A terrarium is a beautiful way to bring some wildlife into your home, but it does require some work. To know how to properly care for a terrarium, it is important to know what it is, what type of plants you should choose and how much care and maintenance it requires.
Here we will talk about what a terrarium is, what plants you should put in it, and how to properly care for it so that it thrives for years.
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a sealed or open glass container, often used to grow plants. Create a microclimate that mimics the natural habitat of the plants you intend to grow.
You can appreciate it as a small space full of lush landscapes and amazing nature. These small universes can be built at home with the right materials.
the terrariums They are self-sustaining and self-regulating ecosystems, so they do not require too much care if they are well maintained.
When creating a terrarium, you need to carefully consider which plants to use to create the right ecosystem. Since terrariums are so small, theyThe plants you choose should be resistant to high temperatures, humidity and moderate light.
This step-by-step guide to creating a terrarium will show you the best plants to build a perfect one in your home.
Types of terrariums
Before choosing the right plants for your terrarium, it is necessary to consider the three different types of terrarium that can be made. The three easiest types of terrariums to use for the home are woodlands, tropics, and deserts.
The right groves and plants
They are perfect for those who want to reflect the beauty of their closest parks. The tropics are full of vibrant and colorful exotic plants and tropical fruits. While deserts are for those who want to recreate the hot desert air.
The ideal plants to create a little forest: Little forest terrariums have the intimate feeling of going for a walk through a forest. Here are some ideal plants to create this vibrant feeling:
- Short-Stalked Ferns – These green storytellers are small and soft which makes them perfect for the bottom of a terrarium box.
- Sphagnum – This variation of moss is an aquatic and hardy herb. This is known to absorb water and prevent the formation of dark forests in the terrarium.
- Succulents – These perennial plants They are often purely decorative, perfect for adding a bit of greenery to small woods.
The ideal plants for a tropical terrarium
The tropics are for those who want to express the beauty of the tropical landscape with the illusion of jungle life. These plants are ideal for creating a vibrant tropical ecosystem:
- Ivy Ferns – These bearers of hope make perfect companions for the largest vines. These gentle little perennial herbs exude calming vibes.
- ireland moss – Irish moss is known for its bright green color. This plant needs a humid environment to flourish.
- Swedish Ivy – This perennial plant develops quickly and easily. This temperate one adapts perfectly to humid climates.
The ideal plants for a desert terrarium
Deserts offer a dry and arid landscape. These plants are ideal for a desert terrarium:
- Cactus or Succulents – Succulent plants are impermeable to water, making them perfect for a desert terrarium.
- Bromeliads – Bromeliads thrive in hot, dry climates, making them perfect for creating beautiful arid landscapes.
- Lichens – In addition to being a useful food factory for birds and small animals, lichens They are capable of growing without water supply.
How to care for your terrarium
Caring for a terrarium doesn't have to be difficult. If you follow a few simple steps, your plants will thrive for many years. Here are a few important steps you should follow to care for your terrarium.
Cleaning the terrarium
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy terrarium. Use a damp cloth to wipe any dirt from the sides of the container and remove any dead or yellowed leaves.
Watering plants
Like potted plants, plants inside a terrarium need to be watered regularly. While overwatering can be harmful to your plants, It is important to ensure that they never become too dry.
The best way to control the humidity levels in your terrarium is to simply touch the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water it.
prune the plants
Plants in a terrarium can grow very quickly, so it is important to keep an eye on them. Cut or pinch any excessively long leaves or stems from vines or tendrils. This will maintain a healthy shape.
Add decomposers
Decomposers are small animals, such as snails, mealybugs and millipedes, which help break down organic matter and provide nutrients to your plants. Add some to your terrarium to keep the soil healthy and balanced.
Fertilize the terrarium
In general, it is not recommended to fertilize a terrarium, as it can unbalance the environment and generate an overload of nutrients for the plants. If your plants don't seem to thrive, add a small amount of organic fertilizer every few months to help them grow.
By understanding what a terrarium is, what types of plants are best suited for it, and how you should care for them, you will be able to create a beautiful and successful terrarium that will bring a bit of nature into your home for years to come.
Just remember that a terrarium is a living and constantly evolving ecosystem., and that, as such, proper care is essential for it to continue to thrive for many years.
What can I incorporate into the terrarium to decorate it?
Apart from plants, there are other useful things that can be added to terrariums to achieve a special effect. Here are some ideas:
Stones – Stones are the perfect way to add natural beauty to ecosystems.
Accessories - They are small figures, ideal for habitats such as small forests and the tropics. For example, seahorses are perfect for the tropics, dogs, houses, etc.
Slime – Silt is a natural amalgam formed by mosses and lichens. This option gives an organic look to the structures.
Finally, terrariums are small extensions of nature where forests, tropics and deserts come to life. This guide will show you the best plants to make the perfect terrarium in your home and how to enhance it with natural decorations. Dare to create your own universe!