Who says gardening is strictly for summertime and green thumbs? There are several interesting and easy ways to keep your plants warm inside your home. One of these is to adopt the famous terrariums! Pretty, lively, and stylish terrariums form humid environments that promote plant growth, regardless of the outside temperature.
What to Include in Your Terrarium (layers)
Here is a simple explanatory diagram that will guide you through the design of your terrarium: First, you need to choose the plants you want to include in your terrarium. Depending on the type of plants you use in making your terrarium, the soil layers will differ to meet their nutritional needs.
1. Plants
The most popular plants? The succulents! They are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in just about any environment. If you are the type to forget to water your plants, these are perfect for you since they can survive up to several months without water!
2. Land
This is the most important layer of your terrarium since it is in this that your plants will get all their nutrients! Spread a thin layer first, place your plant, then add a good layer of soil to bury the roots well.
3. Sphagnum moss
This layer is optional, but it can be very practical! Sphagnum moss has impressive absorbent properties and is placed under the soil; it will store excess water from the top layer.
4. Coal
Also optional but handy, charcoal ensures that your terrarium does not rot. As terrariums are often quasi-closed environments without water irrigation, the humidity level of the soil layers becomes very high, which promotes the appearance of mold. Put some charcoal in the center of your terrarium, and you’re done!
5. Small pebbles
Small pebbles rinse the excess water from the upper layers like medium-sized pebbles. This is an optional layer if you have already put medium-sized pebbles (the next step) in your terrarium. It’s still pretty.
6. Pebbles of medium size
These larger pebbles contribute to the aeration of the terrarium. Indeed, the air lodges in the empty spaces, allowing the plant to breathe a little.
7. Sand
The optional layer acts more aesthetically. Indeed, if your terrarium is transparent and the excess water flows through the stones, you will see a deposit at the bottom of your jar. Over time, you may find that the bottom of your terrarium is a bit dull. The sand will camouflage it all!
Original DIY Terrarium Inspirations
Now that your gardening knowledge is increased let’s get a little more creative! Here are 10 trendy terrariums that you can make yourself!
1. Wall and Hexagonal Terrarium
This terrarium has all the attributes to be loved: geometric, wooden, and it takes up little space being placed on the wall! Small hanging glass containers are easily found online, and you could make the hexagon yourself from a simple plank of wood. We bet you won’t forget to water its contents with such a pretty terrarium!
2. Geometric Terrarium
Undoubtedly THE most fashionable terrarium right now! Its beauty lies in its colorful structure composed of black metal and glass. The modern version of our mother’s classic planter! Similar models can be found on Etsy or at Terrarium Obsessarium, a small Quebec company that I fell for!
3. Strain Terrarium
A rustic terrarium, which could perfectly serve as a centerpiece! Dig a few holes in an old log of wood using a drill and about 2 inches in diameter. Since wood is a living material, place a piece of geotextile at the bottom of the hole so that excess water from the plants does not come into contact with the wood, which can cause mold.
4. Landless Terrarium
Did you know that some plants don’t even need soil to grow? The orchid, for example, is a plant that clings to its environment by its roots! Make a square wood frame using a simple 2 x 4 in. board. For a neater result, cut corners at 45 degrees and fix everything with a little wood glue and finishing nails. Next, nail a few nails inside your frame to secure the string. Place your plant at the crossing of some wires, and voila! A DIY without soil = a DIY without the mess!
5. Ceramic Bowl Terrarium
No need for a fancy container for the realization of your terrarium! An old ceramic bowl can do just fine. You could even include crystals or precious stones in the layout to give it an original look.
6. Cubic Terrarium
To add a touch of glam to your decor, get these pretty glass and metal terrariums from West Elm! What makes them all the more interesting is that they seem to balance on a single edge, even though they are welded together! Result: a magnificent group of 3 terrariums, the magic number in decoration!
7. Jar Terrarium
Did you have a goldfish that, unfortunately, didn’t last long? My sympathies. Why not reuse your old jar to turn it into a terrarium? Thanks to its spherical shape, you can create super interesting arrangements that can be admired from any angle!
8. Mini greenhouse Terrarium
We fell in love with this small greenhouse from IKEA at only $20! Ideal for growing plants (and protecting them from cats), glass panels help create a humid, warmer environment, trapping the sun’s heat inside (in other words, a greenhouse effect ). Remember to leave the top door open to allow air to circulate from time to time.
9. Circular Mural Terrarium
Modern and minimalist at will, this wall terrarium will certainly be discussed! Its “wow” side lies in the half-moon of plexiglass fixed in the lower part of the terrarium, giving us a view of the floors of earth. Note that the person who made it only used dirt here, but the result would be amazing if you used several of the layers mentioned earlier in this post.
10. Cake pan Terrarium
Proof that you can use almost any container to make your terrarium! Do you have an old cake pan that would soon be forgotten? Not so fast! Instead, please give it a second life by turning it into a miniature garden. Pretty and simple as anything!
