Growing plants in glass houses
Oasis thrives with no care in Wardian cases
In 1827, a London physician with an interest in caterpill ar metamorphosis built small glass boxes to contain the cocoons and emerging butterflies. Peering into the boxes one day, the physician, Dr. Nathanial Ward, noticed a fern spore had germinated.
Wa r d became so enthralled that he changed his course of study. In 1836, he published a book entitled On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases. Wardian cases, as the glass boxes came to be called, became all the rage. Today, we call such plant cases “terrariums.” Care-free gardening Plants in Wardian cases need little care. The small amount of water that the leaves give off in their humid environment condenses on the glass and dribbles back to the roots. Oxygen released each day from photosynthesis is used each night in respiration. A Wardian case is a year-round oasis. Options for a Wardian case Many containers can serve. I have made my own, using glass and silicone glue. Other possibilities include 5- gallon ( 18- L) water jars, 1- gallon ( 4- L) canning jars, aquariums and oversized snifters.
Large plastic soda bottles are easily converted into small terrariums. Some have a dark plastic piece that covers the domed bottom. Pry that plastic piece off and then cut the bottle in half crosswise. Invert the dome over the base you pried off, and you’re almost ready to plant. Once you have a container, wash it thoroughly. You won’t get another chance once it is planted. Soil, plants, water To plant, start with a layer of charcoal, which will keep the soil “sweet.” Next, add potting soil, the amount depending on the container and the plants.
Choose plants that thrive in high humidity and will not grow too fast. Good plants for larger terrariums are dracaenas, die f f en - bachias and palms. Lowgrowing plants include English ivy, prayer plants, ferns, baby’s tears and mosses.
Watering is critical. Add water gradually so as not to form puddles in the soil. Add enough to moisten the soil without making it sodden. Then set the terrarium in its permanent location, in bright light but out of direct sun, and watch for condensation. If the right amount of water has been added, there should be slight condensation on the glass each morning.