eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Create a Rock Terrarium

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A rock terrarium showcases a variety of unusual rocks and uses small plants to highlight the beauty of each stone. This is a departure from the traditional terrarium, in which the plants themselves are the main focus. An avid rock collector can create a rock terrarium.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Obtain a glass case for your rock terrarium. You can purchase a fancy Wardian Case or simply use an old aquarium or large fish bowl as your container. Add water to check the case for leaks, and repair any problems with clear silicone.

  2. Step 2

    Choose your rocks. Select a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, preferably from different regions so that you have a collection of stones that you wouldn't typically find in the same natural setting. Clean the stones with clear water and a new toothbrush. Do not use chemical cleaners that may harm the plants.

  3. Step 3

    Layer the terrarium with 1 inch of small stones. Pea-sized stones work best, but any stones smaller than marbles can work. Aquarium stone also works, but rinse thoroughly it in clear water to remove excess dust and nitrates.

  4. Step 4

    Cover the stone with a 1-inch layer of peat moss, and then a layer of potting soil. You can create hills and valleys if desired, as long as the potting soil is a minimum of 2-inches thick in all areas.

  5. Step 5

    Place your desired rock formation inside the terrarium. Add small plants in strategic areas to highlight the placement of the stones. Choose dwarf plants that will fit within the terrarium at maturity.

Tips & Warnings
  • Pack potting soil between some of the stones at elevated levels. Plant seedlings within the crevices to create a "mountainside" effect.
  • Choose plants that grow in the same climate. Don't mix desert plants with tropical plants, or you'll be unable to keep them healthy in the same terrarium.
  • If you create a tropical environment, select stones that won't develop rust spots or mold growth in a constantly damp atmosphere.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden