Terrariums are so cool, whether open or closed. Today I am building a closed Terrarium, which is exciting because I get to grow ferns. There are only a few ferns that I can keep alive in my house, so I’m looking forward to growing these testy plants in a Terrarium. So how do you create a closed Terrarium? It starts by gathering your materials.
Close terrariums, also known as closed terrariums or sealed terrariums, are self-sustaining ecosystems that can be created in a variety of containers, such as glass jars, bottles, and bowls. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be a beautiful and unique addition to any home.
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What is a close terrarium?
A close terrarium is a miniature ecosystem that is created in a sealed container. The plants and other organisms inside the terrarium are able to survive and thrive because they create their own water cycle. The plants release moisture through transpiration, which collects on the sides of the container and eventually falls back down to the soil, watering the plants again.
Benefits of closed terrariums
There are many benefits to having a close terrarium, including:
- Low maintenance: Close terrariums are very low-maintenance. Once they are established, they only need to be watered once every few weeks and misted occasionally.
- Air purification: Plants in close terrariums can help to purify the air by removing pollutants such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.
- Stress relief: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels. Close terrariums can bring a touch of nature into your home, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
- Educational value: Close terrariums can be a great way to teach children about plants and ecosystems.
Closed Terrarium Supplies
- Wide mouth plastic or glass jug or bottle with a lid
- Gravel or small pebbles
- Potting soil
- Plants that like humidity
- Décor (figurines, etc.)
- Natural materials (moss, sticks, wood, rocks)
- Sheet moss
- Orchid bark
How to Create a Closed Plant Terrarium
- Clean the glass container with soap and water.
- Add a layers of drainage material to the bottom of the container.
- Add a layer of activated charcoal If you can find it. It’s not required but can help to remove impurities from the water and prevent mold growth.
- Add a layer of potting mix.
- Plant your plants. Be sure to choose plants that are small enough to fit in the container and that have similar water and light requirements.
- Add a layer of moss. This will help to keep the terrarium humid and prevent the soil from drying out.
- Decorate your terrarium as desired. You can use rocks, shells, figurines, or other decorations.
- Water your terrarium lightly.
- Place the lid on the container.
To begin, you want to make sure that your vessel is clean, especially if you are reusing a plastic or glass jug or jar.
Closed Terrarium Layers
Now it’s time to add our layers of drainage. Each layer is about 1/2 inch thick, excluding the soil layer and the sheet moss layers.
Add your gravel to the bottom. Using gravel as the first layer allows a place for water to drain and rest.
The next layer I’m adding is Orchid bark. This is another layer that allows for water drainage. Drainage is so important in a terrarium just like in potted plants, you don’t want the roots sitting in soggy soil.
This next layer of Perlite was one I decided to add last minute for aesthetics, but it also adds another layer of drainage.
Lastly, add 2-3 inches of potting soil, more if needed.
Lay down sheet moss in a thin layer until the surface is covered. The sheet moss is great because it holds in all of the soil, allowing only water to pass through.
Now’s the time for the fun part, planting! Place your plants in a formation that’s aesthetically pleasing to you! Once you have your plants planted, it’s time to add the extras. In this Terrarium, I am adding live moss, rocks and pieces of bark found outside in my garden.
Once you’ve got your pieces all set, it’s time to water it all in! Make sure you see the water running to the bottom and that your potting soil is saturated. You will want to water the sides of the vessel and not directly on your plants.
When it’s all said and done, you should not have to add water to this Terrarium if you keep the lid closed. If you choose a glass lid terrarium, you will likely need to water again at some point. It is hard to say without knowing the size of the vessel, materials and plants used. Best advice is to keep an eye out for dry soil and or wilting plants.
Now that you’ve got your Terrarium planted and watered, set it in a space where you and your guests can enjoy!