Making a terrarium in 3 key steps

Make the choice of plants

The first step that should concern you is choosing the plants to put in the jars. Plants determine the size and shape of the terrarium. In this sense, we can classify this decorative element in two categories: the terrarium for plants living in a humid environment and that for desert plants.

When making a choice, you must take into account the fact that it is necessary to ensure the maintenance of your plants. In this sense, succulents are the most suitable like aloe vera. You can also opt for cacti or succulents. If succulents have won the day, it is because they resist exposure to light, heat and in addition, they are not very demanding in water. Thus, you will very little maintain them on a daily basis.

Designing a terrarium

After choosing the type of terrarium and the plants that go with it, you need to move on to designing your indoor garden. You must do a preliminary cleaning of the support before depositing anything. So place the clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the support to facilitate drainage. Then, you have to place a piece of geotextile fabric that will prevent the soil and the clay balls from mixing. When it’s done, put a layer of charcoal in small pieces. This will play the role of anti-mold and absorb excess moisture.

Now is the time to place the substrate. It is recommended to use a cactus substrate that adapts well to terrariums made with desert plants. When you lay down the different layers, make sure that that they do not exceed 1/3 of the container so that the plants have enough space to grow. Then set up your plants and make sure you anchor them firmly in the ground so that they hold well.

Maintain plants well

Although the terrarium needs light, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as the glass in the jar could create a magnifying effect. In this case, what will happen is that your plants could get too hot and burn. So make sure you choose the right location for your terrarium.

Another point to consider: watering. It is not necessary constantly water the plants. Weekly watering will suffice for humid terrariums, while monthly watering will be necessary for dry terrariums. Also, never water too abundantly.