Terrariums are mini indoor gardens enclosed in glass containers, and they have become increasingly popular over the last few years. There are some very good reasons why terrariums are an excellent choice for growing certain types of plants. As experts in indoor gardening, we would like to share our insights on why terrariums are perfect for some plants.
The Controlled Environment
One of the best things about terrariums is that they allow you to create a small controlled environment for your plants. The glass enclosure allows you to regulate temperature, humidity, and exposure to light. This makes terrariums ideal for growing tropical plants, succulents, carnivorous plants, and mosses that require specific conditions to thrive. The enclosed space protects your plants from sudden changes in ambient conditions. You can tailor the terrarium setup to suit the needs of the particular species you want to grow.
Protection from Pests
Another advantage of the enclosed terrarium environment is that it protects plants from common household pests. Small insects like aphids and spider mites can quickly damage an indoor plant collection. But plants inside a properly sealed terrarium are physically isolated from these bugs. This allows you to grow plants that would suffer from such infestations if grown openly indoors.
Easy Maintenance
Terrariums also require relatively low maintenance compared to regular potted plants. Their small size coupled with the enclosed environment significantly reduces the need for watering. With proper layering of soil and gravel, terrariums can practically water themselves. You don’t need to worry about fertilization or repotting. Pruning requirements are also minimal since growth is restricted. A well-assembled terrarium with suitable plants can thrive for months or years with minimal care.
Portability
The compact nature of terrariums makes them highly portable. You can easily move them between rooms or take them along if you are traveling. Try transporting a 6-foot palm tree or a large fern in a pot! Terrariums are the perfect solution if you want attractive plants that can move with you.
Visual Appeal
There’s no denying that terrariums are beautiful to look at. The mini gardens with lush greenery and colorful plants look stunning in any living space. The transparent glass walls give you a fascinating view of the living ecosystem inside. You get to observe how the plants grow over time under the conditions you created. It’s an engaging alternative to regular potted plants.
Variety of Plants
There is a wide variety of plants ideally suited to growing in terrariums. Here are some great options to consider:
- Tropical plants like prayer plants, crotons, and miniature palms.
- Petite ferns and baby tears.
- Mosses like mood moss, reindeer moss, and sheet moss.
- Carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants.
- Succulents including mini cacti, aloe vera, and echeveria.
You can mix and match different types of plants to create a vibrant display inside your terrarium. Go for a conceptual theme or just pick what visual appeal to you.
Fun DIY Project
Building a terrarium is a hands-on hobby that both adults and kids will enjoy. Gathering the basic supplies is easy, and there are no complex tools required. Customizing each layer inside the container and selecting the plants allows you to unleash your creativity. You’ll end up with a unique living centerpiece you created yourself. It’s incredibly fulfilling to nurture a terrarium and watch how the miniature ecosystem evolves.
Gift Giving Potential
The small size, low maintenance, and aesthetic quality make terrariums extremely giftable. You can create custom terrariums with rare tropical plants or quirky carnivorous species tailored to a recipient’s tastes. The terrarium will remind them of your thoughtful gift every time they see it. You can even give away terrarium building kits as gifts so the receiver can assemble their own.
Final Thoughts
Terrariums are ideal for growing moisture-loving plants, tropical species, succulents, carnivorous plants and mosses. The controlled environment, protection from pests, portability and visual appeal make terrariums the perfect choice for these plants. With a diverse range of plants to pick from, terrariums are great fun DIY projects that also make wonderful gifts. We hope these expert insights have convinced you to give terrariums a try! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ideal plants for a terrarium?
Some great options are tropicals like ferns, prayer plants and palms, mosses, carnivorous plants like Venus fly traps and pitcher plants, succulents like mini cacti and aloe vera, and herbs like mint and parsley.
How often do I need to water a terrarium?
That depends on the size of the container, the plants inside, and exposure to light. Small open terrariums may need watering every 1-2 weeks. Sealed ones with moisture-loving plants can go 2-3 months between watering.
Do terrariums need drainage?
Yes, proper drainage is essential. Create drainage by layering pebbles/gravels at the bottom before adding the soil. You can also place the entire soil base on pebbles instead of directly on the glass bottom.
Can I keep terrariums in direct sunlight?
Direct hot sunlight will overheat most terrariums, especially small sealed ones. Keep them in bright indirect light. Protect tropical terrariums from excess direct sunlight.
What are some creative terrarium ideas?
- Jungle theme with mini palms, tropical plants and moss.
- Succulent garden theme with cacti, aloe and echeveria.
- Carnivorous plants collection inside a large apothecary jar.
- Zen garden style with sand, pebbles and mosses.
- Terrarium with miniature fairy garden theme.
What supplies do I need to build a terrarium?
You’ll need a clear glass container, small gravel or pebbles, activated charcoal, potting soil, plants, moss and decor items. Miniature tools help assemble layered terrariums.
Conclusion
Terrariums are charming mini indoor gardens that let you create cute controlled environments for moisture-loving plants. The enclosed space, portability, low maintenance and visual appeal makes terrariums perfect for growing tropicals, succulents, carnivorous plants and mosses. With some creativity and the right supplies, building your own beautiful terrarium is an easy DIY project. We hope these expert insights help you pick the best plants and customize the ideal terrarium ecosystem.