A Man-Made World of Nature

Terrariums are an excellent way to visit a small world without leaving home, and they are easy for the home gardener to create. While there are some companies that sell specially made round terrariums, an unused fish tank can be used. Some gardeners love a challenge, and even an old glass can be planted with greenery and turned into a miniature terrarium. There are endless ways to be creative with this form of art, and it is up to the gardener to use their imagination and the materials available around them.

The plants that go into a terrarium should all be matched in terms of the amount of water, sunlight, warmth and nutrients they need. Once the plants are chosen, the form the finished product will take is generally chosen by the materials at hand. Some plants will need soil, but others might prosper in rocks or water. Adding rocks to the bottom of the terrarium provides the necessary drainage so none of the soil-based plants will get root rot. If a pond is desired, it can be created within the rock basin using a bowl.

One of the beauties of building terrariums is the lack of maintenance they require, and this is due to the fact they have a cover on them. When a fish tank is used, they generally come with a glass cover. Commercially purchased terrariums have a cover provided, but plastic food wrap can be used when creating one from glass materials around the house. As long as it can be removed to add water, any clear covering that keeps in the moisture will work.

Terrariums can be placed almost anywhere, but it is important to only let them have as much sunlight as the plants inside need. Too much or too little light will damage the plants, and they might not survive. It is best to choose a place before starting, and this will ensure a successful project.