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TERRARIUMS

A Terrarium is like an aquarium, but for plants instead of fish!
All you need is a glass container, soil some greenery and a pinch of creativity to turn a vessel into a miniature landscape.

These miniature worlds make conversation starting centerpieces, they are also a great green fingered project for the whole family. They are easy to make and maintain with very little effort. They can fit any decor, and can be of any size or  shape depending on you and your imagination!

TEA CUP TERRARIUMS

In just under an hour you can create your very own indoor green space.

WHAT YOU NEED
A clear glass jar, vase, bowl or any interesting glass container
Rocks, pebbles, glass chunks
Activated charcoal or carbon (only required for a closed terrarium)
Potting soil
Moss (optional)
Figurines. sticks or decorative items
A scoop. spoon or shovel
Scissors
Gloves

These supplies can be bought online at
www.gamla.com
www.ankurnursery.com

STEP 1 PREPARE YOUR CONTAINER

Wash your container. Envision how you would like to arrange your plants in the car. You can use an open or closed container. An open container is better for cacti as they like lots of air. Closed containers are better for ferns, begonias. ivy as they like it humid. The wider the mouth of the container the easier it is to fill.

STEP 2 ADD THE DRAINAGE LAYER

Fill the bottom of the container with rocks or pebbles. This is to create a false drainage layer so water can settle and won't flood your plants. Approximately aim at 1/2" to 2" of this layer.

STEP 3 ADD THE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

The charcoal is a bit messy, it comes in small granules or shards.You don't need much just enough to cover the rocks. The charcoal will improve the quality of your little world including reducing bacteria, fungus and odors. Only needed for closed terrariums.

STEP 4 ADD SOIL

Cactus and succulents need different soil compared to other plants. so be sure to get the appropriate soil for the plants you are using.Add enough soil so that the plant roots will have enough space to fit in and grow.

STEP 5 ADD THE PLANTS

Take your plant out of the soil and break up the hard soil ball until you get down to the roots. You may need to trim the roots if they are too long; don't worry they will grow back. Using a spoon or your fingers dig a well in the soil to place your plants roots in. Add more soil around and compress the soil around the base of the plant.

Continue placing your plants in the container and try to keep them away from the edge of the container.

Select small plants that will fit through the opening of your container. Select plants like baby's tear, Button fern, Ficus Primula, croton, spider plant, english ivy, Pothos and Artillery fern.

STEP 6 ADD ACCESSORIES

After you've finished planting you can add accessories like moss. little figurines, old toys, glass beads, large rocks or shells. This is your little world so you can put whatever you want.

STEP 7 CLEAN AND WATER

It's likely that you have a bit of dirt on the sides of the container, which you should wipe clean. Give your terrarium a little water. do not soak it.

TIPS AND TRICKS

If leaves dry up or wilt remove them. If a plant dies remove it to maintain the health of your eco system.

Do not place your terrarium in direct sunlight. These are little green houses so direct light through the glass will trap heat and scorch the plant. Place in indirect light for best growth.

Monitor your terrarium  water needs based on how dry the soil is.

Plant all plants that thrive in the same environment. For example all succulents (including cactus) need very little water. Or you could plant all Ferns because they like it moist. If you plant ferns with cactus both might not do well.

POPULAR TERRARIUM PLANTS