Tammy Algood of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service explains how to plant an easy-care tabletop terrarium. A terrarium is nothing more than a miniature self-contained greenhouse, and you can create your own from any type of covered glass container. The key to successful terrarium culture is keeping the lid on to maintain the humidity. Once the terrarium has been planted, the humidity inside the jar will keep plants moist, so they require very little care. The cover can be made from a lid that came with a container, a stone or a sheet of plastic. Unused aquariums make great terrariums, and plastic works as well as glass. Whatever the container, a tight-fitting top is crucial. A successful terrarium must have adequate drainage, with a layer of material under the soil to prevent the roots from standing in water. African violets, hypoestes, ivy, ferns and other moisture-loving indoor plants make good choices for a terrarium planting. Within a year or two, all plants will eventually outgrow the terrarium environment and need to be transplanted. Miniature varieties can remain in the terrarium a little longer. Here's how to plant your own terrarium. Materials:
Container and lid
Sheet moss
Pea gravel
Potting soil
Peat moss
Sand
Perlite
Slow-release fertilizer
Newspaper
Small plants of your choice
Spray-mist bottle
- Lay sheets of moss on the bottom of the container, and follow with a layer of pea gravel (figure A).
- Mix a sterile growing medium made from potting soil, peat moss, sand and perlite. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the mix.
- Pour the soil into the terrarium. If the opening is small, make a funnel of rolled newspaper to keep the sides of the glass clean.
- Plant the terrarium, then mist it with a spray bottle until water droplets run down the sides of the glass. Cover the container, and place it in a bright location that receives indirect light.
RESOURCES :
Gardener's Supply Company
Gardener's Supply Company
Burlington, VT 05401-2850
Fax: 800-551-6712 -or- 80
Email: info@gardeners.com
Website: www.gardeners.com
GUESTS :
Tammy Algood
UT Agricultural Extension Service
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5201
Phone: 615-834-5162
Fax: 615-832-0043
Email: Talgood1@utk.edu
Website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu
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