Designing an Awesome Low Maintenance Terrarium: A Guide for Busy Schedules
Terrariums are not only visually appealing but also a great way to bring some greenery into your space. They are especially perfect if you're short on time and want to maintain a lush environment without a lot of effort. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up two unique terrariums that are both low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing.
Creating a Humid-Loving Terrarium
One of the most popular types of terrariums is the humid-loving variety. Here's how you can create a stunning and low maintenance terrarium that will thrive with minimal care:
Step 1: Choose Your Container Step 2: Layer Your Materials Step 3: Plant Your Plugs Step 4: Water and Set UpStep 1: Choose Your Container
The first step in creating your humid-loving terrarium is to choose an appropriate container. A large, lidded jar serves as an excellent foundation. Ensure the jar has a wide enough opening to fit in all your materials. This jar will create its own mini-ecosystem, keeping the environment moist and nurturing for your plants.
Step 2: Layer Your Materials
Next, create a multi-layered substrate. Start with a 3-inch layer of small to medium-sized gravel. This layer will help with drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Add a 1-inch layer of peat moss on top of the gravel. Peat moss is an excellent moisture-retentive material that will help keep the soil moist for your plants. Place a 1-inch layer of activated charcoal on top of the peat moss to naturally filter the air and prevent plant diseases. Finally, add several inches of potting soil on top of the charcoal.
Step 3: Plant Your Plugs
Select small, humid-loving plants that will thrive in your terrarium. These plants should have small leaves that will not require much care. Once you've chosen your plants, plant them in the potting soil. Ensure they are set at the same depth as they were in their original pots. After planting, water your terrarium with about 3/4 cup of water. Be careful not to overwater, as excess water can lead to root rot.
Step 4: Water and Set Up
Once your terrarium is planted and watered, place it in a well-lit area but avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the temperature to rise too high, leading to the rapid evaporation of moisture. Your terrarium should now be set up and ready to grow. Keep an eye on the moisture levels and only water when the soil feels dry to the touch. With proper care, your terrarium should stay healthy for years to come.
Create a Unique Arid Terrarium
For those who prefer a more arid environment, creating a terrarium without soil is an excellent option. This style of terrarium is not only versatile but also visually stunning. Follow these steps to create an arid terrarium:
Step 1: Choose Your Materials Step 2: Assemble Your Planters Step 3: Add Your Cacti Step 4: Add Accessories for Water Step 5: Final TouchesStep 1: Choose Your Materials
Select a large plastic water bottle that is large enough to accommodate your terrarium plants and accessories. It's important that the bottle has a large diameter lid and that all labels are removed for aesthetic reasons. Ensure the bottle has a design that complements your desired look.
Step 2: Assemble Your Planters
Once your container is prepared, it's time to create the frame for your terrarium. Take two pieces of wood and fashion them into supports, similar to how you would set a barrel upright. Once you have the supports, place your terrarium bottle on its side and position the wood supports to hold it in place.
Step 3: Add Your Cacti
Mix some perlite with grit sand to create a pale-colored substrate. Perlite is a lightweight, porous material that helps with drainage and aeration. Grit sand provides additional texture and stability. Plant a range of cacti in your terrarium. You can choose either 3 or 5 cacti, depending on the size of your terrarium. Ensure the cacti are planted at a suitable depth and that the substrate is well-packed around them.
Step 4: Add Accessories for Water
To complete your terrarium, you'll need to add accessories that will help with water distribution. Take a clear plastic bird water feeder and fasten it to the area where the water cap will fit. This feeder will serve as a reservoir for water. Attach a piece of white cotton to the bottom of the area where the bird would drink from, burying it about 1/2 inch below the grit around the cacti in a leaky pipe style. This will allow water to seep through the cacti and add moisture without requiring frequent watering.
Step 5: Final Touches
Your terrarium is now ready to be placed in the sunniest spot you can find. Fill the water feeder with water and let osmosis do the rest. Your terrarium should maintain a healthy and arid environment. To ensure the cacti thrive, only add a small amount of nutrients occasionally. A few drops of a water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season should suffice.
Conclusion
Creating a terrarium is a delightful and rewarding hobby that brings a touch of nature into your home or office. By following these steps and tips, you can design a low maintenance terrarium that will last for years with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a humid or arid environment, these terrariums are perfect for busy schedules and can provide a delightful escape into the world of greenery.