The concept of indoor-based terrariums or glass container gardens that sparked a response on social media dates back many years. In 1842, botanist Nathaniel Bagso Ward accidentally grew ferns from spores of a fern by placing insects in glass jars to observe their behavior. One day, he suddenly noticed that this jar of ferns had grown into a beautiful closed mini garden! It became so popular at that time that the trend quickly spread. A new attraction for plant lovers is this terrarium.
You, too, can make a jar garden with just a few things you have on hand. Almost everyone is interested in creating a terrarium and enhancing the house’s beauty as it does not require much care. Then make yourself a small piece of forest! Let’s know the types of terrariums and the basic steps to make them.
Terrarium or glass container garden:
There are generally two types of terrariums – one is closed, and the other is open. Tropical plant varieties, i.e., moss, orchid, fern, and air plant, are used in closed systems. It is sealed with a lid and only opened once a week. It also survives well in fast conditions, creating its ecosystem when built.
Open terrariums house establishes that don’t need dampness, like succulents (succulents are plants that can store water in their bodies) or desert flora. Direct sunlight is not necessary in this case.
What is it that you want to make a terrarium?
We’ll learn how to make a terrarium today. Let’s understand the ingredients-
1. Glass containers, tweezers, and spray bottles.
2. small stone
3. Activated charcoal (available at nurseries).
4. Terrarium Plants.
5. Potting soil.
7. Various decor items.
Step-by-Step Setting:
1. Glass Container:
The first and essential step is container selection. Although many people use plastic pots, this garden is set up well in transparent glass containers. You can take a glass jar container of cookies or jam at home. You can even use an old aquarium glass or bowl at home. It is better to take a little more prominent space; it is convenient to plant trees. After choosing the jar, wash it well with warm water. Then dry well so that it is not wet. Never set a terrarium in a damp container, leading to fungal attacks.
2. Tree Selection:
A closed terrarium requires plants that retain moisture. Moss is available to buy separately for the terrarium, but you can also take mosses and ferns that are around if you want. You can talk to any nursery; they can also give you plant ideas. Carefully lift the small plants with the roots with tweezers and set them aside. Try not to touch your hands in these activities.
3. Stone Layering:
First, understand the size of the jar and put a small layer of stone accordingly. Various pebbles are lying around; you can pick them up or get white rocks at the aquarium shop. It will not have a water log condition. To make a better drainage system, you can put muslin cloth or filter paper on it and then put the next layer.
4. Activated charcoal:
Then coal or activated charcoal, which will be a little thicker than the stone layer, should be given. This will control the humidity in your jar. There is no need for this in an open terrarium.
5. Potting Soil:
You can take the soil that we use in the garden. But you will see that the soil is clean and tidy. There should be no separate brick fragments, insects, or hard-grained soil. After providing the soil, spray water and soak it a little. Then, carefully place the plants. Many people set the plants to the sides with small wooden trunks in between, making the garden look more beautiful in a terrarium or glass container. However, before giving the plant a stem, it must be soaked in hot water.
6. Decor items:
Now, if you want, you can finish with your favorite snail mussel or colored stone. But they must be cleaned first. If something impure is inside, a fungal or mold attack can destroy the whole thing.
Ways to care:
1. Do not keep in direct sunlight and wind. It is better to keep it in a dry or low-light place.
2. Do not open the lid repeatedly. The auto ecosystem is created inside, so spray water once a week. And after spraying, wipe the water stuck in the glass jar with a clean napkin.
3. Avoid direct hand contact.
4. If the tree grows too large, open the cover and prune as convenient.
This low-cost, low-maintenance terrarium or glass container garden can bring innovation to your home. Many people like to plant or care for trees in their spare time. Gardening is a kind of addiction! Those who are tree lovers can surely relate. A small forest can be built with your hands, right? Then make a terrarium today without delay!