How to Build a Terrarium Centerpiece
If you're looking for a eco-friendly option for table centerpieces, consider making terrariums. After your event, you can use the terrariums to decorate your home, or give them away to guests as a parting gift. Terrariums are fairly easy to make and can be made in advance or a few days before your event.
Things You'll Need
- Various glass containers Pebbles Activated charcoal Potting soil Assortment of plants
Instructions
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Find interesting glass containers, when using terrariums as centerpieces. Things to consider include the height and width of the containers. You need a container big enough to fit one or more plants, but you don't want a container that overwhelms the overall tablescape. You may opt to use the same container for each table, or vary the shape and size of containers at different tables.
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Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the container. This layer will help with drainage.
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Add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the pebble layer. Activated charcoal can be found in the aquarium supply aisle of pet stores or warehouse stores. The activated charcoal layer helps with air filtration.
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Add a layer of normal potting soil if you are using tropical plants. If you plan to use succulents or cactus plants, use soil specific to succulents or add sand (do not use beach sand) to normal potting soil.
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Consider the textures and colors that different plants can add to the terrarium when selecting the plants to use in your centerpiece. The size and and shape of your container will help determine how many plants to place in your terrarium. In addition to a variety of hues of green, plants suitable for terrariums also come in shades of red, orange, pink and yellow. Coordinating the colors within your terrarium centerpieces with the overall color scheme of your event is possible.
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Remove the plants from their pots. Gently loosen the root ball. Place the plants in the terrarium to determine the best arrangement. Once you determine the ideal arrangement, insert the plants into the potting soil.
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Add enough water to moisten the soil. Place the lid on top of the terrarium.
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If you make the terrariums several days, weeks or months before your event, place the terrariums in an area where they receive indirect sunlight.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not place your terrarium in direct light. If moisture begins to accumulate on the inside walls of your terrarium, remove the lid until the extra moisture evaporates. Check the moisture level monthly. Add water when necessary.
