Terrariums, those captivating glass-encased miniature ecosystems, offer a delightful fusion of horticulture and home decor. They make a perfect gift for the crafty people in your life, or for yourself when you’re craving an eye-catching (but easy care) piece of plant decor. Crafting your own terrarium can be a rewarding and educational experience, and with our all-inclusive terrarium kits, it's easier than ever! We’ve got the tips and tricks to help you start your terrarium, and to keep it thriving!
Steps to Create Your Terrarium
Prepare the Base: Start by adding a layer of lava rocks at the bottom of the terrarium jar. This layer, about an inch deep, will provide essential drainage to prevent water from pooling. Creating a base layer before adding soil is an important first step!
Plant Your Mini Garden: Add your soil mix to your jar. A depth of 1 to 2 inches should be just fine, as the sealed environment helps retain moisture, reducing the need for a deeper soil layer. Gently transplant your baby plants into the tropical plant mix, arranging them to your liking within the terrarium jar. Pat the soil around their roots to secure them.
Decorate Your Mini World: Use the included decorative stones and moss to enhance the visual appeal of your terrarium. This is where you can get creative and make it uniquely yours!
Watering and Moisture Control: Proper moisture control is crucial for a healthy terrarium. Water your terrarium sparingly, using a spray bottle to mist the soil. Ensure that the soil remains slightly moist but avoid overwatering.
Moisture Control in Your Terrarium
Monitoring Condensation: Regularly observe the level of condensation on the terrarium walls. Consistent, heavy condensation suggests excess moisture within the closed environment.
When to Remove the Lid: If you notice excessive condensation or overly wet soil, it's time to consider temporarily removing the lid. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and the terrarium to dry out slightly. Leave it off for 24-48 hours to allow excess moisture to dissipate. During this period, closely monitor your terrarium to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Factors Influencing Moisture: The type of plants, environmental humidity, the seal of the terrarium, and light exposure can all impact moisture levels. Adjust your lid removal frequency based on these factors.
Pro Tips for Terrarium Success
Plant Variety: Choosing plants that are slow growing, shade tolerant, and humidity loving is key to a thriving terrarium! Plants that need dry soil (such as succulents or cacti) will rot in a closed terrarium, but plants like alocasias, calatheas, and ferns will flourish.
Container Aesthetics: Experiment with different terrarium jars for diverse aesthetics, whether you prefer classic or modern styles. Go round and big like Boris, or short and straight like Chico. Cork's the limit.
Light Considerations: Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light to avoid overheating from direct sunlight. A shady environment also works, but you will need to monitor moisture levels to ensure there isn’t too much condensation.
Moisture Balance: Strive for a stable, slightly moist environment to prevent mold or root rot.
With our specially curated terrarium kits and a keen focus on moisture control, creating and maintaining a thriving and enchanting miniature ecosystem is a breeze. Whether you're new to terrarium crafting or a seasoned enthusiast, enjoy the wonders of your green world in a glass jar and watch it flourish and evolve!
Check out our full terrarium lineup here, ranging from XS to Large sizes!
