You might have already heard of the mighty terrarium. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat! A terrarium is a sealable glass container that is basically its own ecosystem. You add plants, water, soil, and rocks to it and then you just leave it! The plants are able to live and thrive with very little human intervention.
At Boombox Club, we have fully embraced the terrarium world. We absolutely love how fun they are to set up, and how each one is completely unique, personalized, and beautiful. It doesn’t require any sort of training or practical know-how to create a beautiful terrarium world that will impress everyone.
We will explain how to make a terrarium, how to make a large terrarium, and how to make a mini terrarium as well. You can send this guide to anyone who has one, especially as these make some of the best gifts. Giving the gift of a terrarium is a wonderful idea for your parents as it can be hard to find something for them sometimes!
We will explain how to acquire all of the different elements and combine them into this lovely product. Pretty much every aspect of this product is customizable and there are so many choices for you. We know that you and your loved ones will absolutely love these wonderful terrariums. We have a lovely range of terrarium DIY kits for you to choose from right here!
Jar
The jars tend to be larger pillowy-looking jars. Glass is essential as it lets light in and is able to regulate its temperature better. Furthermore, you’re able to see it best! You can use an old goldfish bowl, bell jar, mason jar, and more as well! It ideal to have a wide base and enough space to keep your plants in.
Drainage
When setting up the terrarium, you want to start with the drainage (apart from the container obviously). Adding a 2-inch layer of gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the container is ideal. Next, add ½ an inch of activated charcoal on top of the stones. This will help with drainage control and help to reduce any odours.
In most cases, people allow for the visibility of the stones/gravel but avoid the gravel being visible. This is a good rule of thumb as it creates a lovely, natural, peaceful appearance and looks ess like rubble.
Choosing Plants
When choosing plants for a terrarium, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First of all, you need plants that aren’t going to grow very tall. You don’t want to have to be intervening and restricting growth, it’s easiest when there is a maximum height that plants can grow to. Plants with smaller leaves are also ideal as they won’t block light for the other elements.
Look for plants that thrive in low to medium light. You want plants that are looking for indirect light and plants that enjoy humidity. Plants like small ferns, moss, prayer plants, small bamboo, and snake plants work nicely.
It is ideal to get a range of plants that will stay somewhat separate from each other so running plants aren’t the best. You want to get a range of colours within the terrarium so some vibrant greens are essential, though some darker blues, reds, and greens are also ideal. The soil and rocks will add some earthy tones so it’s best to bring some brightness with these plants.
Soil
Next, you’ll want to add a sheet of moss over the stones to create a base layer for the soil. With a spoon, add in some moist soil with fertilizer already mixed in. You don’t need a lot of fertilizer as you don’t want the plants to grow too big and they should be fine with this level of food. You want to add at least 2 inches of soil depending on the size.
You want to add in enough soil so that these plants can thrive and live through the soil. You want to ensure that the plants you include will have enough time to grow and find a home within this ecosystem.
Adding The Plants
Shake any excess soil off of the plants before digging a small hole for each one. Add the plant into its hole and lightly pat it into the soil. You want to eliminate air pockets and not make it too tight.
At this stage, you can decorate with any little shells, twigs, or anything else you like in your glass world! People enjoy adding artificial and natural elements in a balance in terrariums and we think that works really nice. Any glittery stars and shells are generally wonderful.
Tools
You should only need a small gardening set to maintain the terrarium. We have this fabulous set available for purchase here. Use the rake to create zen patterns and use the spade to dig holes in a sanitary way.
Upkeep
Before you close it up you’ll want to water it well. It shouldn’t be soaking wet but well-watered You then can close it up and watch it grow! Monitor the plants’ growth and trim them if it's needed. Remember to use sanitized tools to avoid bacterial introduction.
Take the top off once a month to encourage air flow. Trim plants if needed but otherwise, you’re pretty much good to go!
We hope you have enjoyed learning a bit about how to build and care for a terrarium. These lovely terrariums are super easy and make for the best gifts. Add some otherworldly beauty to your home today with a terrarium. Order one of our kits at our online store and enjoy watching it grow!