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.
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