Creating a plant terrarium is a delightful way to bring a slice of nature into your home. These mini-ecosystems not only serve as beautiful decor but also offer a hands-on way to engage with gardening in a contained environment. However, for newcomers, the process of building and maintaining a terrarium can be fraught with mistakes. From choosing the wrong plants to improper watering techniques, here are the essential pitfalls to avoid when you embark on creating your first plant terrarium.
Mistakes to Avoid with Your First Plant Terrarium
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Container
The charm of a terrarium largely depends on its container. However, the aesthetic appeal shouldn't be your only consideration. The type of container you choose has significant implications for the environment you can create inside it.
Mistake: Opting for a container that's too small or lacks adequate opening can lead to issues with plant growth and maintenance.
Solution: Select a container that is spacious enough to accommodate the plants and soil without overcrowding. Ensure it has a wide opening to facilitate easy maintenance and airflow which is crucial for the health of the plants.
2. Ignoring the Needs of Your Plants
Not all plants are suitable for the humid, still environment of a terrarium.
Mistake: Using plants that have vastly different needs in terms of light, water, and temperature can lead to some thriving and others deteriorating rapidly.
Solution: Research plants before purchasing. Opt for varieties that are known to thrive in high humidity and moderate light conditions. Common choices include ferns, mosses, and air plants. Ensure all plants within the terrarium have similar care requirements.
3. Poor Layering Techniques
The foundation of a healthy terrarium is its layering. Each layer serves a specific function, from drainage to nutrient supply.
Mistake: Skimping on or poorly constructing the layers needed for effective drainage and root growth.
Solution: Start with a layer of stones or gravel at the bottom for drainage, followed by activated charcoal to keep the water fresh and prevent mold and odors. Top this with a layer of sphagnum moss to prevent the soil from sifting down into the gravel, and finish with a good quality potting soil suited for terrarium plants.
4. Overwatering
Terrariums require much less water than regular potted plants due to their enclosed nature which allows them to recycle moisture.
Mistake: Overwatering, which can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Solution: Water sparingly. The closed environment of a terrarium means it will rarely need watering, as the moisture circulates within. Always check the soil before adding water; it should feel slightly damp but not wet.
5. Placing the Terrarium in Improper Lighting
Lighting is crucial for the health of terrarium plants, but the requirements can be quite specific.
Mistake: Placing the terrarium in direct sunlight which can lead to overheating and scorched plants.
Solution: Keep your terrarium in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Most terrarium plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it under direct sun as the glass can amplify the heat and damage the plants.
6. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
While terrariums are relatively low-maintenance, they do require some ongoing care.
Mistake: Letting the terrarium "fend for itself" without regular checks and maintenance.
Solution: Regularly inspect your terrarium for signs of distress in plants, such as yellowing leaves or mold growth. Trim dead or overgrown plants to keep the terrarium looking tidy and ensure healthy growth and air circulation.
7. Using Non-Sterilized Soil
The closed environment of a terrarium can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Mistake: Using garden soil or non-sterilized potting mix, which may contain pathogens or pests.
Solution: Always use sterilized potting soil to prevent the introduction of harmful elements. You can buy sterilized soil or sterilize it yourself by baking in the oven.
8. Overcrowding
A common enthusiasm for filling the space with as many plants as possible can lead to overcrowding.
Mistake: Overcrowding the terrarium, which restricts airflow and growth space necessary for plant health.
Solution: Be conservative with the number of plants you place inside your terrarium. Allow each plant enough space to grow and breathe. This will prevent issues related to poor air circulation and competition for resources.
Conclusion
Building your first plant terrarium is an exciting venture into indoor gardening. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your terrarium is not only a beautiful addition to your home but a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. Remember, the key is in understanding the environment your terrarium plants need and maintaining balance within this delicate system.
Get your first terrarium
We can’t tell you how popular terrariums are now amongst plant lovers. With the Christmas season right around the corner, this is the perfect gift for those who want to take care of low-maintenance plants.
At Lila’s Garden, we are offering Christmas edition terrariums just to add a little something special. If you are based in Sydney and this is a last-minute gift, we got you. We have terrarium for sale. Contact us now!