If you’re a passionate plant parent, you’ve probably heard of the terrariums. As for other living beings, the plant terrarium is a container that reproduces a ecosystem in balance in order for the plant to develop there. It simulates, in an enclosed space, the ideal conditions of a space in nature.
In addition to making any environment more beautiful – because we are talking about a mini forest inside a glass –, the terrarium also brings benefits to well-being and mental health. That’s because plants already bring a greater connection with nature; but, in the case of terrariums, they require the direct participation and manual work of those who are going to assemble them.
In the process, it is possible to learn in a practical way about the botanical balance and it is imperative to be careful when choosing the type of glass, the species of plant, the correct decoration and also to pay attention to drainage, lighting, pruning and watering.
If you want to have a terrarium at home, we’ve separated some tips for setting it up and how to take care of it. Check out:
What to plant in a terrarium?
The species chosen for your terrarium will depend on the support. If the idea is to make an open terrarium, choose “desert” plants – that is, those most resistant to lack of water.
The darlings of open terrariums are cacti and succulents. And your composition will not differ much from ordinary arrangements. In fact, the big difference will be the vase, which will not have drainage holes and will be made of glass.
It is important that you choose, at first, only one of the groups to insert in the terrarium, as succulents and cacti have different water needs and, if the cultivation is done at the same time, eventually one of the two will die.
As for the closed terrariums, the ideal is that they are plants that like to moisturebecause they will be in a closed environment where the water cycle will occur all the time inside.
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Plants suitable for closed terrariums
For closed terrariums, choose plants that tolerate humidity well, such as phytonia, heartache, bridal veil, some small ferns, mosses, etc. These species are more likely to develop in a closed terrarium because they are resistant to direct moisture from the constant water cycle in the environment.
Check out some inspirations from closed terrariums in the gallery:
Perfect combination: terrariums and succulents
Even in normal arrangements, succulents are very popular with plant parents due to their resistance It is easy maintenance. In terrariums, these plants are even more charming in the decor. Here are some tips on how to set up your succulent terrarium:
how to assemble
Having chosen the aquarium and the plant species, start assembling your terrarium from a drainage layer with smaller stones. Then add the land and only then the succulents. You can finish with other elements, such as larger stones or moisture-resistant items.
Sunlight, but not direct
Yes, succulents are actually easier to care for than other species, mainly due to their arid origin. But it’s important to remember that she still needs a lot of natural light. So make sure that your piece will be positioned close to windows or balconies so that it can be nourished and developed in the best way.
However, as we are talking about terrariums – and therefore a combination of glass and light – do not expose your terrarium directly to sunlight, as the plant could get burned.
If the succulent is dull and less lush or if it is etiolated (growing elongated, as if looking for the light), guarantee a little more sun.
Hydration
As we are talking about glass terrariums without a drainage hole, it is important that the watering is not exaggerated. Succulents don’t need that much water anymore, even less so in a controlled environment like a terrarium. But if your plant is wilted, it means it needs water – just a little bit is enough.
If you live in a cold climate, you can water every 15 days. In warmer places, the ideal is that the interval is 7 days. Anyway, pay attention to the land. If, after that period, she is still wet, don’t water anymore.
Substrate
In addition to light and water, another source of nutrition for plants is Earth. So choose a substrate that mixes different assets, such as vegetable land, sand, worm humus, soil conditioner and nutrient sources, such as manure, limestone and superphosphate.
Decoration
To decorate succulent terrariums, opt for sand, dry twigs, pebbles, crystals or other inert materials. In addition to giving up in aesthetics, these elements will help with the drainage of the terrarium.
But remember that the protagonist of the piece will always be the plant, so pay attention to what it needs to grow beautiful and healthy.
Cleaning
You need to clean your terrarium periodically. Use tweezers or a toothpick with cheesecloth to reach all ends.
Did you like the tips? Mount your terrarium, post the photo on Instagram and tag us!