Closed terrarium kit from Stem&Co
A terrarium is a collection of small, decorative plants growing in an enclosed environment. Terrarium containers are typically transparent and provide an opening big enough to allow the gardener to access the plants inside. The best part about a DIY terrarium is that you get to create something one-of-a-kind.
A closed terrarium is essentially a miniature landscape with its own rain cycle. Compared to open terrariums and dish gardens, your closed terrariums require minimal effort to maintain once they’ve been planted.
We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about how to make a terrarium.
Container. The terrarium vessel included in your kit is secured for its ideal size and is made of clear glass to allow enough light for plants to thrive. You should also clean your container with soapy water and allow it to air dry before planting.
Terrarium tools. You can purchase terrarium tools or simply use items you have lying around the house. A long-handled spoon can be used as a substitute for a shovel. A cork attached to a chopstick can be used to pack down soil after planting. You can use clean sharp scissors for cutting damaged or yellow leaves.
Planting your terrarium
First step
Add Small Stones or Pebbles drainage layer first – Small stones or pebbles will be used as the base of your terrarium. The small pebbles act as water drainage for the plants roots to ensure that excess water doesn’t stay in the soil and cause rot. You may not need to add all of the provided drainage layer- ensure the level is no more than a fifth of the overall height of the vessel to make sure you have room for the soil and plants with room for the plants to live in.
Step two
Then add the Activated Charcoal – You won’t need much; a thin layer of activated charcoal keeps water fresh and helps to fight off bacterial growth in your terrarium.
Step three
Potting Soil – Potting soil will act as an important layer for your DIY terrarium. Your terrariums requires a potting mix with low fertility. It’s also got a mix of additional charcoal to add organic matter and absorb any chemicals or odors. You’ll need enough potting mix to fill your terrarium to the depth of the largest rootball of the plants you are adding into your terrarium. When you prepare for planting the soil should be damp, but not soaking wet.
Step four
Creating a design. You can choose to display only a single plant or many. If you included multiple plants in your terrarium but don’t overcrowd your design. Decide how your terrarium will be viewed — from all angles or from the front. If it’s only going to be viewed from the front, plant the tallest plant in the back and the smaller species in the front. If your terrarium is going to be viewed from all angles, the tallest plant should go in the center with the smaller plants blended around it. Consider your design before planting. It’s harder to change the design within the confined space of the terrarium.
Planting your terrarium. Make sure the soil is damp and start with the smallest plants first, leaving space for the larger plants as you go. Once everything is planted, clean off any dirty leaves and glass inside your terrarium with a clean, soft brush or paper towel.
Step five
Included within your kit is a variety of added extras, I’ve gathered and collected an amount of found seashells and wood items from our local beach. I’ve also added in some lovey grey slate. Insert these amongst your little plants to add interest and personality. These will add to your individual mini scapes. You can even go gather your own to make a really personal landscape. Make sure anything you add that you’ve collected has been sterilised and cleaned especially if found on the beach- boiling water will help. Don’t add anything made of metal.
Top tips
Avoiding pests and diseases. The humid enclosed environment inside a closed terrariums are perfect breeding grounds for pests and diseases. You should wash your hands or wear clean gloves before preparing and planting your terrarium. Additionally, if you notice any damaged or yellow leaves on your plants, remove them before planting.
Water. You’ll need to water your newly planted terrarium, but be careful not to over-water it. Misting you plants is one way to avoid over-watering. You can always add more water later, which is easier than trying to remove excess water. If there’s water on the foliage of your plants, leave the lid of your terrarium until it dries. Once lidded your terrarium should establish a rain cycle. Never use tap water. Dechlorinated or rain water is ideal.
You’ll notice condensation on the inside of the container, which rolls down to water your plants. The condensation should look like a light fog. Anything heavier is a sign you should remove the lid for a day or two to let it dry out some. Once the rain cycle has been established, your closed terrarium is almost maintenance-free.
Choosing a location. Now that your terrarium has been planted and is starting to become established, you’ll need to choose a permanent location for it. Bright rooms or near bright windows are preferred locations for most terrariums; however, many terrarium plants do well in dimmer rooms. If you determine your location beforehand, choose plants that can survive in the light offered in that location. If you choose your plants first, select a location that can accommodate the light requirements of your plants.
Maintenance
Removing the lid. Remove your terrariums lid once a week for up to 15 minutes to let in fresh air. This will also allow you to vent your vessel from any built up pressure from inside.
Watch for diseases. Because the environments inside closed terrariums are perfect breeding grounds for diseases, your terrarium can be devastated quickly if they’re not caught early. Check you terrarium a couple times a week and treat it with a diluted fungicide as soon as you notice infection.
Water. Only add water if you notice condensation has stopped, the plants start to droop, or the soil feels dry. If your container has a tight lid, this is only necessary every four to six months.
Suitable plants. If you ever select additional plants to include into your design you should choose small, slow-growing or dwarf plants that fit into your container with room to spare. Moss, lichen and ferns are ideal for closed terrariums because of their ability to survive in dim, moist environments. Choose healthy plants with similar light and moisture requirements.
Rotate the container. If you notice your plants growing towards the light source, rotate your container to even them out.
Pruning. Prune plants when they are yellowing, touching the glass or getting too large.
Fertiliser. Once a year you may want to fertilize with an organic water-soluble fertiliser at 1/4 the recommended rate. Spring is an ideal time to fertilise. Never fertilise during winter.
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Tag me in any photos you post online Id love to see what you have created.
