Glass terrariums have gained popularity again, probably because they are an attractive way to display plants in the home. They are tiny little landscapes, within a glass enclosure, with their own ecosystems.
These beautiful glass gardens can be made up with different types of plants such as tropicals, succulents as well as air plants. That's not the only choice as there are a number of different types of glass vessels that can be used. They come in a large assortment of sizes, shapes and styles and can either be hung or set down on something.
Some terrariums have openings while others can be completely enclosed. Other options include different colours of sand, stones, mosses etc., so each piece becomes as individual as you want.
Succulents can easily be grown in open glass terrariums as they are low maintenance, easy to care for, and have small root systems. Succulents come in various sizes, textures, shapes and colours.
Choose a few different ones to place in your container. Before planting them in the container, arrange them in the container first to see how many you will need and what looks best. When you have decided on your succulents you are ready to plant.
Because terrariums do not have drainage you may want to place a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the container first before adding the soil. Some people also like to add a layer of moss and then charcoal before adding the soil. The moss will help prevent the soil from going into the pebbles and the charcoal filters the air.
Remove the succulents from their containers and plant them into the soil. Use a good quality, well-draining, indoor potting soil. When the succulents have been planted you can cover the surface of the soil between the succulents with colourful sand, pebbles and different types of moss, all available at the garden centre. Colourful beads, rocks, shells, bark, fairy decor, etc., can be added to create and finish off your mini indoor landscape.
When it has all been planted, water the plants in. We like to use a spray bottle with water, and mist the plants in the terrariums. Do not water succulents too much, as succulents do not require a lot of moisture. They store water in their fleshy leaves and only need to be misted periodically depending on type and location. Give them enough water to soak the roots and then allow them to go dry before you water again. Place your succulent glass terrarium in a location that receives lots of light but not in the hot direct south sun, as you don't want to "cook" your succulents.
Tropicals can also be used in terrariums. Choose small-sized, mini tropical plants so that they don't outgrow the terrarium too quickly. The same format that was used for succulents can also be used to plant tropicals, although they will need more moisture than succulents. You still need to be careful when watering as more plants are killed by over-watering than under-watering.
Airplants (tillandsia) are the ideal plant for those looking for an easy plant to grow in a glass vessel. They thrive off the air and do not require soil, so they are placed in the terrarium. A layer or layers of sand can be placed in the terrarium, shells, bark etc., and then the airplant is arranged on top. Airplants just need to be misted or submerged in water, weekly.
If you are looking for a gift idea, or for something different for your home, consider a terrarium.
