The days are getting cooler and we are spending more time inside. I love to be outdoors so I found a way to bring a little of the outdoors in. I’ve started making terrariums! Yes, that old craft is making a comeback. Terrariums are inexpensive, easy, and like a breath of fresh air when you are feeling cooped up.
To make a terrarium, you need a glass container. Use your imagination! Anything will do. I made one in a pitcher! I’m going to try a miniature terrarium in a mason jar. I’ll post it when it’s finished. The terrariums pictured in this article are much larger. If you use very small containers, use miniature plants (you can buy them online) or just plain moss.
Gather some plants. You can use house plants or plants you find growing outside. Use plants that can tolerate the wet conditions. Use plants of different textures, sizes, and colors.
Gather some moss, too. You don’t need to dig it up with lots of the dirt still attached. You only need the thin top moss layer. If you can’t find moss outdoors, you can buy it online. Don’t use craft moss. It has dyes and chemicals that will kill the plants.
In your clean container, place a scant spoonful of charcoal. This helps absorb any odors that may form from the damp dirt and moss. Carefully place a layer of stone, gravel, or fish tank gravel in the bottom of the container. You only need enough to create some drainage. Then, place a layer of potting soil on top of the stones.
Now you are ready to plant. Remove your plants from the pots if you bought them. Place them in the terrarium where you’d like and move them until you get a placement that you like. Remember, the plants will grow and fill out, so don’t clump them too close together. And leave space for any decorations you’ll put in. After you’ve got your plants where you want them, carefully fill in around the plants with more potting soil. Only use enough to anchor the plants in place. You don’t want to fill the jar with dirt – only an inch or two.
Then, tear the moss into shapes and pieces and place on top of the soil to fill in around the plants to the outside edge of the container wall. You don’t need to put moss in between the plants. The will fill in and hide the dirt. Carefully, water your terrarium normally as you would with any houseplant. Don’t over water.
Add decorations if you’d like. You set the scene for your outdoor wonderland. You can use miniature animals, birds, stone, etc.. What ever will go with your decor. Use only items that can get wet. Don’t put anything that will rot or get moldy in wet conditions.
Terrariums like indirect sunlight. Keep it moist, but not soaked. If you notice your terrarium getting dry to quickly, place a lid or piece of plastic wrap on the opening. This will create its own atmosphere in the container. It it’s getting too damp, take the cover off and let it evaporate a little. Trim the plants as needed.
When the weather is getting gray and cold or snowy, you can look at your little reminder of nice days outdoors.
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