How to Create Terrariums

A terrarium can be a fun and efficient way to beat the winter blues when you miss gardening. You can also create an attractive habitat for your pet lizard or turtle. A terrarium is a miniature landscape of living plants (and sometimes small animals) that creates its own ecosystem. The initial setup is the key to creating a flourishing terrarium. After that, they are quite easy to maintain. Follow these steps to create your own terrarium.

Things You'll Need

• Terrarium Container Glass Lid Pea Gravel, Coarse Sand or Pebbles Activated Charcoal Sphagnum Moss Potting Soil Terrarium Plants Shallow Water Dish (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose your terrarium container. You can use almost any glass container for your terrarium, including a bottle, jar, aquarium or fishbowl.

2. Spread a layer of pebbles, pea gravel or coarse sand at the bottom of the container. This initial layer will ensure proper drainage. Make this bottom layer at least 1 inch deep. It can be as deep as 3 inches for larger containers.

3. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the air in the terrarium clean. Then, add a thin cover of sphagnum moss over the first two layers.

4. Add a final layer of potting soil. You can purchase special terrarium potting mix or regular potting soil. You can contour the soil to make hills and to shape the terrarium environment. Add small pieces of wood or stones to accent the look of the terrarium.

5. Depress a shallow water dish into the soil if you plan to add animals such as lizards, turtles or snakes to your terrarium.

6. Choose your plants carefully. Miniature plants that don't grow quickly are best, as are plants that need high humidity. Select plants of various shapes, colors and textures to add visual appeal. Remove the plants from their pots, dig holes in the soil and insert them into the holes. Be sure to space your plants so they have room to grow.

7. Moisten the soil slightly after planting, and then place the glass lid on top of the terrarium. Prune your plants as needed, and replace any plants that have outgrown the terrarium.

Tips & Warnings

• A totally enclosed terrarium should not require watering, and you should see a small amount of condensation on the glass all the time. If you see large water droplets forming, you can leave the lid open to allow excess moisture to evaporate. If there is no condensation on the glass, moisten the soil lightly. Choose plants that flourish in highly humid conditions.

• Never place your terrarium in full sun.

References

• "Creating and Maintaining Terrariums," The Garden Helper

Resources

• "How to Make a Terrarium," Terrarium Man