SEALED TERRARIUM
Your very own home-grown ecosystem – how cool is that? And there’s minimal care required too.
You will need:
Container with cork lid Clay pebbles Potting soil Cork tamper Brush Activated charcoal Sand Spoon Plants (we used Ficus microcarpa ‘Ginseng’, but you could also use Calathea, Fittonia, Ivy, Parlour palm or Syngonium) Bun moss (also known as cushion moss) Tweezers Decorations: such as rocks, pebbles, pea shingle Filtered or distilled water
We got all of the equipment and plants from tropicalglass.co.uk
1 Add about 2cm of clay pebbles to the bottom of the container for drainage. With no drainage holes in the bottom of the container, a drainage layer helps to keep any excess water out of the soil and away from the roots. Flatten the surface with a cork tamper.
2 Add half of the soil you want to add to your terrarium on top of the drainage, remembering to adjust the height to match the height of the container and plants you’re using.
Tamp down the soil on the sides of the container and sweep away any soil that has stuck to the sides with a small brush.
3 Next, add the activated charcoal, which acts as a filter, helps to absorb odours and prevents bacteria build-up. Spread it all over the entire surface of the soil.
4 Create a decorative layer of sandif you wish. Pour the sand on the sides of the container. Once you’re happy with the thickness of the sand flatten with a cork tamper. Cover with soil.
5 It’s time to add your plants! Remove the plants from their pots and get rid of any old soil. Plan how you want to display them in your new eco-system. Dig a small hole in the soil and place the plant into the terrarium (here’s where tweezers can come in handy), then cover the roots with fresh soil.
7 Pat down the soil around the base of the plant. Repeat this step for each plant you decided to use. Add the moss by digging a small hole, placing it in and then pressing the moss down. 8 Accessorise with objects such as rocks and pebbles. Using a small spoon, you can also cover the soil area with a thin layer of gravel or pea shingle. Water the terrarium with filtered or distilled water, ideally with a dropper so that you don’t overwater – it just needs to be damp and not wet. Secure the lid and now sit back and enjoy your handiwork.
Terrarium created by Tropical Glass. For more information and DIY kits, visit tropicalglass.co.uk