If you love gardening, but don’t like the outdoors or back breaking labor, then a small terrarium might be the perfect solution for you. A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem of plants and soil enclosed in a glass or plastic container. It can add a touch of greenery and beauty to any room, and it requires very little care and watering. In this blog post, we will share some small terrarium ideas that you can easily create at home. We will cover two main topics: container ideas and plants to use. By the end of this post, you will have the inspiration and knowledge to make your own small terrarium. Let’s get started!
Choosing the right container
Choosing the right container for your terrarium is an important step that affects the appearance, maintenance, and health of your plants. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a container, such as:
- The size of the container: You want to have enough space for the plants, the soil, and some free air circulation. A general rule of thumb is to give the plants at least ⅓ of the terrarium as free space1. The size of the container also depends on where you want to place your terrarium and how big of a project you want to take on.
- The shape of the container: You can get creative with the shape of your container, as long as it provides a stable base and enough depth for the plants. Some common shapes are boxes, cylinders, bowls, jars, and bottles. You can also look for containers with interesting features, such as curves, angles, or patterns.
- The size of the opening: The opening of the container determines how easy or difficult it is to plant and maintain your terrarium. A wide opening allows you to access the plants more easily, while a narrow opening creates a challenge and requires special tools. A closed terrarium has a lid or a cork that seals the container, creating a humid and self-sustaining environment. An open terrarium has no lid or a large opening that allows air exchange and prevents excess moisture.
You can find terrarium containers in many places, such as craft stores, thrift shops, online shops, or even your own home. You can reuse old glass or plastic containers that are transparent and watertight, such as jars, bottles, vases, or bowls. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them.
For more information and inspiration, you can check out these web search results:
- How to Choose the Right DIY Terrarium Containers
- Choosing the Perfect Closed Terrarium Container: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to make a terrarium in 5 simple steps
- How to Make a Basic Terrarium
- Best Terrarium Plants for Beginners and How to Care for Them
Small Plant Recommendations
Some small plants that are suitable for terrariums and their care requirements. Here are some examples:
- Pilea glauca: This is an elegant little vine with silvery leaves that don’t measure more than 1/4 of an inch. It likes bright indirect light, moist soil, and high humidity. It can be paired with other terrarium plants or used as a ground cover1.
- String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata): This is a charming vine with rounded leaves that resemble tiny turtles. It prefers bright indirect light, well-drained soil, and moderate humidity. It can be used as a trailing plant or a focal point in a terrarium12.
- Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis): This is a stunning plant with deep green-pink leaves and white veins. It thrives in low to medium light, moist soil, and high humidity. It can be used as a background plant or a contrast plant in a terrarium13.
- Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus): This is a simple yet captivating grass with thick, narrow, and black leaves. It tolerates low to bright light, moist soil, and moderate humidity. It can be used as an accent plant or a border plant in a terrarium2.
- Peacock Fern (Selaginella uncinata): This is a lovely fern with soft blue-green foliage. It requires bright indirect light, moist soil, and high humidity. It can be used as a filler plant or a centerpiece in a terrarium13.
For more information and inspiration, you can check out these web search results:
