Summer Care of Terrariums

Posted by hpotterblog on July 6th, 2010in Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Capture the essence of summer in terrariums.

It’s summertime and nature is calling. But you might not be able to answer the call of the wild as often as you’d like.

Stuck inside? Trapped in an office cubicle? Got the rainy day blues? No problem. Just grow a terrarium and nature will always be right by your side.

Summer is custom-made for creating terrariums

There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and collect nature’s treasures for terrarium accents.

• When you’re on hikes, when you’re working in the garden – keep an eye peeled for the fodder (dried seedpods, etc.) that will fill your terrarium and make it a true sampling of the Great Outdoors.
• Always wear gloves.
• Watch out for poison oak and poison ivy.
• Never dig up growing plants from public spaces or other people’s backyards. Instead, look for nature’s discards (such as lichen-covered sticks) whose removal won’t endanger the natural environment.
• And don’t forget to be on the lookout for great souvenirs when you’re on vacation. Again, you’ll want to respect “leave it be” rules in parks. But a seashell or an intriguing stone can serve as a poignant memory of moments when “the good times rolled” this summer.

Monitor your terrariums indoors

• Remember that light can move around from season to season. And summer’s bright sunrays can wreak havoc for anything growing in a closed case.
• Watch for sunbeams that flood into a window and move your terrariums away from the light source, if necessary.
• When humidity is high and light is a tad brighter, condensation can increase in your terrarium. Ventilate it occasionally.
• And clean the glass whenever “schmutz” appears.
• When plants grow too energetically (especially moss), brandish the shears and hand out the haircuts.

Thinking of displaying your terrariums outdoors for the summer?

If it houses living plants, don’t do it.

Terrariums can be extra work outside. Unless they’re sheltered under heavy shade, chances are that sun will become a problem as it moves around during the day. Don’t risk it, especially for closed cases. Even outdoor porches can receive surprise sunrays unless they’re heavily shaded.

Instead, keep your terrarium inside where you can share your artwork with company, friends, and family.

Watch a new video of a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

Planting a Glass Cloche

Posted by hpotterblog on June 9th, 2010in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin | 1 Comment

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

A glass cloche with the traditional bell jar shape.

There’s something about a glass cloche

All terrariums exude a sense of charm, it’s true.

But there’s something about a glass cloche (also known as a bell jar) that’s particularly compelling.

As with all terrariums, the venue need not be confined to plants – you could display just about anything within a cloche. But there’s something whimsical, wonderful, romantic and mysterious about a living, growing plant clapped under a glass lid.

Short history of the glass cloche

Cloches were originally employed agriculturally to protect tender plants from chills in the beginning (or end) of the growing season. Nowadays, there are all sorts of less expensive (and less poetic) plastic devices to use outdoors for that purpose.

Instead, curvaceous glass cloches have taken on a more artistic job profile and they’re used as evocative focal points in interior décor.

A beautifully planted glass cloche is a head-turner as well as a creative outlet to display your little work of art that you’ve designed inside. Nothing says “nature contained” like a cloche.

Make a proper planting bed in the glass cloche

Planting a cloche varies slightly from tackling a conventional terrarium with sides and a lid due primarily to the depth of the planting bed. All the plants I recommend for terrariums will do well in a glass cloche.

Because cloches are merely a glass lid, the challenge lies in finding a base to plant in.

For indoor gardening purposes, you’ll need a plate, pan or saucer for your cloche to cap. And you’ll need to build up the soil so it provides sufficient depth to nurture plants.

Cheese dishes often come with a base that has a small lip – and that makes your job easier. A two-inch lip will give you a sufficient base to bury very small plants with limited root systems.

But in most cases, the planting surface will be flat or nearly flat and you will need to build up the base to create a planting bed. The most effective plan of attack is to build up a donut-shaped crater, firm the soil into the volcano-like shape and plant within the center.

How to plant a glass cloche

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3/8 inch pebbles
• Charcoal
• Potting soil

Line the bottom of your plate, saucer, or pan with a thin layer of pebbles. Add a teaspoon of charcoal or slightly more, depending on the size of the base. Mix them together.

On top of that foundation, build up a firm donut of potting soil shaped like a volcano – then add some loose soil in the center of the volcano and add the plants into the soil, planting just as you would plant in a planter.

Be sure to firm the soil around the newly inserted plants and water immediately after planting. Clamp the lid on your terrarium and it’s good to go!

Lift the lid on one side to water when necessary and let the water soak in.

Admire your artfully planted glass cloche and display it as a focal point in your décor. Follow my tips on maintenance to keep your glass cloche at its sparkling best.

Watch a new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

Terrarium Maintenance: Long-term Care

Posted by hpotterblog on May 19th, 2010in Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Easy terrarium maintenance keeps your plants healthy.

A terrarium shouldn’t be forgotten

Your interaction with a terrarium shouldn’t end when you’ve tucked in the last plant and closed the lid. Terrariums are low-maintenance, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten.

Hopefully, you’ll be so riveted by your crystal kingdom that you’ll be inspired to invest plenty of time admiring the small masterpiece you’ve created.

And while you’re at it, you might want to do a little upkeep and keep your small world perking happily along.

A terrarium benefits from maintenance

• Most often, keeping a terrarium content is merely a matter of turning the terrarium occasionally. If the light source that’s illuminating the plants inside comes only from one direction, rotate your terrarium every week or so. And make sure that the sun hasn’t shifted seasonally. You don’t want your terrarium to be sitting in a very bright or too shady of a situation.
• Every two or three weeks, it’s wise to ventilate a closed terrarium for a few hours. After you’ve aired it out, close the lid again and wait to see if condensation builds up on the glass. If so, then it’s good to go for a while. If not, then open it and give it a small drink of water.
• Fertilizing a terrarium is not necessary – after all, you want to keep the players in your mini world from growing into Jolly Green Giants.
• When you’ve got the terrarium open for ventilation, examine the inside for dead branches, flowers that have faded, and anything that could lead to problems. Whisk the dead stuff away.
• At the same time, make certain that no mold or fungus is threatening your miniature peaceable kingdom. The instant you see a problem, escort it off the premises. With mold or similar problems, contain the crime scene by putting a tissue over the area. Then scoop it away in a manner least likely to release spores. Monitor the terrarium carefully for future outbreaks.
• Although it’s desirable and delightful when a terrarium begins to fill in and the plants happily coexist and thrive, you don’t want the residents competing for real estate.
• When the plants inside a terrarium start encroaching on each other’s turf, divide off a section of the plant (for a clean break, you might need to cut the part to be removed with a knife) or, if it’s more feasible, lift the whole plant, diminish it, and replant a portion. When replanting, take care to bury all the roots and firm them into the soil. That’s critical. And always water a newly transplanted plant immediately after the transition.
• When plants begin to press against the glass, they need to be pruned or moved to a larger vessel. Mosses can expand like sponges. Simply take scissors and give them a haircut to diminish their girth.
• While you’re at it, clean the glass. Avoid using cleaning fluids of any sort, simply moisten a paper towel and wipe any schmutz away. Cleaning the glass should be done on an “as needed” basis. But address the chore fairly regularly. A few strategic swipes with a cleaning cloth will keep the terrarium plants healthy and give you a clear window on your small world.

Watch a new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

A Terrarium or a Wardian Case: Great Green Gifts

Posted by hpotterblog on April 29th, 2010in Cloche, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Pair the book with a terrarium for a memorable gift.

A terrarium is a fool-proof gift

Know someone who might benefit from a little green in their life but don’t want to burden them with responsibilities? Go straight for a terrarium.

Terrarium = easy care

Here’s a venue where plants can thrive without hassle. Not only are they trouble-free, but terrariums put a shine on any plant sequestered within.

Plus, terrariums take the pains out of growing. Your friend, relative, neighbor, or lover won’t need a sunny exposure. The terrarium will be on auto-pilot and will rarely require water.

Basically, flower-related fuss will be a thing of the past.

When you create a terrarium, it’s always custom-designed

There’s the “from-the-heart” factor. Talk about giving something that’s personal –a terrarium is like a piece of living art. Your instincts and my design tips will combine to make a memorable piece.

Gift terrariums come in all shapes and sizes. You could go for a glass cloche and fill it with a small, expressive scene.

The Rolls Royce terrarium – a Wardian case

You might want to present some lucky recipient with the Rolls Royce of terrariums — a Wardian case. Even within the Wardian case realm, you can select from a vast array of sizes and styles. They come in table-top as well as floor-standing versions.

Add a free-standing Wardian case to a room, and it commands all the impact of a fine piece of furniture. Fill it with green, and nature sends its positive vibes flowing throughout the scene.

A tiny terrarium garden

You could design a mini-garden within your glass case complete with down-sized arbors, little trees, and Lilliputian tools, or let the lucky new owner design their own crystal kingdom. My post about plants for terrariums guides you through the woods to good selections.

If you go the planted route, be sure to include care instructions. Or, better still – include a copy of my book, The New Terrarium.

But garden-related themes aren’t the only option – a terrarium can display just about anything from your seashell collection to antique toys.

Terrrariums are miniature worlds for children

Speaking of pursuits for the young-at-heart – can you think of anything more appropriate for a kid? When you give a terrarium, you share the world in miniature. You might set some eager future nature-lover on a green growth spurt that will last a lifetime.

A terrarium is a life-affirming present

And that’s another perk to terrariums – they endure — the gift of a terrarium will really continue giving…and growing.

Watch a new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

How to Design Your Terrarium

Posted by hpotterblog on April 27th, 2010in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Use your creativity in designing a display for the Asian-style terrarium.

Terrarium design is all up to you

The point where a terrarium and talent intersect comes in the design stage of your miniature glass garden.

Basically, anyone can lay out a miniature landscape in a terrarium, you don’t need design credentials or experience. And no one can really tell you exactly how to accomplish the feat. It’s got to come from your heart.

But that said, I’ll try to offer some design ideas that might make the process roll easier off your fingertips.

Principles of terrarium design

Like any canvas, plan to fill the entire space of your terrarium. Lay out your scene before starting to get a sense of efficient usage of space and also to balance colors, textures, and layer heights.

Keep in mind that the little plants will increase in size – and factor in slight expansion. Remember that most terrariums offer vertical as well as horizontal space. Think about taller plants (ferns, aralias, ivies, etc) that might grow upward. And don’t forget that it’s usually possible to prune plants to prevent them from pressing against the lid of a jar or the roof of a Wardian case.

A good rule of thumb is to think in terms of threesomes and triangulate your plantings. Choose plants with the threesome-theory in mind.

Correlating colors can be very effective, especially when you look for subtle nuances in leaf hues. Because terrariums are displayed in shady locations, consider using plants with golden foliage to make the scene “pop” rather than dark-leaved plants.

A shiny object, a ceramic piece, or a small orb can give an important contrast. While working, make sure your terrarium looks good from all angles. After all, you might need to rotate the container to expose all sides to balanced light.

Wardian cases are especially intriguing design projects

You could simply fill them with an array of interrelating miniature plants or ferns.

But Wardian cases also offer the opportunity to make a tiny garden scene complete with paths (just lay gravel on the soil), structures (purchase miniature buildings), mini birdbaths, elves, wheelbarrows, tools, birdhouses, you name it.

Take your cue from your garden, your neighbor’s yard, or maybe a favorite picture. Lay out some miniature carex plants, some selaginella, or several miniature Kenilworth ivy to form a “lawn.” Find or make a miniature trellis and use elfin herb (cuphea) or serissa to climb on it. Start by laying the “hardscape” and then plant in threesomes around the structures, just as you would work through your home landscape outdoors. Plant mini-trees or hang plants from twigs meant to mimic shrubs.

Basically, you are shrinking the garden – so get whatever idyllic scene you want to ponder in your mind’s eye and go for it.

Be creative and have fun. You don’t need a yard to plant a garden. Real estate isn’t part of this equation at all. With a terrarium or Wardian case, everyone can own a garden and enjoy its relaxing, peaceful benefits –

It is a small world after all!

Watch a new video of a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

Best Terrarium Plants — Matching the Microclimates of Terrariums

Posted by on March 23rd, 2010in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | 2 Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Choose the right plants for your terrarium

The key to success with terrariums and Wardian cases lies in matching the right plants with your mini-world.

A happy marriage between plants and a terrarium can lead to a relationship that lives happily ever after. A terrarium provides very specific growing conditions.

Fill a terrarium with plants that will thrive in its humid, tropical mini-ecosystem

Even open-topped terrariums tend to be much more humid than your average container. The glass (or acrylic) sides add moisture to the ecosystem within – and that trait is what makes a terrarium so delightfully low-maintenance.

Sun in terrariums

All plant-filled terrariums need to grown in indirect light, especially if they’re closed or partially closed. When direct sunbeams fall on the glass, the insides can bake – frying all the little plants inside (think of a closed car in a sunny parking lot).

So you want to fill your small world with plants that thrive in shady, moist conditions. Ferns, most orchids, begonias, peperomias, members of the African violet family, and many other plants (see the list below) love living in a terrarium.

However, sun-worshippers and plants that prefer arid conditions won’t thrive in a terrarium over the long haul. Unfortunately, cacti and succulents, alpines, geraniums, most herbs (mints being a possible exception) and any other similar plants fail to live long in a terrarium, even though they might be the right size for the space.

Small-size plants for a terrarium

Speaking of size, that’s another issue to keep firmly in mind when selecting plants for a terrarium. In general, the ideal plants for terrariums are in the “little league.”

They should remain diminutive throughout their lifespan. You might want to check with the experts at your local nursery before purchasing a plant. Make sure it isn’t bound to be a jolly green giant eventually. After all, even the mighty oak starts life as a tiny acorn.

However, many plants can be pruned and groomed to remain suitable for your terrarium or Wardian case’s dimensions.

Terrariums can live happily ever after

When you find the right plants for your mini-space, your small world will perk along beautifully. Not only will it rarely require your care and remain trouble-free, but your crystal kingdom will be a pleasure to behold. Can you think of a more fulfilling package?

A Short list of Terrarium Plants

• Rhizomatous begonias (miniature)
• Rex begonias (miniature)
• Cane begonias (miniature)
• Selaginella mosses of all types
• Members of the African violet family such as:
• Chirita
• African violets
• Streptocarpus
• Sinningia pusilla
• Episcia
• Ivies (miniature)
• Muehlenbeckia complexa
• Peperomia
• Miniature ferns
• Miniature orchids
• Paphiopedalum
• Masdavallia
• Bromeliads
• Ficus pumila & baby’s tears
• Tetranema (Mexican foxglove)
• Carnivorous plants
• Viola hederacea
• Marantas
• Neoregelia
• Pilea
• Artillery plants
• Coleus
• Fittonia (nerve plants)
• Cyclamen
• Violas
• Mini hostas
• Helxine (baby’s tears)

Use these plant suggestions when you’re designing any covered garden. For more tips, see my posts on how to plant a glass cloche, and how to plant a terrarium or Wardian case. Watch the new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium,

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

How to Plant a Terrarium

Posted by on March 19th, 2010in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

The New Terrarium is a new gardening classic.

 

Your terrarium beckons

Welcome to the small world enclosed in glass.

And a small world is exactly what you’re going to be creating when you plant a terrarium or Wardian case.

Of course, terrariums come in many different shapes and sizes, and you’ll need to adjust this procedure to suit your specific mini-environment.

Preparing terrariums

Wearing gloves (and keeping them on throughout the planting process), spread a layer of 3/8 inch river stone or pebbles on the bottom of your terrarium or Wardian case.

Using horticultural charcoal pieces, add a heaping teaspoon (or more, if you’ve got a large surface to cover) to the pebbles and mix pebbles and charcoal thoroughly together and make it roughly level.

On top of that layer, add a 2 – 2 ½ inch layer of pre-moistened (not drenched, but lightly moistened) African violet potting soil or any light potting soil.

Planting your terrarium

Dig a hole in the soil sufficiently large to receive your plant.

Insert the plant into the hole and firm it in all around, making certain that all the roots are well-covered with soil – just as you would do in the garden outdoors. (Hint:  If you tug lightly on the plant and it is easily pulled up, it isn’t planted firmly enough).

Continue to insert each plant by using the same procedure, don’t crowd the plants – we’ll be talking about designing a terrarium in future blogs.

Watering rules for glass terrariums

When the terrarium is completely planted, water it lightly with a watering can (Do Not Mist!) and put on the lid. Condensation is normal, and should not be wiped off.

Place your terrarium in a window that enjoys indirect light indoors.

It’s as simple as that!  For further maintenance, I suggest ventilating every two weeks or so, airing out the terrarium for a few hours.  Then close up the terrarium.

If condensation forms on the glass, it’s good to go on autopilot for another couple of weeks (monitor it for dryness during that time).

If no condensation forms on the glass after it’s been ventilated, open it and water lightly with a watering can (I repeat: Do Not Mist!), then close it up.

Terrariums don’t need fertilizer – after all, you want your small world to remain small.

Stay tuned for advice on selecting Wardian cases and terrariums, as well as hints on choosing plants, and long-term maintenance secrets.

Watch the new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.