The Fern and Mossery

Looking Glass Terraria — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:58:43 +0000

look around this blog and be inspired……………….

“all things terrarium”

need I say more?

http://www.thefernandmossery.com/

The Gardener’s Eden

Looking Glass Terraria — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:46:03 +0000

i absolutely ADORE this woman and her site. the photos, writing, information, all of it. here are some links for her fantastic and beautiful terrarium how to’s, but i highly reccomend you look around the rest of her site. very inspiring….

Bringing Nature’s Beauty Indoors: Terrariums Part One…

Bringing Nature’s Beauty Indoors: Terrariums Part Two…

Lush Foliage for Low-Light Rooms : Terrarium Bow
ls Continued …

photos by Michaela

General Terrarium Care

Looking Glass Terraria — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:02:17 +0000

Terrariums are an amazing, relatively low maintenance, living decoration – a miniature world that can be self-sustaining for long periods of time. Terrariums need the essential requirements of soil and water for the survival of plants that are housed in it, but with occasional care and maintenance. Apart from these essential requirements, the terrarium has a reservoir of water which keeps readily available moisture to the plant and also enables a humid environment in the jar. Plants in terrariums generally need less care than other plants, but the care they do require is unique. It is true that they require very little care. They often allow the most novice of gardener to grow a green thumb. It has been said that terrariums actually thrive on neglect and this is very close to being true. However because a terrarium is not actually an inanimate object there are several areas of care that need attention.

Light

Terrariums are often referred to as miniature greenhouses. Because of their design, terrariums do have many greenhouse-like characteristics. Because of this, terrariums should never be placed in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the terrariums internal temperature to become too high.

This high temperature and the greenhouse like conditions will kill the plants in the terrarium. The terrarium should be kept in a north or northeast corner where sufficient light will be obtained but direct sunlight will not harm the plants.

There is an exception however. If your terrarium contains plants that will flower, such as African violets or orchids, your terrarium will require some direct sunlight. Place terrariums with flowering plants in an east window and remove the cover, allowing the direct sunlight to enter the terrarium.

If the terrarium is placed in a location where there is little light, artificial light can be added. A simple, 100 watt bulb placed close to the terrarium will help provide sufficient light. Alternatively, fluorescent tubes can be placed over the terrarium. When artificial light is needed, it is best if it is provided for up to 16 to 18 hours a day. Plants that receive light from a window will gradually grow toward that window. This will take away from the attractive value of the terrarium. Turning the terrarium occasionally will keep the plants growing in a normal fashion.

Placement

Drafts and extremes of temperatures should be avoided, therefore, the terrarium should be placed where there is adequate sunlight and the temperature is relatively consistent. It is best to avoid placing it right next to the fireplace, and heat producing appliances. Safety is also another key factor in a permanent location.

Water

When watering your terrarium, the most important thing is that you never over water. It is better for your terrarium to be a little too dry than to be too moist. Over watering is the number one problem in terrariums. It is not uncommon for a terrarium not to need watering for 4 to 6 months.

Never allow standing water to remain in the bottom of the terrarium. This water will cause root rot and the development of fungus on the plants.

Always monitor the soil and look at the plants. Always water cautiously and only when the plants are dry. A terrarium recycles water by producing condensation on its walls. This happens during periods of photosynthesis and increased heat in the room. The condensation then drips back into the soil and is recycled back into the system.

Watering should only be done when there is no condensation on the terrarium walls. If there is excess water in the bottom of the terrarium, use a rolled-up paper towel to absorb the water. You can also place the terrarium in an area where there is more light. This will speed up the evaporation of the excess water.

It is also important not to replace the cover until wet foliage has dried. The best way to control the watering of your terrarium is to observe the plants. Dry, brown or brittle leaves and the lack of plant growth indicate the lack of water in your terrarium.

Trimming and Pruning

As stated before, terrariums are not inanimate objects. If successful, your terrarium will grow, producing beautiful plant arrangements. However, because a terrarium has limited space for the plants to grow, it is necessary to inhibit plant growth. This can be done by carefully trimming and pruning the plants in your terrarium.

Most plants in your terrarium can be pruned by removing their growing tips. This trimming will also promote the growth of side shoots and increases the bushy-ness of your plants, adding beauty to your arrangement.

It is also important to trim and remove any part of the plants that show signs of disease or fungus. Always remove any parts of the plants that you trim or prune. Never leave dead leaves or any dead plant parts in the bottom of your terrarium.

Remove dead leaves and/or flowers. Even the healthiest plants drop leaves. When you have the terrarium open for ventilation or watering, clear out any dead plant material. This material can attract harmful bacteria and pests.

If your terrarium is closed, take off the top at least once a month to air it out. If you see lots of condensation or have added too much water, leave the top off until it has had a chance to dry out.

Fertilizing

Generally, it is not advisable to fertilize your terrarium. This is because fertilizer may cause a build-up of soluble salts in the soil. Fertilizer also causes another problem in a terrarium. It will cause your plants to grow too fast. The plants will outgrow the terrarium and you will not be able to trim them effectively. As the nutrients get used up the plant’s growth will slow down, helping to keep them under control.

Appearance and Maintenance

Occasionally, it may become necessary to prune or to replace a dead plant. Diseased plants should be removed immediately. Although confined plants tend to grow very slowly, any plant that has outgrown its environment should be replaced.

Over time the soil can be “refreshed” by scraping off the top layer of soil, and adding some fresh potting soil. This will add a small amount of nutrient, as well as freshening up it’s appearance.

By adding things such as moss, shells, stones, crystals, and tiny figures and small toys, you can give your terrarium a lovely personal touch. Themes and styles are fun to play around with. The internet has many wonderful resources about creating, designing and caring for terrariums. It is always good to do your research and find out all you can about the plants within the terrarium. Some require different care at times, removing spent blooms, cutting the leaves at the base, and so on. For example, many leaves from the African violet that you would trim from time to time can easily grow into a whole new plant.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure the success of your terrarium.