Terrariums

Terrariums are a great way to keep plants. I especially like to keep succulents in terrariums, they need so little watering you can practically forget about them for a month or two with no worries. You want forget about them though because they are pretty and nice to look at. The only time I have killed a plant in a terrarium was from over watering.

I like using succulents because they are slow growing, this is important because I don't want to be constantly replanting these little guys when they grow too large for their terrarium.

Terrariums were first invented/used for transferring ferns by botanists back when plants had to be carried by boat from one continent to the next. Ferns are difficult to transport because they like their soil to be moist. Terrariums act as little mini convection climates, as the moisture evaporates from the soil some of it gets captured and returns to rehydrate the plant.

The basic idea for the terrarium is to have a loose layer of pebbles on the bottom and then the soil on top. The layer of rock acts as a barrier to the soil so it doesn't become too saturated with moisture and cause the roots to rot. I used perlite on the bottom with this little guy. He is honestly too small for this terrarium, and I feel bad about that. The terrarium is an old pasta jar I got at Fred Meyers, you can use any clear container that has an open top.

This terrarium looks damn cool but is so impractical when it comes to terrarium upkeep. When it is in the sun, water condenses on the plant and on the sides. This encourages mold to grow, quickly killing your plant. I might end up turning this one into a mossarium. If I do I will write a blog about it.

So that is it, go get a giant pickle jar out of your recycling, put some dirt in it and find a cool succulent or any other slow growing plant and place terrariums around your house. I guarantee they will make you happy.

If you want to learn more I recommend you visit the fine people at Pistils Nursery, they will probably tell you I am doing terrariums all wrong but I taught myself and my plants are doing just fine. If you go make sure you pick up a chicken!