Terrariums have come a long way recently. You can make them stunningly modern, or use traditional techniques and terrarium jars and cloches.
1.
Choose your T errarium Container
You can really use anything for a terrarium, as long as it is glass. Look for a jar or container with a wide mouth. While it is possible to use something with a small opening, it is much easier to add plants if your container has a wide mouth. You don’t want your plants touching the sides of your jar; so the wider the bowl the more plants and soil you’ll be able to fit. A large container will allow for a greater choice of types and size plants as well as the option of fitting in decorative elements.
2.
Choose your Plants
When considering terrarium plants, look for plants that like low to medium light. Try to get a mix of sizes, leaf textures and leaf colors. Make sure they are small enough to fit in your terrarium, preferably without touching the sides. You'll also want to buy terrarium plants that don’t mind a humid environment. This leaves out most succulents and cactus. However, if you have your heart set on succulents, you can make beautiful terrariums with these plants, but you will want to make an open terrarium and add clean, course sand to your potting mix.
3.
Adding Drainage Layers to Y T our errarium
a. Your terrarium will not have drainage holes in the bottom so you’ll want to create a place for extra water to go that keeps it away from your plants’ roots. Put a layer of sheet moss in the bottom of my terrarium to soak up extra water. b. Put at least 2” layer of stones in the bottom (you do have some flexibility with this if your container is shallow). c. Next, using a large a spoon, add an ¼ to ½ inch layer of activated charcoal on top of the stones. The purpose of this is to help drainage and control any odor that might occur.
Terrariums
4. Add Moss Then Potting Mix to Y T our errarium
The next step is to add moss on top of the stones and