Did you ever come across something wonderful and you just HAD to replicate it? Well, that was me when I spotted a terrarium (officially obsessed)! I ran around yesterday gathering all the supplies and got to work. I love the results and next time I won't rush....I made three in under two hours because I was just so excited! I do that sometimes. It is definitely a rewarding project (can do with your kids) and hopefully my new plants won't die on me! Maybe terrariums help keep plants healthier?
I had picked up a beautiful heavy large glass piece at Home Goods for $7.99 (made in Poland). I have read that it is a good idea to have the opening smaller than the rest of the jar. I also stumbled across these adorable small jars for under $2.00 (milk jar and canning jar-see below too).
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| My Terrarium's New Home in My Sitting Room-Love it! |
I wanted something whimsical so I was attracted to a small fern and some cushion moss that I found outside. I also picked up baby succulents for the smaller jars.
These were not hard at all! I love making terrariums and see many in my future! I will be giving them out as gifts too!
Things you will need:
Container- glass jar (waterproof & transparent)
1. Plants-different heights & various foliage colors ( I stuck with one as focal point)
2. Small stones-for drainage, enough for 1 inch layer (got them at Michael's Craft-small river stones)
3. Charcoal-to help purify the air when the terrarium is covered (I did not add this)
4. Potting Soil - I moistened the soil with water before putting in jar (if planting succulents-get proper soil for that plant)
5. Moss- I picked up bags of moss from craft store-Sphagnum (sprayed to moisten with water) and sheet moss. I also used Cushion Moss from my yard. I like the way the moss adds texture and a forest-y feel to it. I think it is my favorite part of the terrarium! I may just do one with only moss in it!
6. Long tools to move things or push things down in glass. I used a straightened out wire hanger
This is me making a mess in my kitchen. There was dirt flying everywhere! I think I need my own studio! I wish I had a MOMMY CAVE! A potting shed would do too!
Steps to make your Terrarium:
1. Place a 1 inch layer of stones in the bottom of your clean & dry container
2. Add 1/2 inch layer of charcoal ( I did not need to do this since mine was open)
3. Fill the container with about 2 inches of potting soil (slightly moist)
4. Arrange your plants on top of the soil
5. When you have found an arrangement that pleases you, gently plant making sure that the plants are firmly in place and supported.
6. Water sparingly ( I misted with spray bottle)
Care:
Place your terrarium in a spot where it will get good bright light and occasional sunlight. It is not necessary to have a cover, but you will have to check it every day to make sure it doesn't dry out. If you do need to water, use a misting bottle, spraying the top of the soil as well as the foliage. If you do have a cover, make sure the terrarium doesn't get too wet, as in dripping moisture on the glass or standing water on the soil or among the stones. Take the cover off if you find these conditions and replace it when it has dried out, possibly for a day or so. Should your plants grow too long or tall, most won't mind pruning or pinching. Watch for any dead leaves, remove them to ward off mold.
I think when I go away all I will do to preserve the terrarium is mist it before I go and cover the opening with plastic wrap to create a moist environment.
I hope you give one a try!
Enjoy!
~jamilyn
{Photo's all taken via me!}
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