How To Make A Closed Terrarium

Introduction:

How to make a closed terrarium – In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and reconnecting with nature can often feel like a luxury. However, there is a delightful solution that brings a miniature ecosystem right into the comfort of your own home: closed terrariums. These captivating glass enclosures have gained popularity as a means to create self-sustaining indoor gardens that require minimal maintenance.

A closed terrarium is a captivating microcosm, where plants thrive in a self-contained environment, mimicking the natural water cycle. By harnessing the principles of ecology, it allows us to witness the beauty of nature up close and personal. Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or a budding enthusiast, this guide will take you through the steps of creating your very own closed terrarium, offering a delightful journey into the world of miniature ecosystems.

First, we’ll explore the rationale behind closed terrariums and their unique benefits. Unlike open-air gardens, closed terrariums create a controlled environment where moisture is recycled, reducing the need for regular watering. This low-maintenance characteristic makes them ideal for those with busy lifestyles or limited gardening experience. Additionally, their compact size allows them to fit seamlessly into any living or working space, adding a touch of natural elegance to your interior decor.

Next, we’ll delve into the essential components necessary for building a successful closed terrarium. From selecting the right container to choosing the perfect soil mix, each element plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious habitat for your plants. We’ll discuss the types of plants that thrive in closed terrariums, considering factors such as light requirements, humidity preferences, and growth habits. Additionally, we’ll explore the role of decorative elements like rocks, moss, and miniature figurines in adding an enchanting aesthetic appeal to your terrarium.

Once you have gathered your materials, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the assembly process. We’ll explore the techniques of layering, planting, and adding the finishing touches to create a visually captivating and self-sustaining terrarium. Furthermore, we’ll provide tips on maintaining the equilibrium within the closed system, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your miniature garden.

What is needed to make a closed terrarium?

A terrarium with a lid will create a humid environment; make sure you choose plants that like moist soil and humid air. Keep it simple: All you need, in addition to a closed container, is pebbles, activated charcoal, potting soil, slow-growing small plants, and herb snips for shaping them.

To make a closed terrarium, you will need a few essential materials. First and foremost, you’ll require a clear glass container with a lid or closure, such as a jar, fish tank, or glass cloche. The transparency of the container allows for sunlight penetration while providing a view of the miniature ecosystem within. The lid helps create a sealed environment by trapping moisture.

Next, you’ll need a layer of drainage material at the bottom of the container, such as small pebbles or activated charcoal. This layer helps prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot.

For the growing medium, a blend of potting soil and sand or perlite works well. This mixture promotes adequate drainage and creates a suitable substrate for the plants to establish their roots.

Selecting the right plants is crucial. Look for small plants that thrive in high humidity and low-light conditions, such as ferns, mosses, fittonias, and begonias. It’s essential to choose plants that have similar care requirements to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Additionally, a spray bottle or watering can be used for occasional misting to maintain humidity levels, and long-handled tools or chopsticks are helpful for arranging plants and decorations within the terrarium.

How long can a terrarium stay closed?

In theory, a perfectly balanced closed terrarium – under the right conditions – should continue to thrive indefinitely. In fact, the longest-living sealed terrarium (built by David Latimer) has lasted on its own for over 53 years. They may even outlast us!

A closed terrarium can stay sealed for an extended period, ranging from several months to several years, depending on the specific conditions and the plants inside. The sealed environment creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where the moisture and nutrients cycle within the terrarium, reducing the need for regular watering and maintenance.

The closed terrarium functions through a natural process called the water cycle. As the plants respire, they release moisture into the air. The moisture condenses on the walls of the container and drips back onto the soil, creating a continuous cycle. This self-contained system helps to maintain the humidity necessary for the plants to thrive.

However, it is essential to monitor the terrarium periodically to ensure that the balance is maintained. Factors such as excessive condensation, mold growth, or overcrowding of plants may require intervention. If the terrarium becomes overcrowded, plants may compete for resources, leading to imbalances and reduced longevity.

By observing the condition of the plants, the moisture level, and any signs of imbalances, you can determine when adjustments or maintenance are needed. With proper care and attention, a closed terrarium can stay sealed and flourish for an extended period, providing you with a captivating and self-sustaining piece of nature within your living space.

How do closed terrariums get water?

Closed terrariums are well known to be low maintenance. This is because once you water them, they should not require another watering. Plants will drink the water from the soil and after using what they need they will release excess water which will condense on the walls of the jar and drip back down into the soil.

In closed terrariums, the water cycle plays a vital role in sustaining the plants. The enclosed environment creates a self-sustaining system where water is recycled, reducing the need for regular watering. Initially, when the terrarium is assembled, moisture is added to the soil or substrate. As the plants transpire, releasing water vapor through their leaves, it creates a humid environment within the terrarium. This moisture condenses on the glass walls and lid, forming droplets that then fall back into the soil, effectively watering the plants. 

This process is known as transpiration and condensation. The closed terrarium acts as a miniature water cycle, where water evaporates, condenses, and returns to the soil, maintaining a balanced and self-sufficient ecosystem. It is important to monitor the moisture levels within the terrarium and provide occasional watering if necessary, especially during the initial setup or if there is excessive evaporation due to high temperatures or inadequate humidity.

Do Closed Terrariums Need Water?

In general, for terrariums with a normal, loose-fitting glass lid, it most likely will need to be watered a small amount every 3 months. For a terrarium with a cork, rubber, or tight glass enclosure, it can stay closed without needing any water at all.

Closed terrariums do require water, although they have a unique water cycle that reduces the frequency of watering compared to traditional potted plants. The enclosed environment allows for minimal water evaporation, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where moisture is recycled.

Initially, when setting up a closed terrarium, you’ll moisten the soil to provide the necessary moisture for the plants. After that, the terrarium should require little to no additional watering, as the moisture within the system is continuously recycled. The plants inside respire, releasing moisture into the air, which then condenses on the walls of the container and drips back onto the soil.

However, it’s crucial to monitor the moisture levels within the terrarium. If the soil becomes excessively dry or the humidity drops significantly, you may need to provide additional moisture. This can be done by lightly misting the plants or adding small amounts of water to the soil. The goal is to maintain a consistent level of moisture without overwatering, as excess water can lead to root rot or other issues.

Do terrariums need sunlight?

Terrariums love bright INDIRECT sunlight, a place near a bright window but not in beams of the sun. A north-facing window is great. Aim for 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunshine a day. Do not move your plants around to follow the sun or to avoid it.

Yes, terrariums do require sunlight, but the amount and intensity of sunlight needed depend on the type of plants you choose for your terrarium. Most terrarium plants thrive in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Placing your terrarium near a north or east-facing window is often ideal as it provides the right balance of light without the risk of overheating or scorching the plants.

Sunlight is essential for plants to undergo photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into food. Without adequate light, plants may struggle to grow and may become weak or leggy. However, it’s important to note that excessive sunlight can also be harmful, leading to overheating and scorching of the plants and creating an imbalance in the terrarium’s ecosystem.

If your terrarium receives limited natural light, you can supplement it with artificial light sources such as fluorescent or LED grow lights. These lights provide the necessary spectrum of light for plant growth and can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of your terrarium.

Regularly observe your terrarium and monitor the condition of the plants. If you notice signs of inadequate or excessive light, such as yellowing leaves or plant stretching, adjust the placement or intensity of the light source accordingly. Finding the right balance of light is crucial for the health and well-being of the plants in your terrarium.

What materials are required to create a closed terrarium?

To create a closed terrarium, you will need several essential materials. Here is a list of the key components:

Glass Container: Choose a clear glass container with a lid or closure, such as a jar, fish tank, or glass cloche. The transparency of the container allows sunlight to penetrate and provides a view of the miniature ecosystem within. The lid helps create a sealed environment.

Drainage Material: Place a layer of small pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom of the container. This layer aids in drainage, preventing water from accumulating and causing root rot.

Potting Soil: Use a well-draining potting soil as the growing medium for your plants. Consider adding sand or perlite to the soil mix to improve drainage.

Plants: Select small plants that thrive in high humidity and low-light conditions. Some suitable options include ferns, mosses, fittonias, begonias, and air plants. Choose plants with similar care requirements to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Watering Tool: A spray bottle or small watering can is useful for occasional misting to maintain humidity levels within the terrarium.

Long-Handled Tools: Long tweezers or chopsticks can be helpful for arranging plants and decorations inside the terrarium.

Decorative Elements (optional): Rocks, pebbles, moss, figurines, or other decorative items can enhance the visual appeal of your closed terrarium.

By gathering these materials, you’ll have everything you need to start assembling your closed terrarium and create a captivating miniature world within a glass enclosure.

How do you select the appropriate plants for a closed terrarium?

Selecting the appropriate plants for a closed terrarium is crucial to ensure their long-term survival in the enclosed environment. When choosing plants, it’s important to consider their adaptability to high humidity, low light conditions, and compact growth habits. Here are some key factors to consider:

Moisture Tolerance: Look for plants that thrive in moist environments. Succulents or desert plants are not suitable for closed terrariums as they prefer dry conditions. Opt for plants that naturally grow in humid environments such as ferns, mosses, and tropical plants.

Light Requirements: Closed terrariums typically have lower light levels than open environments. Choose plants that can thrive in low to medium light conditions. Shade-loving plants like pothos, nerve plants, and peace lilies are good choices.

Size and Growth Rate: Select plants that have compact growth habits and do not outgrow the limited space inside the terrarium. Slow-growing plants or those that can be easily pruned and controlled are ideal. Avoid fast-growing plants that can quickly overtake the terrarium and require frequent trimming.

Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of different plant species within the closed terrarium. Choose plants with similar growth requirements and avoid aggressive or invasive plants that can outcompete others for resources.

Aesthetics: Select plants that are visually appealing and create a pleasing composition within the terrarium. Choose a variety of textures, colors, and leaf shapes to add visual interest.

Before introducing the plants into the terrarium, it’s recommended to acclimate them by keeping them in similar light and humidity conditions for a few days. This helps them adjust to the terrarium’s environment and reduces the risk of shock.

By carefully selecting plants that are well-suited to the closed terrarium environment, you can create a thriving and visually appealing miniature ecosystem that will bring beauty and tranquility to your living space.

What are the key steps involved in assembling a closed terrarium?

Assembling a closed terrarium involves several key steps to create a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem. Here are the main steps involved:

Container selection: Choose a glass or plastic container with a lid that can create a sealed environment. The container should be transparent to allow sunlight to penetrate.

Base layer: Add a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container. This layer acts as drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot.

Activated charcoal: Place a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the rocks. The charcoal helps to filter the air and prevent odors.

Soil layer: Add a layer of potting soil on top of the charcoal. Use a well-draining soil suitable for the plants you plan to include.

Plant selection and placement: Choose small plants that thrive in high humidity and low-light conditions. Select plants of varying heights, textures, and colors for visual interest. Place them gently into the soil, ensuring their roots are covered.

Decorative elements: Add decorative elements like rocks, moss, or small figurines to enhance the terrarium’s aesthetics.

Mist and clean: Spray a small amount of water to moisten the soil and plants. Avoid overwatering, as the closed environment will recycle moisture. Wipe down the container walls to remove any excess moisture and maintain visibility.

Sealing the terrarium: Close the lid tightly to create a sealed environment. This helps in retaining moisture and creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Placement and care: Place the terrarium in an area with indirect sunlight. Monitor the moisture levels regularly and only open the lid occasionally to allow air circulation. Prune or remove any plants that outgrow the terrarium.

By following these steps, you can assemble a closed terrarium that provides a beautiful, low-maintenance indoor garden. Remember to research the specific care requirements of the plants you choose to ensure their well-being.

Conclusion

Creating a closed terrarium is a fascinating and rewarding project that allows you to bring a miniature ecosystem into your home. Throughout this exploration, we have discussed the essential steps and considerations involved in building a successful closed terrarium. By following these guidelines, you can create a self-sustaining environment that requires minimal maintenance and offers a unique opportunity to observe the beauty of nature up close.

Starting with the right container, such as a glass jar or a fish tank, provides a clear view of the terrarium’s inner workings. Layering the materials, beginning with activated charcoal for filtration and drainage, followed by a moisture-retaining layer of sphagnum moss, helps create a balanced habitat for your plants. Choosing the appropriate plants, typically those that thrive in high humidity and low light conditions, ensures their long-term survival within the terrarium.

Maintaining the ideal conditions within the closed terrarium is crucial. Keeping the terrarium in an area with indirect sunlight helps prevent excessive heat buildup. Regularly monitoring the moisture levels and providing occasional watering as needed ensures a stable environment for the plants. Additionally, adjusting the ventilation by opening the lid slightly when condensation builds up can help maintain the right balance.

By creating a closed terrarium, you not only bring a touch of nature indoors but also become a caretaker of a delicate, self-sustaining ecosystem. Observing the natural processes of photosynthesis, condensation, and nutrient recycling is an educational and awe-inspiring experience. The tiny world inside the terrarium becomes a microcosm of the larger natural world, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Moreover, the closed terrarium serves as a beautiful and low-maintenance decorative element in your living space. The lush greenery and vibrant colors of the plants provide a visually pleasing focal point and can enhance the overall ambiance of any room.