I owned a few Terrariums in my lifetime, all in Singapore, where few of us are rich enough to “own” land and have gardens. Over here in Northern California, we actually have a lovely garden. It was our move-in present to ourselves, which also doubled as a Christmas present for me. So there is really no “reason” to have a Terrarium, until last weekend before Easter. The kids were driving us crazy and I desperately needed a “feel-good” project to take my mind off my own frustrations and making felt roses just isn’t cutting it.
A short trip to Navlet Garden Center near my son’s preschool quickly gave me an idea. I’ll attempt to make my own Terrarium, or two! I had blogged about planting a Terrarium here, in case you missed it. I was not able to find Coir Brick and Clay Pellets there so I bought some charcoal and a good quality potting mix instead.
These are the materials needed: Charcoal, decorative rocks, screens, potting mix, plants and a nice glass jar with lid. The shovel was optional, you can use a teaspoon instead. I just use my bare hands.
Step 1: Add one to two inches of Charcoal, then layer with the "Keeper Stopper" Screen (less than $2 for 4 pre-cut screens at Navlets) and then top with Potting Mix.
Step 2: Position the plant in the terrarium and fill with more potting mix.
Step 3: Add decorative stones, or any ornaments. I like to keep mine simple.
Step 4: Water, cover and we are done!
Make sure you keep the soil moist (but not overly wet) and note the lighting requirements for the plants you had picked. You should only need to water the plant once every few weeks. If there are too much vapor in your Terrarium, just lift the lid and let the excess moisture out. Then cover back up.
Total cost of both glass jars were about $20, at Michael’s;
Total cost of planting materials were about $30 (but I have a lot of potting mix and charcoal left over for future projects) at Navlet.
Satisfaction from having completed a tranquil project = priceless (I can’t help it! :-p)
Don’t know which plant to buy for your new Terrarium? Better Homes and Gardens had compiled a list of 12 plants that will thrive in the moist potting mix and high humidity found in a Terrarium.
Happy planting and happy Easter!
