Materials Needed
- A clean glass container with or without a lid. Using a container with a wide mouth is easier to plant and maintain.
- Potting soil (2-3 cups or about 3 inch depth)
- One cup of pebbles or enough to cover the bottom of the container about an inch thick.
- One heaping tablespoon of charcoal (helps keep it smelling clean)
- Three or four miniature plants that are slow growing and tolerate low light and humidity
Prepare the Base
Spread the pebbles into the bottom of the container so they are about a half an inch to an inch thick. Next, sprinkle the charcoal evenly over the top. Add 2 to 3 inches of slightly moistened potting soil and gently tap it down.
Add Your Plants
Design your plants like a garden scene. A simple formula for a great look is to plant a vertical plant, a bushy plant and a ground cover. Avoid damaging the root system by gently removing the plants from their pots. Plant at the same depth they were in their pots. Dig a small pocket to place your first plant (tallest) and firm it in making sure no roots are exposed. Next, plant the bushy plant and then the low ground cover. Be sure not to crowd the plants against each other or the sides of your container.
Water Your Terrarium
A turkey baster is a useful tool for watering terrariums. Give each plant a drink using the baster to get the water to the roots, avoiding the foliage. Also, water the outer edges of the terrarium. The goal is to keep the soil moist, not wet.
Add A Focal Point
You can create a visual berm by varying the depth of potting mix. Provide additional interest by adding rocks, bark or seashells.
Maintain Your Terrarium
Place your terrarium where it can get bright light but not direct sunlight. If you are working with an open terrarium, you may need to water once a week. Look to see if the top of the soil is drying out. If your container is closed, it will need water less often. Open the lid every couple of weeks for half a day to air it out. If condensation appears on the glass, no need to water.