In short, terrariums are complete, enclosed miniature plant ecosystems. By creating a terrarium, you get a miniature glasshouse, or a small biosphere, right there on your tabletop.
However, not all plants are suitable to be grown in every terrarium. Closed terrarium plants need to endure specific conditions – high humidity, low airflow, and limited space.
Small terrarium plants are the ones that you can include in a classic, closed, jar-type terrarium, but also in many other types of terrarium setups. Their lighting requirements tend to vary, Mosses are everyone’s choice for first experiments with terrariums, but also a keeper for many experienced terrarium designers. Besides the fact that they are free and easy to find outdoors, mosses have a unique visual appeal. Also, they are virtually care-free and can be left in a closed terrarium for years with no interventions. They are also the most tolerant to low-light conditions.
Mosses are primitive, non-vascular plants that reproduce by spores. Although we often use the term “moss” as a singular, there are at least 12,000 moss species around the world. Obviously, not all of them live in your backyard, but you will surely be able to find several species with different textures and shades of green. That variety will add depth and playfulness to your terrarium moss patch.
Baby tears is a plant known for its ability to form mats of tiny, vividly green, bean-shaped leaves that will spread over everything and “spill” over the sides of a pot. In a terrarium, they are ideal to fill out empty spots.This plant thrives in high humidity. Keep them out of direct sunlight and by all means, prevent dry conditions. Also, do not handle the plant roughly, as the little branches are brittle and the plant can be damaged relatively easily during improper handling.
Larger terrarium plants are suitable for large jars and terrariums. After a while, you will probably have to report them or prune them to prevent them from growing out of the terrarium. Another option is to let them grow in a half-open terrarium.
Ferns give any space a fresh, forest-y feel. Unlike many large ones, Button fern is a terrarium-friendly fern since it is small enough to fit into one.
Carnivorous plants will thrive in the humid conditions of a terrarium. However, there are a couple of special requirements:
The terrarium has to be an open one, for two main reasons. First – there needs to be a way for insects your plant will eat to get into the terrarium. Second – carnivorous plants enjoy direct sun exposure, and there is a chance they could overheat in a closed terrarium. Also, diseases and fungi are less likely to strike when there is some air circulation. A fishbowl-type of dish will work perfectly fine. The terrarium substrate has to be adjusted for carnivorous plants, as they prefer acidic conditions and like to grow on peat. However, this depends on the species.
If you want a truly unique planted terrarium, you should know that Air Plants (Tillandsia) are among the strangest, the most otherworldly plants you can own. Because they are so unique, they require some special care as well. Air plants belong to the Bromeliaceae family. However, unlike their stary cousin, they don’t require a substrate. In fact, many of them don’t even have roots. Amazingly, they can live only off of air, moisture and some light.
There are a couple of tips to keep your air plant terrarium healthy and marvelous. Both of them are related to watering .Interestingly, you shouldn’t water your air plants inside of the terrarium; you will have to take them out and soak them or mist them, and then let them dry completely before putting them back into the terrarium.
There should be condensation or any moisture whatsoever in your air plant terrarium.
What this also means is that you could completely rearrange your plants every time you take them out for a dip.
Also, you should always use an open terrarium to ensure air circulation. Air plants are ideal for tiny, hanging terrariums.
These are a few examples of plants for your own terrarium. You can find air plants available at our Etsy shop: http://www.printhousedesign.com Also our garden shop http://www.thegardenocityshop.com has succulents & soon will have terrariums for you to purchase.
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