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Terrarium - A comprehencive Guide

Stepping into a room and greeted by a living and breathable miniature forest. Sounds so refreshing and surreal. But the truth is that you can make a mini forest inside a glass jar, aka a terrarium. A terrarium is a self-sustaining jar with delicate plants that refresh your mood.

But here’s a disclaimer: You must take care of it like a baby because of a small negligence, and it is all wasted.

Whether you’re a curious soul trying to experience something new or an expert gardener planning to start an indoor project, this guide is a must-read. It provides step-by-step instructions for making your miniature world at home—a self-sustaining oasis of greenery that brings beauty and tranquility to any space.

This article will provide a detailed overview of terrariums, their history, biological phenomenon, and types. The aim is to equip you with all the necessary knowledge to make your own terrarium at home. The guide isn't just about planting a few greens in a jar; it's about creating a harmonious microcosm, a living piece of art that transforms any room into a verdant paradise.

Prepare yourself for a coffee; it’s going to be a little long but fun. Let’s learn the history of the terrarium first.

History of Terrarium

The history of the terrarium is as cool as the idea looks. The concept of terrariums dates back to the 1840s when botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward accidentally discovered that plants could thrive in a sealed container. Since then, terrariums have been used for ornamental and practical purposes, such as shipping plants across long distances without ventilation. Today, they are widely popular among sustainability-freaks for their low maintenance and ability to create a beautiful, self-sustaining indoor environment.

What’s Terrarium - The Science Behind It

A terrarium is a self-sustaining, miniature indoor garden with its whole world inside a glass container. The mini plants interact through various biological processes and grow. Some of the key components of a terrarium are soil, water, plants, and transparent glass that allows light and heat to enter. Seems like a little heaven, isn’t it?

Biological Processes in a Terrarium

Although its whole phenomenon revolves around the glass container, a terrarium has a biological system that maintains its integrity and allows it to thrive.

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Who doesn’t know the importance of photosynthesis for plants? It’s as important for plants as the respiratory process is necessary for humans. Plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen in sunlight. Simply put, it’s the food preparation mechanism of plants that keeps them alive.

Likewise, in a terrarium, photosynthesis is necessary for plants to make their food and release carbon dioxide. At night, the reverse process occurs when plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This process is essential for the plant's energy needs and maintains the balance of gases within the terrarium.

Water Cycle

The water cycle in a terrarium involves the continuous movement of water between the soil, plants, and the glass walls of the container. Water is absorbed by the plants through their roots, released as water vapor through transpiration, and then condenses on the glass walls, eventually falling back into the soil. This cycle ensures that the plants receive a consistent supply of water without the need for frequent watering.

Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient cycling is another important process for a plant’s growth and sustainability. In a terrestrial environment, plants usually get nutrients through decomposed material, and microorganisms play a major role. The nutrient cycle ensures that every essential item a plant needs is readily available. How systematic and synchronized it is! Likewise, the nutrients get recycled and given to plants in a terrarium.

Types of Terrariums

Here are some main types of terrariums that you see around you.

1- Open Terrariums

Plants that do not require high humidity levels and can survive in arid environments are intended for use in open terrariums. Their characteristic open-top allows for improved air circulation and keeps excess moisture from building up, which could harm the plants.

Open terrariums are great for cultivating a wide range of plants because they offer the right environment for cacti and succulents to flourish. They are a popular option among plant aficionados because they are simple to maintain and care for.

Cacti Terrarium

Conversely, an open terrarium made especially for cultivating cacti is called a cacti terrarium. To replicate the natural habitat of cacti, these terrariums include a well-draining substrate, which is frequently a combination of cactus soil and sand or gravel.

Bright, direct sunlight and little watering are necessary for cacti terrariums because over-watering can cause root damage. The cactus can be adorned with sand, rocks, and other desert-themed decorations to provide a realistic and eye-catching setting.

Succulent Terrarium

Succulent terrariums are made for growing succulents in an open space, much like cacti terrariums. Cacti and other succulents prefer dry, well-draining soil to avoid root rot.

Succulent terrariums can be constructed from a multitude of species, each with its own distinct shape, color, and feel. They are frequently embellished with pebbles, sand, and other natural components to produce a unified and aesthetically pleasing design.

Because succulents rot easily when kept in damp circumstances for extended periods of time, succulent terrariums need bright, indirect light and little watering. They are a low-maintenance solution for bringing some greenery indoors.

Benefits

Open terrariums allow for air circulation, creating a healthier plant environment.
Open terrariums accommodate a range of plants, including herbs, cacti, and succulents, offering flexibility in plant selection and arrangement.
Open terrariums provide ample exposure to sunlight, thus promoting plant growth. It is ideal for plants that require more sunlight.
They give owners the chance to express their creativity regarding plant arrangement, enabling them to try out various plant combos and design distinctive landscapes.

Limitations

Because these terrariums are open, they actively require attention to water, as moisture evaporates faster when the tank case is open.
Additionally, open terrariums require active attention to sunlight and water, which may be time-consuming.
The open design of such terrariums makes them more susceptible to pest attacks, requiring vigilance in pest prevention and arrangements.
Unlike closed terrariums, open terrariums hold very few amounts of plants in their system because of their closed and limited control conditions.

Which plants can grow in open terrariums?

Open terrariums are an excellent choice for those who love the open-air plants. Here are some of the plant types that can be grown in open terrariums:

Succulents
Cacti
Air plants
Ferns
Jade plants
Button ferns
Creeping fig

2- Closed Terrarium

The next terrarium type is the closed terrarium. As the name indicates, closed terrariums function within their sealed glass pots as self-contained ecosystems that simulate a miniature greenhouse and promote the growth of moisture-loving plants.

The idea behind these terrariums is a small-scale water cycle: sunshine heats the soil and air, evaporates water, condenses on the glass walls, and "rains" back into the soil, replenishing the terrarium with little help.

Benefits

Because of their self-sustaining nature, closed terrariums require significantly less attention.
Closed terrariums are ideal for tropical plants that could suffer in regular household conditions, such as ferns, mosses, and orchids. They provide a stable, humid microclimate.
With lush greenery enclosed in glass, closed terrariums add aesthetic value to any space. They serve as living art pieces that bring the beauty of nature indoors.
Properly maintained closed terrariums can enjoy years of enjoyment without minimal intervention, creating a sustainable system.

Limitations

Closed terrariums are best suited for plants living in moist conditions, limiting the number of plants that can be grown in this atmosphere.
A closed system or environment may also make the plants susceptible to pest attacks, requiring pest prevention and management vigilance.
A slight mishap in humidity control in a closed plant system may cause the plant to rot. Such conditions should be very carefully controlled.
Since closed terrariums are sealed, frequent plant arrangement or atmosphere modifications are impossible, necessitating meticulous setup preparation.

Which plants can be grown in closed terrariums?

Plants that can be grown in closed terrariums are given:

Peperomia
Mosses
Nerve plants
Prayer plant
Calathea
Polka dot plants

3- Bioactive Terrariums

A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem. In this ecosystem, reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates live alongside beneficial microorganisms and invertebrates that help maintain a natural balance. The key components of a bioactive terrarium are:

1. Substrate

The substrate is a critical component that supports plant growth and provides a suitable environment for microorganisms. A tropical bioactive substrate consists of organic materials like Plantation Soil, Coconut Husk, and Forest Moss. To prevent waterlogging, a drainage layer is created at the bottom using materials like BioDrain Substrate and Biodrain Mesh.

2. Clean-up Crew

It consists of small organisms like springtails and isopods that break down organic matter, control debris levels, and consume waste. They participate in decomposition and recycle nutrients back into the soil to maintain plants and other organisms.

3. Live Plants

Live plants enhance the terrarium's aesthetics and play a vital role in the ecosystem by contributing to the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle and providing animal shelter. Plants thrive in the nutrient-rich bioactive substrate.

4. Reptiles & Amphibians

The animals are the brightest stars of an ecosystem as their waste is a rich source of nutrients. The clean-up crew converts waste into useful material for plants to grow.

Setting up a bioactive terrarium can be a bit tricky. It involves choosing the right enclosure, creating the substrate and drainage layers, installing live plants, and maintaining temperature and humidity. With the right setup, a bioactive terrarium can be a self-sustaining, low-maintenance habitat that closely mimics its inhabitants' natural environment.

How to Make a Terrarium?

Even if you don't have a green thumb, terrariums act as small, self-sustaining ecosystems. They are great places to grow plants that thrive in high humidity and low light, such as tropical ferns, mosses, and air plants.

But the query is how to make it by simple and easy method:

Sep 1: Select the plant

Choose a plant small enough for your terrarium. The plant leaves should not touch the sides of the terrarium.

Step 2: Choosing your container

First, choose your container. We used kitchen canisters, which are readily available and inexpensive. Moreover, their tight-fitting lids capture the condensation the plants require to thrive. And here's the important point: not all containers are suitable for repurposing into terrariums.

Whatever you choose, be sure that it is smooth, clear glass. Colored glass will block the sunlight your plant needs to thrive.

Step 3: Drainage layer

The next step is to prepare the drainage layer. Spend time preparing this layer mindfully, as it provides all the necessary nutrients for plant growth.

Deposit a base of pebbles or soil about 1 inch thick because this is a must for drainage.
Also, add a thin layer of horticulture charcoal.
Add a layer of potting soil.
Nestle your selection of plants neatly into the soil so the roots are covered and any leaves or petals do not touch the glass.
Add other touches like shaped rocks, etc.

Step 4: Add plants

Now, you're ready to add your desired plants to the terrarium. Dig the soil and place the plant in it. Ensure there’s at least one inch of soil above the roots.

That’s all about making a terrarium. Let’s move on to caring for it to keep it flourishing.

How to do Terrarium Care - Key to Success

The terrarium has a closed, self-sustaining environment and will not require too much maintenance once it settles, but it needs some basic care and attention, especially in the first couple of months.

So here are some non-negotiable steps to care for terrariums:

Closed jars will create their own ecosystem and even become self-watering. So, don’t water it every day. Your terrariums are very clever as they produce their own condensation.
Always place the terrarium indoors in a corner with natural light but not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will burn the tropical plants used in our terrarium. The average room temperature of about 19-21*C is perfect.
Leave the lid on all the time to maintain stable humidity. However, open it for a few hours once a week for ventilation (This won’t apply to open terrariums)
Trim the plants if they outgrow the space. But be sure to trim the old foliage first.
Clean the terrarium’s glass inside and out once a week. If the glass is untidy and foggy, it will be difficult for lights to reach the plants.

Try to clean with a damp piece of newsprint or a lint-free cloth. Don't use harsh cleaning products inside the terrarium, as the chemicals could harm the plant.

Benefits of Terrariums

If you are trying to keep in touch with nature, a terrarium may be just what you want. Not only do terrariums add a beautiful or calming aesthetic to any space, but they also show you a list of benefits for physical and mental well-being.

Here are some advantages of having a terrarium:

Low maintenance

Terrariums require minimal care and attention, making them easy for busy individuals who lack the time and energy to dedicate to plant care.

Stress relief

Studies have shown that being around nature can reduce stress and improve well-being. Having a terrarium in your space can provide a calming and soothing effect. Seeing lush tropical plants can create a sense of tranquility and help create a peaceful atmosphere.

Decorative element

Terrariums come in various designs, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to touch the greenery and beauty of the space around you. The lush green plants and vibrant foliage colors can add life and beauty to any space.

Educational tool

Terrariums can be great educational tools for children and adults, teaching them about their ecosystem, plant life, and the importance of caring for their environment.

Terrarium Ideas

Ready to embrace the decoration with greenery? We’ve compiled a list of terrarium ideas to take your room’s aesthetics to the next level. The small plant clippings and orchid terrariums are best to keep on your work desk to give you a feeling of freshness.

The wall planter terrariums are best to display in living rooms. It’ll make your space lively and worth the hype.

Add the air plant terrarium beside your table to give your drawing rooms and living rooms an elegant look, and boom!

There are multiple other ideas, like hanging terrariums and grouped ones. You can use recycled jars and fish bowls to make an aesthetic corner in your room to relieve stress.

Let’s find some DIY ideas to make terrariums at home.

Terrarium DIY

Fold your sleeves as the fun part begins! You can make a terrarium at home by following these simple steps;

Choose a glass container and clean it thoroughly. You can recycle the jars from your pantry and become environmentally friendly.

If you have a closed container, choose plants that can be kept in a closed, humid environment, such as tropical plants. You can plant cacti and aloe vera in open jars.

The next step is to take a plant from your community nursery. Check the size that fits in your container.

Add the drainage layers to your terrarium. Add pebbles, soil, charcoal, and rocks; pebbles are not necessary for a closed terrarium.

Add a layer of mosses between the charcoal and sil to avoid mixing.

The base layer should be one-third of the container to provide enough space for the plant to grow.

Prepare the plants and add them to the container. Dig the soil and place a plant in it. Then tap the soil to cover the roots.

Keep the large plants behind and the small ones in front for synchronization.

Lastly, decorate your terrarium with optional decorating items. Add seashells and stones to personalize your mini-garden.

Terrarium Kit

Whether you’re planning to create a tropical forest, a whimsical fairy garden, or a desert landscape, having a terrarium kit by your side can help you A LOT. It can save you time and energy when getting tools. All essential items in one place make the process hassle-free and more fun. So, here’s what you can find in a terrarium kit;

The first three items on the list are necessary to prepare an environment that provides nutrients and proper drainage.

Soil
Clay pebbles
Activated charcoal

These items are crucial for denting your terrarium and keeping it tidy.

Glass jar
Cork tamper
Plants and mosses

It must be carefully planned whether you're making an open or closed terrarium. Choose the plants accordingly. You can also get expert help when starting out.

Rake
Spade
Shovel
Brush
Bottle
Tweezer

Lastly, the decorative items are optional, but if you have them, they’ll add color to your miniature garden.

Wrap Up

That’s a wrap for a terrarium guide. We’ve covered everything from terrarium history to its definition, as well as key elements to make it self-sufficient. Furthermore, the article briefly explains the types of terrariums with plants you can grow in each environment and their benefits and limitations.

With the step-by-step guide and starter kit for making your own terrarium, you can surely turn your room into a mini garden.

This will add color to your room and life as well.

Which plant would you like to grow in your room terrarium? Which terrarium type supports the plant of your liking?

Let us know in the comments.

FAQs

Do terrariums smell?

The wet dirt has a strong smell However, it often tells us about the internal environment of the terrarium. The strong smell means wet dirt, a sign of high humidity.

Do terrariums need air?

Yes, depending on the terrarium type, these small ecosystems need air. An open terrarium has direct contact with air every time. However, a closed one needs to be opened once a month. If you notice extra humidity, open the lid until the air dries.