If you don’t have space for a garden—or even if you do—consider a terrarium.
“Terrariums are an easy way to have some greenery,” says Brooke Edmunds, a horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service. “They’re fun to make.”
Start with a clear glass container. Use one with a large mouth to keep humidity at a minimum. Next, choose the smallest plants you can find.
“You don’t want plants to grow too big and out of the terrarium too fast, so get very small ones and don’t fertilize too much,” Brooke says. “Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced.”
Forgo stones on the bottom of the terrarium where water pools and creates a perfect atmosphere for root rot. Instead, start with a layer of horticultural charcoal, which absorbs some of the runoff as well as odor and helps fight bacterial growth.
When shopping for plants, look for different textures and colors. If you choose succulents or cacti, plant them in a mix made especially for them. They require less water than other plants. Let the soil dry completely before watering.
Have some fun with air plants. With their spikey form and often white-gray foliage, they can contrast nicely with the rest of your plant arrangement. Remove air plants from the terrarium once a week to mist thoroughly or soak for 30 minutes.
“They don’t like to stay wet for long,” Brooke says. “Hang them upside down before putting them back.”
If you need help, ask someone at a nursery to help you find plants with similar watering and exposure needs.
How to Make a Terrarium
Materials
- Clear glass container. Choose any size, but remember you’ve got to get your hand or tools through the opening to plant.
- Horticultural charcoal, available at full-service garden centers.
- Potting mix appropriate for chosen plants.
- Tiny plants.
- Small decorative rocks.
- Chopstick or large knitting needle.
- Tiny accessories, optional. Use found items or items bought at garden centers.
- Preserved green moss, optional. Live moss typically needs more water than the other plants in the terrarium.
- Water-soluble fertilizer.
Instructions
- Wash and dry container. Lay 1 to 1½ inches of charcoal on the bottom. Top with a 3- to 4-inch layer of potting material, depending on the size of container and plant roots.
- Use a chopstick or the topside of a knitting needle to dig holes for plants. Snug them in and tamp down the soil around roots.
- Place decorative rocks as the top layer.
- Finish with found objects and accessories.
- Place the terrarium where it gets appropriate light. Most do well in an east window, though some are fine with more light.
- Water once a week or less, depending on the plants, size of container and light exposure. Stick your finger in the soil to your first knuckle to see if it’s dry.
- Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every month. If you want your plants to stay small longer, forgo the fertilizer.
Information courtesy of Oregon State University Extension Service