Create a Terrarium
Have you ever seen those plants or creative scenes in glass vases or jars and wondered what they were? Wonder no more! They are called terrariums! A fancy way to bring nature inside your home or office. They are very easy to take care of and easy to make!
Materials:
- A clear glass jar, vase, or bowl (or whatever interesting glass container you have on hand)
- Rocks, pebbles or recycled glass chunks
- Activated charcoal (sometimes called activated carbon)
- Potting soil appropriate for your plants
- Moss (optional)
- Figurines, sticks or decorative items (optional)
- Various small plants
- A scoop, spoon or shovel
- Scissors
- Gloves
Step 1. Prepare the container – A great and inexpensive place to get your container is at a thrift store. Just make sure that you wash it thoroughly and remove all stickers from the container.
Step 2. Add a drainage layer – Once the container is ready, fill the bottom with rocks or pebbles. This is to create a drainage layer so water can settle and not flood the plant. The depth of the rocks totally depends on the size of your container, but aim for 1/2″ to 2″.
Step 3. Add Activated Charcoal – This will help kill the bacteria from growing in your terrarium and killing your plants.
Step 4. Add soil – Place a layer of soil down next. Be sure to get the appropriate bag depending on which plants you’re using. Add enough soil so the plants roots will have plenty of room to fit and then grow. Aim for a depth slightly greater than the height of the plant’s pot.
Step 5. Plant – When taking plants out of their original containers, you will want to break off all the old soil clinging to the roots. Feel free to trim some of the roots back. Don’t worry they will grow back. Continue placing your little plants in the container and try to keep them away from the edges. The leaves are likely to touch the sides but aim to keep them away as much as possible. Once your plants are in pack them down with more soil, so they are sturdy in the dirt.
Step 6. Add Accessories – Now you are done planting. Add in any decorative twigs, rocks, or moss to help complete the look.
Step 7. Clean and Water – More than likely a little bit of dirt has gotten on the side of your terrarium. Clean up the sides and give it a fresh shot of water. It doesn’t need to get soaked, just a couple shots of water should do it for a while. The trick with watering is to monitor the soil. If it looks dry, then it needs water, but you shouldn’t have to do it very often.
If you would like to order a mini globe terrarium from our studio, give us a call! (856) 547-1090
Mini Globe terrariums by Leigh Florist.
