Fun with Terrariums!

Recently, while searching for an Orchid specialist to try to revive a dying Phaelanopsis, I came across the greatest garden center I have ever found! BB Barns is really close to Asheville, near the airport, and was like walking into the Disney world of plant care. Not only do they have an entire Orchid department, AND an orchid specialist on staff (amazing) they also have a whole section for terrariums! There is something romantic about Victorian-style terrariums, and it makes me feel some sense of nostalgia for what I am not sure. So, with the help of the ridiculously helpful staff at BB Barns, I bought some very inexpensive materials and set out to try making one. Here's how to do it.

Gather your materials!

You will need:

1. A glass container. This can be almost anything, open or with a lid. Michaels had a big enclosed terrarium jar for $10! They also sell pretty apothecary jars for $14. Try looking at Goodwill and other thrift stores for funky old glass things that could be used for a terrarium. 

2. Pebbles or marbles. Pack of river rocks from Michaels was about $3.

3. Activated charcoal. BB Barns sold this in ziplock bags for $2. Or get it from an aquarium store.

4. Spaghnum moss (also called Orchid moss). This is optional but helpful. Buy it at any garden center, lowes, or Michaels even.

5. Potting soil. I didnt have any so I used last years compost and sterilized it in the oven by cooking it in an aluminum covered baking pan for 30 minutes at 180 degrees. This is a pain in the butt.

6. Watering device. Preferably a mister, but a spray bottle would work also.

7. Plants! Closed containers may require a little more research, but mostly, you can use anything. Slow growing, tropical plants are fun, or create a sandy cactus desert.

This live moss was a gift from a very lovely woman I met at BB Barns. Isn't it beautiful!?

I chose 3 different plants for my terrarium. Some Baby Tears, and 2 others that I don't know the name of. I know thats not helpful, but oh well. Buying all new materials, you should be able to create a terrarium for under $30. If you get stuff from a thrift store and get cuttings of plants you already have, you can do it for about $10!

Here is how you layer your terrarium. First, make sure you wash your container out well with hot, soapy water.

1st- 1-2" layer of rock (less if its a smaller container). 

2nd- thin layer of the charcoal. This keeps it from smelling funky.

3rd- thin layer of Sphagnum (if you have it)

4th- 2-3" of potting soil

5th- Plants and live moss, arranged however you want. 

Sorry this picture is so blurry. I made 1 closed terrarium and 2 open. In a couple weeks, I will let you know if they are still alive. Wish me luck!


In the meantime, here are some good websites for more info and pictures.
http://www.terrariums.com/
http://www.blackjungle.com/