How to Maintain a Terrarium

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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A terrarium brings nature into the home and is easy to create and enjoy. Understanding how terrariums work and which plants to choose is the key to creating a successful indoor garden. Learn to maintain your terrarium to enjoy plants in your home throughout the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Set up your terrarium properly for optimum growth. Select plants with similar needs that are slow growing.
Step 2

Clean thoroughly any rocks used for drainage or any landscape materials in the terrarium. Hot water kills any harmful bacteria that could jeopardize the health of the plants.
Step 3

Understand that clear containers are required for a successful terrarium as they allow light to filter inside. Opaque materials don't let proper sunlight into the container.
Step 4

Water your terrarium every one to four months depending on whether the terrarium is in an open or closed container. Closed containers require less watering as the humidity contained in the terrarium recycles back into the soil.
Step 5

Prune the plants inside the terrarium as needed. Completely remove any debris. If a plant dies, extract it and replace the plant with a healthy specimen.

Tips & Warnings

Find soil that is pasteurized to avoid bacteria in the terrarium.
Avoid adding too much water to the terrarium as it could kill the plants and harbor bacteria. It's difficult to extract excess water from a terrarium.
Do not allow direct sunlight to come into contact with the terrarium. Too much sun causes the terrarium to overheat.

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