Find a Container
The first thing you will need is a container to use as a terrarium. They are generally made from glass, both for the benefit of the plants that will be inside them and for people who want to be able to view them. The container can be wide mouth and open at the top or one that can be closed.
How to Set Up an Indoor Terrarium
To set up an indoor terrarium, you will need to do the following after selecting the container of your choice:
-
Step 1
The first thing you will need to do is lay down a substrate. This is needed at the bottom of the terrarium to help with drainage. Popular substrate bases include coir (a fibrous substance made from the husk of coconuts), sphagnum moss, and aquarium soil.
-
Step 2
After you have laid down the substrate, add a layer of small pebbles, followed by a layer of activated charcoal. Charcoal is very important as it is used to remove toxins from the soil, air, and water inside of the terrarium.
-
Step 3
If you used sphagnum moss, consider placing another layer on top of the charcoal, though this is optional. Finally, add a healthy layer of regular potting soil that is at least a few inches deep to top it all off.
Add Plants to Your Terrarium
Once the base of your terrarium is complete, you can add plants that will thrive in this humid environment. If you want to place several in your terrarium, ensure that they look good together and are compatible. Some of the plants you can add to your terrarium include the following:
Create Worlds
And for the artistic at heart, now is the time to create little miniature worlds. Many avid terrarium owners will decorate their cases with fairies, rocks, elves, and animals that work to spark the imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Basic Care Practices
While terrariums are relatively low-maintenance, there are a few things you should occasionally do to ensure that your plants stay healthy and happy.
-
No Fertilization
You never have to fertilize your terrarium plants because you don’t want them to grow too big. It is a good idea to keep them shorter. The exception would be if they start suffering due to a lack of valuable nutrients.
-
Damp Soil
Check to make sure the soil is damp but not wet every once in a while. You can spray the plants to help keep them humid, but don’t overdo it.
-
Let the air out
If you have a closed terrarium, it’s a good idea to take the top off and let it air out for a few hours occasionally. While it isn’t always necessary, fresh air never hurts.