Terrarium crafting is becoming increasingly popular among people who do not have the time to look after big gardens. So, they craft a mini glass garden instead. A terrarium is a kind of mini decorative garden that is usually stored in a glass container. It is also referred to as a vivarium and adds a unique natural vibe to your home.
Most terrariums require minimal care, but this highly depends on different factors. For instance, if you have an open terrarium, make sure that your plants receive enough sunlight. If you are new to terrarium crafting, then this guide is for you. Let’s learn what are the four steps to terrarium crafting.
Items you need to start terrarium crafting at home
You can build your terrarium at home with a few simple items. You will need a glass container, terrarium plants, pebbles, clay, and moss. You can either use it as decoration or as a hobby. Once you create a terrarium, it has a life expectancy of up to 60 years.
Glass Container
To start, you will need a container where you can grow your mini garden. You can either buy one or use something available at home, like a jam jar or fish bowl as a glass container. If you’re looking to craft an open terrarium, then a fish bowl may be a good option. For a closed terrarium, a jam jar with a closed lid may be the best option.
Terrarium Plants
Plants are the core part of a terrarium. You need to select a suitable plant to grow in a terrarium. Here’s a tip: avoid fast-growing plants. Use plants that grow slowly, such as air plants, ferns, and more. Try to choose plants that fit the size of your container.
Note that closed terrariums and open terrariums require different plants. Plants that need sunlight are good for open terrariums. Plants that require humidity are good for closed terrariums.
Soil & Gravel
Building a foundation for your terrarium requires soil and gravel. A general rule of thumb is to have at least halfway with soil, making sure to leave a hole for the plant. You can also add gravel to help with the drainage of excess water.
Moss
Mosses add beauty to the terrarium. There are different types of mosses for different terrariums, such as pillow moss and sphagnum moss. Choose one that will suit the type of terrarium you are creating.
Planting Terrarium
Before adding plants to the terrarium, consider where you want them. It is a common practice to have bigger plants in the center and smaller plants surrounding it. As we mentioned above, dig a hole in the clay soil either with your hands or a spoon. Then place your plant in the hole. Then, fill the clay soil in the hole gently. Make sure you have enough soil to secure the plant.
Taking Care of your Terrarium
- Most people craft terrariums, but they do not look after them. This can ultimately lead to the death of plants. So, it’s very important to take care of the terrarium. You can follow our tips to ensure that your terrarium will flourish. Do note that there are different steps to take care of open terrariums and closed terrariums.
- Open terrarium plants require direct sunlight so make sure you provide them with it. Some closed terrarium plants require indirect sunlight. Place them in a bright place where they can get indirect sunlight. You can also use a bulb to give them indirect sunlight.
- Closed terrarium plants do not need to be watered regularly. You can water them after every 4 to 6 months while open terrarium plants need to be watered when you feel the soil is dry, depending on the type of plant you used. Spritz your plant with a spray bottle lightly.
- Don’t forget to clean the container. If the dirt is gathered outside it, plants will receive less light. Avoid the use of cleaning products. Instead, use a wet tissue.
Epic Workshops conduct terrarium workshops where you’ll learn how to craft and take care of a terrarium. If you would like to learn to craft your own terrarium, do reach out to us for a quote.
