HOW TO CREATE A

TERRARIUMBy: Robin M. Rupert

STEP 1Select a glass or plastic container to your liking, that will accommodate

the plants you would like to use and your

decorations. Consider the following:

How do things look from the outside of your

container?Do you want to use a

partially open or completely enclosed container?

How much growth do you want to allow for?

Recycle, thrift store, or brand new?

What level of difficulty do you want to attempt?

STEP 2

Thoroughly clean

your container with a

non-toxic product.

STEP 3

Create your drainage layer using one to two inches of gravel, small

stones, marbles, or

similar material.

STEP 4

Create a filter over your drainage layer to prevent your soil from being washed

down into your rocks.

You can use:Sheet, Sphagnu

m or Spanish Moss

Coir Landscaping Fabric

Metal Screen

Step 5Sprinkle about a half inch layer of charcoal over the filter created in

step 4. This will keep your soil fresh by preventing mold and

musty odors caused by the excess moisture.

(Tip: you can also mix some charcoal directly into your soil which helps with drainage, in

addition to keeping your terrarium clean.)

~ STEP 6 ~

Add a well-draining, sterile potting soil.

You can add it dry or pre-moistened.

Pre-moistened helps prevent the water from running straight

through to the bottom when you water, after planting.

Depending on container size, you can add from 2-4 inches. Try not to fill your container

more than ¼ to a third of the way full.

STEP 7Choose and prepare your plants. When choosing your plants:

Look for interesting variations in color, size and leaf structure.

Make sure all your plants have nearly the same growing conditions in terms of moisture and light, so they can live together harmoniously.

Prepare your plants by separating and thinning any

tightly bound roots and removing excess soil. You also want to trim off any yellow or brown foliage and clean them

up before placing them in their new environment.

Some great plants to use in

terrariums are:

SaxifragaMosses

Baby’s TearsCroton

African VioletsBegoniaHepatica

Aluminum PlantTahitian Bridal Veil

Prayer PlantMaidenhair Fern

AND MANY MORE!

STEP 8

• PLACE TALLER PLANTS IN BACK AND SMALLER PLANTS UP FRONT.

• CREATE A FOCAL POINT IN THE MIDDLE, THEN USE INCREASINGLY SMALLER PLANTS AS YOU MOVE OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER.

• USE AN ODD NUMBER OF PLANTS AS IT TENDS TO BE MORE APPEALING TO THE EYE.

• CREATE HILLS AND VALLEYS WITH SOIL FOR A MORE NATURAL LANDSCAPE

Arrange

your plants

in a way

that is aestheticall

y pleasing at any

angle it may

be viewe

d from.

Some Ideas On Arrange

ment

STEP 9if you did not pre-moisten your soil-

Water, very lightly by using a

spray bottle, straw, or funnel- then place your

decorative elements.

Remember, your terrarium will be

constantly moist/humid; so if you are going to

use wood or other biodegradable items, consider setting them on top of rocks (or

prepare to replace them after a while)

You can use:• Rocks• Sheet moss • Shells• Marbles• Sea Glass• Small Toys• Driftwood, Curly Willow• Figurines• Miniature Patio Furniture, Birdhouses, Gardening Supplies, Fences, Pottery

Closely monitor “just planted” terrariums for a while to ensure the moisture balance is correct. If condensation is dripping

from the top of your container, remove the lid and allow some water to evaporate.

If you see water deposits on your container or decorative items, you can use non-toxic window cleaner to clean the container, and either rinse the decorative items or wash

with a non-toxic product.

Remove any brown/yellow decaying matter, as it appears. If you see mold, contain and remove it

immediately.

Do not fertilize; you don’t want your plants to get overgrown… if they do outgrow their bounds, just

trim with a clean pruner or scissors.

Make sure you do not place your terrarium in the hot sun for any length of time, as it will “cook”

your plants!

Completely enclosed containers will need to be watered far less often then partially open containers. Many

variables affect how much water is needed; so monitor closely. M

AIN

TEN

AN

CE

* References *

TerrariumsBy: Pamela Westland

The New TerrariumBy: Tovah Martin

A Kid’s Guide To Making A Terrarium

By: Stephanie Bearce

Stormthecastle.com

Terrariumman.com Monkeysee.com Youtube.com

This Terrarium Created By: Robin M. Rupert