined the term Wardian case
1832 - Darwin used wardian cases in nature studies
Today - More popular than ever before!


COMPONENTS


Glass Vessels:
  • Fish bowls: inexpensive, easy to find, wide opening, 360 view
  • Vases
  • Wardian Case
  • Food dishes
  • Mason Jars (without lid) cheap, easy to find, many sizes
  • Wine glasses
  • Cookie and apothacary jars: Slightly ajar lids allow air flow, can be left for months without watering, cool vintage look
Tools:
  • Funnels (long nosed)
  • Cutlery
  • Chopticks
  • Mini terrarium tools
  • Sprayer or mister bottle
  • Soft mini-brush (sweeping soil off of plants)


Other components: Sand, Gravel, Charcoal


DESIGN
Design Elements:
  • Stones, crystals
  • Shells
  • Figures
  • Stepping stones
  • Mini scenes
  • Feathers
  • Found objects
  • Snail shells
  • Fake birds nests


Design Theme Ideas:
  • Woodland - Ferns, mosses
  • Desert - succulents and cacti, sand, dagger like plants, dry
  • Bog
  • Tropical Jungle - air plants, colourful
  • Nautical - air plants, shells, stones, sand
  • Space


Design Considerations:
Triangle design theory: Tall to small - dark to light
Green plant with white stones
Larger stones should be only used on the top layer
Activated by oxygen - collects impurieties in pores. Absorbs odours, molds and poisons. Charcoal goes above drainage and below soil.
Sand, stones etc prevent moisture from evaporating
For larger vessels add bark chips for drainage layer or top dressing


Mosses:
  • Sheet
  • Reindeer
  • Spanish
  • Feather
  • Mood
  • Sphagnum
Moss tips: Don`t let water build up on sides, use distilled water, keep out of sun, mist regularly


PLANTS


CHOOSING PLANTS
  • Where will it be kept? Sunny room? Temperature and humidity? Animals?
  • Succulents need sandy soil (1 part sand to 1 part potting soil)
  • Search for plants needs online
  • Plants in one environment must have similar heat, light and soil needs (cacti and non seperated.)


TERRARIUM PLANTS
-Ferns (spider, rabbit foot, button, maidenhair)                                               
-Mini ivy           
-Moss                                                               
-African violets                            
-Pilea                     
-Begonias                                                    


CARING FOR YOUR TERRARIUM                                                              


WATERING


  • Let water stand overnight in pitcher to evaporate chlorine from water
  • Most plants: Generally water once weekly, Do not allow to dry out completely
  • Succulents: Allow to dry out completely before watering
  • Water at base of plant, avoid leaves, cover entire surface, turning terrarium
  • If water runs to bottom, tilt gently to allow soil to absorb
  • Mist regularly
  • Cover with magazine 2/3rd when away for a few days
  • If overwatered, soak up water from surface with paper towel, do not tip to drain!


CLEANING

  • Clean glass once monthly. Water will leave mineral deposit line which must be wiped with vinegar-water mix and cloth gently
  • Remove rocks and objects to wash
  • Use moistened cloth/paper towel on stick to wash hard to reach spots
  • Remove dying vegetation immediately
  • Cut or tuck back plants coming out of the terrarium (make new plants!)



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