Terrariums have been popping up everywhere lately, at Lowes, Target, in people's homes, and on Pinterest. Succulents, long the $1.00 plants at WalMart are suddenly hot hot hot! About a year ago, on a business trip to my favorite hotel, the JW Marriott Indianapolis, I saw them at the concierge lounge, and they were gorgeous. At the time I pondered making one on my own, but just didn't think I'd have the time or materials. Lo and behold, tutorials and materials are everywhere now and I am ready.
If you are going to make a terrarium here is what you will need:
Pea Size Pebbles
Charcoal
Sphagnum Moss
Potting Soil/Cactus Soil
Glass Containers
Cute Plastic Animals: Optional, but if you have kids, there are plenty around so why not use them. Dinosaurs in particular look at home in terrariums, don't you think??
Plants: Usually succulents work best. So far I have had good luck with tiny succulent aloes, tiny asparagus ferns, hens and chicks. I have found a good selection at Lowes, and sometimes Walmart.
Most of the supplies can be found at a hardware store or Target. If you have trouble finding the charcoal, check an aquarium or pet supply store. You can use leftover glass containers from flower arrangements for larger terrariums or large recycled jars (spaghetti, relish) for tiny terrariums perfect in kids rooms, to surprise your neighbor or on a teacher's desk. If you are not too embarassed you could walk your dog on recycling day and eye your neighbor's recycling bins, not that I personally would ever do that.
To make the terrarium:
- Start with a thin layer of pebbles at the bottom, this helps with drainage.
- Add a thin layer of the charcoal, it's OK if it mixes some with the pebbles
- Next a thin layer of moss
- Add your plants, gently breaking up the soil around the roots. Fill in the the rest of the layer with dirt, you don't have to pack it tightly, just gently tamp it down. Generally speaking your layered pebbles, charcoal, moss and soil should take up 1/4 to 1/3 of the container, but don't stress if they take up more. As you can see, some of mine I just couldn't help, and they are still cute and alive.
- Water just a tiny bit, maybe a shotglass, or espresso glass or two full a week, that's it. DO NOT OVERWATER
Voila! You will now be the envy of all your friends. I warn you, once you start making them, you won't be able to stop and you'll have all the supplies. I started as a project with the kiddos but kept making them long after they lost interest. They make great inexpensive gifts and end of year teacher gift giving time and Mother's Day are approaching!
